Environmental Science Minor

This minor introduces the scientific principles underlying many environmental issues. Emphasizing interdisciplinary study, it includes courses in geology, biology, chemistry, and geography. Designed for those seeking careers in environmental science, policy, or education, this minor introduces students to global environmental challenges. Students are encouraged to incorporate internships and directed studies into their program with the approval of the Environmental Sciences Coordinator.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will develop the ability to apply critical thinking skills and foundational scientific knowledge to analyze and solve environmental problems.
Students will be able to identify, access, and utilize information, methods, and techniques related to the physical environment to effectively address and solve environmental problems.

Requirements: (18-19 credits)

One [1] 100-level course from the following list (3-4 credits):
GSCI 140 - Environmental Science Credit(s): 3 and GSCI 141 - Environmental Science Laboratory or
GSCI 150 - The Geology of Climate Change and Energy Credit(s): 3 and GSCI 151 - The Geology of Climate Change and Energy Laboratory or
SUST 124 - Sustainability & Environmental Issues Credit(s): 3 or
GEOG 111 - Physical Geography Credit(s): 3 and GEOG 112 - Physical Geography Laboratory *
One [1] 100-level GSCI course (4 credits):
GSCI 120 - Our Geological Environment Credit(s): 3 and GSCI 121 - Our Geological Environment Laboratory * or
GSCI 135 - Dinos and Dodos Credit(s): 4 or
GSCI 160 - Physical Geology Credit(s): 3 and GSCI 161 - Physical Geology Laboratory or
GSCI 180 - Geology of the Solar System Credit(s): 4
Two [2] Introductory Biology/Chemistry Courses (6 credits):
BIOL 117 - General Biology - Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
BIOL 119 - General Biology - Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
One [1] GSCI 200-level course (3 credits):
GSCI 200 - Environmental Geology: (subtitle) Credit(s): 3 or GSCI 235 - Paleoclimatology
One [1] 200- or 300-level Course (3 credits):
BIOL 203 - Principles of Ecology Credit(s): 3 ** or
CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 *** or
GEOG 286 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credit(s): 4 or
GSCI 347 - Groundwater Hydrology Credit(s): 3 ****
*You cannot take both GSCI 120/121 and GEOG 111/112

**BIOL 203 requires a C- in BIOL 117 and 119

***CHEM 211 requires a C- in CHEM 118, CHEM 118 requires a C- in CHEM 116

****GSCI 347 requires two GSCI courses