Environmental Science Major
The major in Environmental Science focuses on the interaction between Earth's physical environment and the biosphere, on anthropogenic processes like pollution and global climate change, and on environmental remediation. The program is designed to provide students with a solid background in related science fields, then delve into particular fields in environmental science in greater depth. The major requires a minimum of 47.5 points to be completed.
An important requirement of the major is the senior capstone. The senior capstone experience is a culmination of what the student has learned throughout the major, in the form of a research thesis. The senior capstone is a requirement of the major, and students can complete the research with any of the department's affiliated institutions or with any other institute/faculty they feel would best guide their research forward, with department approval.
Required: 1 course in Calculus I or higher.
Calculus I (Math 1101)
Required: 3 courses in Chemistry, Physics, or Biology.
Option 1: Chemistry (Chem 1403-1404) & Physics (Phys 1201)
Option 2: Physics (Phys 1201-1202) & Chemistry (Chem 1403)
Option 3: Physics (Phys 1201), Chemistry (Chem 1403), & Environmental Biology (EEEB 2001)
*Note: Higher level courses can substitute those listed above.
15 points in Depth, Breadth, & Related Fields:
Depth courses have an earth and environmental science focus that build on the foundational courses taken in the requirements above. Depth courses are 3000-4000 level courses that carry EESC or supporting science pre-requisites. A minimum of 3 depth courses must be taken, and students are required to take at least one of the courses below:
Geochemistry for a Habitable Planet (EESC UN3101)
or
Solid Earth Dynamics (EESC UN3201)
Breadth and related fields courses (2) are relevant for an environmental science major, but do not require an environmental science background. Several of these courses are offered in the department at the 2000, 3000, and 4000 level, as well as at Barnard College. Courses in other sciences, mathematics, statistics, and engineering may count towards this requirement, with program approval.
Note:
- At least 3 Depth & Breadth courses must be taught by a DEES professor.
- EESC GU4600 does not fulfill the Depth requirement, only the Breadth requirement.
- EESC UN2330 does not fulfill the Breadth requirement.
- To fulfill the Breadth requirement, science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering courses offered by other departments must count toward fulfilling degree requirements in those departments.
Students complete a research project and Senior Thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Senior Seminar (EESC UN3901) is taken twice, typically in each semester of your senior year, to support the thesis process.
Students should discuss and develop individual plans of study with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Undergraduate Program Manager. For the list of recommended plans of study and courses that go along with them, see Plans of Study for Majors.
Note: A Plan of Study is not required by the major. They are suggestions meant to aid students in planning their coursework and hone in on specific topics in environmental science.
To keep track of your degree requirements, use the Environmental Science Major Checklist.