Environmental Studies Major: Environmental Science Concentration
Why study environmental science at CMU?
The environmental studies program at CMU prepares students for a variety of environment-related careers. Students will focus on a wide range of environmental issues and the complex relationship between humans and the environment. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Diverse fieldwork experiences at the geographic center of the Great Lakes basin located near CMU
- Classroom enhancement at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan and at Neithercut Woodland just north of CMU's main campus
- Well-rounded program that includes course work in biology, chemistry, geology, economics, law, and political science
- Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as the Geology Club, Wildlife Club, and the Student Environmental Association
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow about nine to 17 percent, and employment of hydrologists should grow 18 to 26 percent.
- Job opportunities will be spurred by an awareness of the need to monitor environmental quality, to interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring ecosystems.
- Scientific research and development services have increased the hiring of conservation scientists and foresters to prepare environmental impact statements and erosion and sediment control plans, monitor water quality near logging sites, and advise on tree harvesting practices.
Career options
Graduates of the environmental studies program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Biologist, Chemist, or Scientist
- Environmental Consultant or Engineer
- Environmental Lawyer or Writer
- Forester
- Hydrologist
- Wildlife Manager
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Environmental Studies Major:Environmental Science Concentration
Environmental Studies is an interdepartmental major that focuses on the complex relationship between humans and the environment. This program is designed to satisfy the needs of students who desire to work in fields that are explicitly related to the environment as well as to provide valuable information to students who simply care about environmental issues. The Environmental Studies major requires a second major taken in another discipline.
All Environmental Studies majors must:
1. complete the Environmental Studies common core outlined below,
2. complete a six (6) week Internship Program;
3. earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7.
( Total: 56-59 semester hours
For additional information, see the list of advisors in the Class Schedule Booklet. )
(16 hours)
Core Courses I
3
BIO 340 Ecology
3
BLR 521 Environmental Law and Policy
3
ECO 301 Environmental Economics
3
ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Studies
1
ENV 400 Environmental Studies Colloquium
3
PSC 261 State and Local Government
(3 hours)
Core Courses II
Select one of the following:
3
BIO 240 Conservation of Natural Resources
3
GEO 330 Resource Perception and Utilization
(3 hours)
Core Courses III
Select one of the following:
3
GEL 100 Introduction to Earth Systems
3
GEL 101 Physical Geology
3
GEL 105 Dangerous Planet
3
GEL 130 Earth Processes
(9 hours)
Required Courses I
3
BIO 208 Microbiology
3
GEL 380 Hydrogeology
3
GEO 334/BIO 334 Soil Science
(5-8 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following options:
(8 hours)
Option A
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
(5 hours)
Option B
5
CHM 161 Principles of Chemistry
(8 hours)
Required Courses III
Select one of the following options:
(8 hours)
Option A
4
PHY 130 College Physics I
4
PHY 131 College Physics II
(8 hours)
Option B
4
PHY 145 University Physics I
4
PHY 146 University Physics II
(6 hours)
Electives I
Select electives in consultation with advisor.
( Note: You cannot take both GEO 201 and MET 240 )
3
BIO 365 Environmental Contaminants
3
BIO 526 Limnology
2
BIO 527 Limnological Methods
3
CHM 345 Organic Chemistry I
3
CHM 346 Organic Chemistry II
3
CHM 513 Chemistry of Natural Waters
3
GEL 372 Introduction to Geophysics
3
GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry
4
GEO 201 Weather and Climate
3
GEO 203 Introduction to Geographic Information Science
3
GEO 305 Remote Sensing of the Environment
3
GEO 503 Geographic Information Systems
3
GEO 508 Digital Remote Sensing
3
MET 240 Meteorology
(6 hours)
Electives II
Select electives in consultation with advisor.
( Note: You may take only one of the following: PSY 387, PSY 537 or PSY 583 )
3
ANT 171 Human Origins: Introduction to Physical Anthropology
3
ANT 370/SOC 370 Global Environmental Issues
3
BLR 410 Regulatory Law
3
ENV 310 Environmental Issues Management
3
HSC 352 Environmental Health
3
HST 322 Westward Movement in America
3
IET 327 Industrial Safety
3
IET 525 Hazardous Materials Technology
3
IND 332 Human Shelter and Environment
3
MGT 312 Introduction to Management
3
MKT 151 Marketing and Society
3
PHL 118 Moral Problems
3
PSC 514 American Public Policy Making
3
PSC 522 Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law
3
PSY 387 Behavioral Neuroscience
3
PSY 537 Organizational Behavior Management
3
PSY 583 Motivation and Emotion
3
REL 235 Religion and Social Issues