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.
Climate Adaptation and Management Certificate
Over the coming decades, governments and the private sector around the world will spend billions of dollars to support adaptation measures that seek to reduce climate-related vulnerabilities for people and the ecosystems on which they depend. To contribute to climate risk management and adaptation at local to global levels students will need to understand the fundamentals of adaptation planning, assessing climate impacts, evaluating risk and vulnerability, identifying adaptation strategies, as well as monitoring climate impacts. Students who complete the certificate will be prepared to take active roles in and contribute to climate adaptation.
This is a rigorous certificate that will require a total of 22 credits in 300- and 400-level courses. The courses are split between science and management/policy courses. Although the certificate could be earned by any student, they will have to have had many pre-requisites (or equivalent preparation) in ESM or Geography.
Certificate requirements
The certificate requires 22 credits of which 14 required credits are offered in ESM.
Electives (choose 2)
Required courses
| ESM 335 | Introduction to Environmental Management | 4 |
| ESM 462 | Climate Change Impacts, Adaptations and Responses: Geosphere and Anthrosphere | 4 |
| ESM 464 | Climate Adaptation: Managing Environmental Risks and Vulnerabilities | 4 |
| ESM 407 | Climate Change Adaptation Seminar | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Students must take required courses for a differentiated grade and earn a C-or better for it to count toward the certificate (except that a P is acceptable for the
ESM 407 only).
Total Credit Hours: 22