Environmental Studies Concentration

Hiking near Mount St. Helens, observing recovery from a natural disaster.

The environmental studies concentration is designed for students who have an interest in environmental issues and plan careers in related fields. The choice of courses for this concentration is more open than in the environmental science concentration, due to the varying interests and backgrounds of the students who choose this option. Participating students may pursue a major in any field. Students who complete this concentration might, for example, enter science journalism or work for environmental advocacy groups.

Requirements

The following are required for the concentration, which may be completed in conjunction with any major:

An environmental research project, service project or internship. Students should have prior approval of the concentration director, and must make a presentation in the seminar and submit a paper summarizing the experience.
ENVN 102, 220.
Two skills courses selected from the following: Economics 101, English 203, Mathematics 210, Political Science 216.
No more than one lab science course selected from the following (this option not available for science majors): Biology 195, Chemistry 121, Geology 101.
Two courses that deal explicitly with environmental issues, selected in consultation with the director.
One course in the student's major that is given an environmental focus by completion of an environmental paper, project, or activity within the existing structure of the course. Normally these will be at the 200-level or higher. This work will be done in consultation with the director and the course instructor.
Attendance at a series of seminars each semester. In these, students who completed internships the previous semester will report on them, and other items of general interest, such as graduate schools and careers, will be discussed.