Environmental Science and Policy Area of Concentration Degree
It is more important than ever to develop policy that protects the environment and the human societies who depend on healthy ecosystems. Climate change, water pollution, waste disposal, habitat loss, and many other problems harm the environment - talented people can help society make choices that protect environmental resources. The Environmental Science and Policy major prepares students to use scientific principles to create societal change that improves environmental function.
This major has flexibility for students to purse different avenues of this field, such as biology, chemistry, politics, economics, and geospatial science. An advisor can direct students to electives that best match the specific fields and four-year programs that interest each student.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Make observations, collect data, and analyze data.
- Apply basic biological and chemical principles to explain experimental results.
- Describe connections between the environment and human societies, including how humans affect the environment and how the environment in turn affects human welfare.
Program Advising Guide
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
- (PDF, )
- Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. Students planning to transfer in this major should follow either this degree or the
We have transfer agreements in environmental science with Georgetown University and Shepherd University. You can also see all transfer agreements. Another option may be to complete the STEM core in the general studies degree. The choice depends on which degree most closely aligns with a transfer school’s lower level requirements.
Visit transfer schools' websites to see the recommended freshman and sophomore course sequence for this major. Check requirements at each school carefully to avoid duplication. For example, at some schools, some MC courses are considered “upper-level” and the MC course may not fulfill an upper-level requirement. If undecided, choose common courses from several schools.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career fields for environmental science and policy majors include occupations like soil and water conservationist, compliance manager, environmental science teacher, forestry and conservation science teacher, forester, water resource specialist, environmental economist, forest and conservation technician, forest fire inspector and prevention specialist, fish and game warden, range manager, regulatory affairs specialist, park naturalist, environmental compliance inspector, sustainability specialist, and industrial ecologist.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a new window account and other job search topics.
- : Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for Environmental Science and Policy majors follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required??and??foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the ?and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ?3 semester hours ? ? ?
-
OR
- Program Elective or Elective 3 semester hours
- ?4 semester hours ?(MATF) ?
-
OR
- ?4 semester hours ?(MATF)? ?
-
OR
- ?4 semester hours ? ?? (MATF)
- 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- ?4 semester hours ?(NSLD)
Second Semester
- 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- ?4 semester hours ?(NSLD) ? ? ?
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ? ?
- 3 semester (BSSD) **
- ?4 semester hours
- Program Elective 4 semester hours ? ?
- Program Elective 4 semester hours ? ?
- 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
Fourth Semester
- ?3 semester hours ?(GEEL) ?
-
OR
- ?3 semester hours ? ?(GEEL)
- Program Elective 3 semester hours?? ? ?
- Program Elective 3 semester hours?? ? ?
- Program Elective 3 semester hours?? ? ?
- Program Elective 3 semester hours?? ? ?
* /, if needed for /, or a program elective or elective.
** The two BSSD courses must come from two different disciplines. Select from any BSSD on the College's general education list and/or BSSD courses noted in the following program electives: ECON, GEOG and POLI, depending on transfer institution.
? Choose a MATH course based on requirement of transfer institution(s).
? ? Program Elective courses include: ?or , , ,?, ,?, , , , , , , , , , ,?, , , , ,?,?, , , ?or , , , , , , .?
Please note:? A minimum of 12 course credits numbered at the 200-level must be completed to receive a degree.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Find out more about the General Studies AA: Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Concentration (STEM Core) or General Studies AA: Integrated Studies Area of Concentration (INTG Core). General Studies allow for an interdisciplinary exploration of related disciplines. Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
You might also be interested in the following related degrees:
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.