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 Science/Environmental Studies Honors Track

Climate Adaptation and Management Certificate

Forest Ecology and Management Certificate

Lake and Reservoir Management Certificate

Environmental Science Minor

Sustainability Minor

Environmental Science B.A./B.S.

Requirements

In addition to satisfying general University requirements (45 credits), a student majoring in environmental science must complete at least 51 credits of environmental science core courses and must meet department requirements for foundation courses (49-50 credits), and environmental science topical area elective courses (16 credits).

All courses used to satisfy the Environmental Science major requirements, whether taken in the department or in other departments, must be graded C- or above. Department requirements are listed below. Students must complete the foundation courses listed below. All foundation courses should be completed before a student enrolls in the upper-division sequence (ESM 320, ESM 321, ESM 322). Of the 16 credits of 400-level courses required in the core, a maximum of 4 credits may be taken as ESM 404 Internship.



Departmental Orientation

ESM 150Orientation to Environmental Sciences and Management

1

Total Credit Hours:1

Foundation Courses

Bi 211Principles of Biology I

4

Bi 212Principles of Biology II

4

Bi 213Principles of Biology III

4

Bi 214Principles of Biology Lab I

1

Bi 215Principles of Biology Lab II

1

Bi 216Principles of Biology Lab III

1

Ch 221General Chemistry I

4

Ch 222General Chemistry II

4

Ch 227General Chemistry Laboratory

1

Ch 228General Chemistry Laboratory

1

 

Ec 201Principles of Microeconomics

4

or

Ec 332UEconomics of Environmental Issues

4

  

G 201Dynamic Earth: Interior

3

G 204Geology Laboratory

1

or

G 202Dynamic Earth: Surface

3

G 205Geology Laboratory

1

or

Ph 201General Physics

4

Ph 214Lab for Ph 201 or Ph 211 or Ph 221

1

or

Ph 211General Physics (with Calculus)

4

Ph 214Lab for Ph 201 or Ph 211 or Ph 221

1

or

Geog 210Physical Geography

4

Mth 251Calculus I

4

Mth 252Calculus II

4

Stat 243Introduction to Probability and Statistics I

4

And

Stat 244Introduction to Probability and Statistics II

4

or

Stat 243Introduction to Probability and Statistics I

4

And

ESM 340Research Methods in Environmental Science

4

Total Credit Hours:49-50

Core Courses

ESM 220Introduction to Environmental Systems

4

ESM 221Applied Environmental Studies: Problem Solving

4

ESM 222Applied Environmental Studies: Policy Consideration

4

ESM 320Environmental Systems I

4

ESM 321Environmental Systems II

4

ESM 322Environmental Risk Assessment

4

ESM 323Environmental Systems Laboratory I

2

ESM 324Environmental Systems Laboratory II

2

ESM 325Environmental Risk Assessment Lab

2

ESM 335Introduction to Environmental Management

4

ESM 407Environmental Seminar

1

ESM 410-499Advanced Environmental Topics

16

Total Credit Hours:51

ESM 404 can be substituted for 4 credits of the ESM 410-499 requirement.

Environmental Science Topical Area Requirement

Students must complete 16 credits of supporting courses selected from an approved list of courses available on the department Web site www.pdx.edu/esm/. These courses are intended to provide specialization and skills in particular areas of study that are represented in the research and scholarly foci of our faculty.

Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 116-117

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling major requirements. Additional courses may be required as prerequisites. All courses used to satisfy the Environmental Science major requirements, whether taken in the department or in other departments, must be graded C- or above.