+ Environmental Policy and Analysis

153 College Park, 419-372-8207

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in environmental policy and analysis are expected to:

• Understand basic characteristics of ecosystems and environmental problems and identify, investigate and propose solutions to environmental issues as informed by an interdisciplinary background in the social sciences and humanities;
  
• Critically evaluate policies and practices that address environmental problems and ascertain the interrelationships and interactions among environmental problems, their locations, the cultural and social contexts, and their solutions;
  
• Engage in rational, civil discourse about complex environmental issues in a manner that considers all viewpoints;
  
• Participate in practical, experience-based learning through internships, field experiences, workshops and independent research projects;
  
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms;
  
• Gain facility with technologies and tools used in environmental analysis such as geographic information systems, global positioning systems, statistical analysis and remotely sensed images.
  

Major, Bachelor of Arts—no minor required (83-93 hours)
This program emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of environmental issues and the role of the social sciences in addressing and solving environmental problems. Students receive a basic understanding of the social sciences and humanities, particularly political science, history and philosophy. Additional courses in the natural sciences and mathematics are included to help the student obtain a holistic view and understanding of the overall context in which environmental issues are placed. Each student also takes courses in an individually planned area of emphasis designed to prepare for a career field. Close consultation with advisers in the Center for Environmental Programs is essential.

Required courses

• ENVS 101 or 201, 301, 401, 402 (12)
• BIOL 204 (5)
• CS 100 or 101 (3)
• ECON 200, 202 or 335 (3)
• ENG 207 or 388 (3)
• IPC 205, 209 or 306 (3)
• LEGS 431 (3)
• Statistics: MATH 115 or 247; or PSYC 270; or SOC 369; or STAT 200 or 211 and 212 (3-6)
• PHIL 332 (3)
• POLS 336 (3)
• ACS 338 or HIST 338 (3)
• Four courses (at least two of which have labs*): BIOL 205*; CHEM 109 and 110*, 117 and 118*; GEOG 125; GEOL 104*; PHYS 101*, 360
• Four courses from: BIOL 301, 354, 409; CHEM 306*; ECON 332, 335*; EDFI 416; ENVH 210H, 306; ENVR 421; ENVS 415; GEOG 321, 325, 331, 333, 337, 412, 426, 457; GEOL 302, 304, 322; HIST 306, 319; PHYS 360*; POLS 331, 335, 345; PSYC 440 (environmental issues only); RTD 304; SOC 312, 414, 418 (*may not be taken to fulfill other program requirements)

Fifteen hours or more including ENVS 489 Internship or ENVS 470 Independent Study (1-4) must be taken in an area of emphasis such as environmental planning, management and administration, legislation and policy development or environmental analysis (economics and statistics). The area of emphasis is planned by the student with faculty members and academic advisers to reflect the student's career goals. Students should file an approved course list no later than the end of the junior year.

Minor (27-30 hours)

• First and second years
  
  • One course each from BIOL and GEOG or GEOL (6-8)
  • ENVS 101 or 201 (3)
• Third and fourth years
  
  • Select two from: ENVS 301, 400, 401, 402, 403, 412 , 493, 495 (4-6)
  • Select two from: POLS 331, 336, 345; LEGS 431 (6)
  • Select one from: PHIL 332; SOC 312; GEOG 321, 325, 331 (3)
  • Select one from: ACS 338; HIST 338 (3)
    

Other programs
A B.S. in environmental science is offered that emphasizes interdisciplinary study of the environment through the natural sciences.

A program in environmental health is offered by the College of Health and Human Services. Students should contact the Center for Environmental Programs, 419-372-8207, for help in selecting the program that most closely meets their career objectives.