Undergraduate programs

The Department of Environmental Science and Management offers two undergraduate degrees. The Environmental Science degree is focused on natural science, whereas the Environmental Studies degree is focused more on policy and management. The B.A./B.S. degrees in both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies rest on an interdisciplinary curriculum that develops understanding and expertise in environmental science by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and economics complemented by related courses in environmental policy and management. Students should consult with a department adviser to assure proper course planning. Students can complete field experiences by working on projects in the University, metropolitan community, and region.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Environmental Science B.A./B.S.

Environmental Studies B.A./B.S.

Environmental Studies Minor

Environmental Science/Environmental Studies Honors Track

Sustainability Minor

Sustainability Minor

This minor requires a multidisciplinary study of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability

Requirements

To obtain a minor in sustainability a student must complete at least 29 credits (at least 15 of which must be taken in residence at PSU), to including the following:

Courses

UnSt 224
Environmental Sustainability

4

ESM 222Applied Environmental Studies: Policy Consideration

4

Upper-division credits to include at least a total of four courses from the following three categories

15-16

Students must choose at least one course from each category.

Economics/Business

Ec 332Economics of Environmental Issues

4

Ec 444Economics of Green Power

4

Ec 433Advanced Natural Resource Economics

4

Ec 434Business Environmental Management Economics

4

Ec 443Global Environmental Economics

4

USP 490Green Economics and Sustainable Development

3

Ec 430Resource and Environmental Economics

4

Social Issues

Arch 367Fundamentals of Environmental Design

4

Geog 345Resource Management

4

Geog 346World Population and Food Supply

4

Geog 347Environmental Issues and Action

4

Geog 442Sustainable Cities

4

Geog 465Tuscany: Sustainability in City and Country

4

Hst 339The Environment and History

4

Phl 310Environmental Ethics

4

PS 319Politics of the Environment

4

Sci 321Energy and Society

4

Sci 322Energy and Society II

4

Soc 341Population Trends and Policy

4

Soc 465Environmental Sociology

4

USP 313Urban Environmental Issues

4

USP 325Community and the Built Environment

4

USP 419Population and Society

4

Environmental Systems

ESM 355Understanding Environmental Sustainability I

4

ESM 356Understanding Environmental Sustainability II

4

ESM 420Ecological Toxicology

4

ESM 424Wetland Ecology

4

ESM 426Ecology of Streams and Rivers

4

ESM 428Urban Ecology

4

ESM 445Old-growth Forest Ecology

4

ESM 460Air Quality

4

Sci 335Water in the Environment I

4

Sci 336Water in the Environment II

4

Sci 352Science and Policy of Climate Change

4

In addition, students must choose an appropriate capstone:
UnSt 421Capstone

6

(A list of acceptable capstone courses will be prepared for each year).

Total Credit Hours: 29-30

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling minor requirements. Courses with omnibus numbers 401, 404, 405, 406, and 407 are not allowed for the minor. Additional courses may be required as prerequisites. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirement. 

NOTE: Students earning the minor in sustainability may not also earn the sustainable urban development minor offered by the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning unless the courses presented for the minors differ by at least 12 credits. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirements.