The top 5 things to consider when planning a major in environmental studies
- It is wise to take ENST 1101 Environmental Problems and Policy early in your college career. It will expose you to the breadth of possible topics you might choose to emphasize in your major.
- Likewise, taking both BIOL 1111 Fundamentals of Genetics, Evolution, and Development and BIOL 2101 Evolution of Biodiversity in the first or second year opens the door to the upper-division biology courses that you might want to choose as science electives.
- The Environmental Studies major is extremely flexible based upon the interests of the particular student. Because of its breadth, it is important to think carefully about your post-graduate goals for a career and/or graduate study, and to work with your adviser to plan elective courses that build strength in that particular aspect of environmental study. That is why we require you to complete an elective plan, ideally in spring of your sophomore year, and why we strongly suggest that you consider completing a second major as a companion to your Environmental Studies major.
- Completing at least one internship is a requirement for the major. You should plan to take ENST 3988 Pre-internship Seminar before your internship (no later than the fall of your third year) and ENST 3989 Post-internship Seminar after you complete an internship. These courses are offered each fall. Environmental Studies has a really great Canvas site that can help you explore internship and career options. Contact Prof. Ed Brands to gain access to this valuable resource.
- It is important to consult the course catalog (and/or your adviser) to see when elective courses are offered. Many are offered only once every other year, so planning ahead is VERY important.