​Environmental Science Major (B.S.)

Students pursuing an Environmental Science major are encouraged to meet with an advisor during the first semester of attendance at CMU.

*A minor is recommended but not required.

Admission Requirements

  • In order to sign a major in Environmental Science a student must meet the following criteria:
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • A grade of C- or higher in each of the following courses: ENS 101, ENS 223, MTH 132, MTH 133, CHM 131, and CHM 132.

​Core Courses (18 hours):

  • ENS 101QR - Of Earth and Us: Introduction to Environmental Science 3(3-0)
  • ENS 223 - Biogeochemical Cycling in the Environment 4(4-0)
  • ENS 307 - Environmental Field Sampling and Laboratory Analytics 4(2-4)
  • ENS 401 - Quantitative Environmental Data Analysis 3(2-2)
  • ENS 503 - Environmental Modeling 4(2-4)

Required Courses I (32 hours):

  • CHM 131 - General Chemistry I 4(3-3)
  • CHM 132 - General Chemistry II 4(3-3)
  • GEL 308 - Introduction to Hydrologic Systems 3(2-2)
  • GEL 380 - Hydrogeology 3(2-3)
  • MET 301 - Climatology & Climate Change 3(3-0)
  • MTH 132 - Calculus I 4(4-0)
  • MTH 133 - Calculus II 4(4-0)
  • PHY 145QR - University Physics I 4(4-0)
  • STA 382QR - Elementary Statistical Analysis 3(3-0)

Required Courses II (3 hours):

Choose one of the following:
  • ECO 301 Environmental Economics 3(3-0)
  • PSC 516 - Environmental Politics and Policy 3(3-0)

Additional Requirements I (9-12 hours):

Students must select one of the following options:
  • ​Option A - Quantitative Skills (10 hours)
    • MTH 232 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 3(3-0)
    • MTH 233 - Calculus III 4(4-0)
    • CPS 180 - Principles of Computer Programming 3(3-0)
  • ​Option B - Geographic Information Systems (9 hours)
    • GEO 203 - Introduction to GIS 3(2-2)
    • GEO 303 - Geographic Information Systems I 3(2-2)
    • CPS 180 - Principles of Computer Programming 3(3-0)
  • Option C - Environmental Chemistry (10 hours)
    • CHM 211QR - Quantitative Analysis 4(3-5)
    • CHM 331 - Inorganic Chemistry 3(2-4)
    • CHM 345 - Organic Chemistry I 3(3-0)
  • Option D - Ecosystems (12 hours)
    • BIO 111 - Foundations of Evolution and Diversity 4(3-3)
    • BIO 112 - Foundations of Cell Biology 4(3-3)
    • BIO 213 - Foundations of Ecology 4(3-3)
  • Option E - Geosciences (9 hours)
    • GEL 130QR - Earth Processes 3(2-2)
    • GEL 240 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 3(2-3)
    • Choose ONE additional Geology course level 300 or higher (in consultation with an advisor) not already included in the ENS major requirements

Additional Requirements II (1-3 hours):

Choose one of the following:
  • ENS 491 - Internship 1-3 (Spec)
  • ENS 597 - Independent Study 1-3 (Spec)

Total: 63-68 credit hours