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.
Environmental Science Minor
Requirements
To obtain a minor in environmental science, a student must complete at least 34 credits as listed below (at least 12 of which must be taken in residence at PSU). At least 4 credits each in biological; science, physical sciences (physics, chemistry, geology), economics, and Mth 241 or Mth 251 are expected before admission to the minor.
Courses
| ESM 222 | Applied Environmental Studies: Policy Consideration | 4 |
| ESM 320 | Analysis of Environmental Systems I | 4 |
| ESM 321 | Analysis of Environmental Systems II | 4 |
| ESM 322 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 4 |
| ESM 323 | Environmental Systems Laboratory I | 2 |
| ESM 324 | Environmental Systems Laboratory II | 2 |
| ESM 325 | Environmental Risk Assessment Lab | 2 |
| | Upper-division environmental policy management courses | 4 |
| | Upper-division environmental sciences courses | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 34 |
Environmental policy/management courses (minimum 4 credits) include selected upper-division courses in environmental science and management, economics, and geography. Environmental science courses (minimum 8 credits) include selected upper-division courses in environmental science. A list of approved courses is available from the Environmental Science and Management office and the department website.
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 requirements.