Environmental Studies Major - Environmental Biology Specialization

Department Chair: Benjamin Steinhurst, Ph.D.

Description

Environmental Studies is the interdisciplinary study of human-environmental relations with a focus on human influences on the environment and environmental problem solving. Environmental Studies at McDaniel College prepare you to become a leader, problem-solver, and environmental professional. You’ll graduate with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to address socio-ecological challenges and create a better world. Students in Environmental Studies explore contemporary environmental issues and develop professional competencies through innovative courses based on experiential learning, scientific processes, community service, and considering diverse perspectives on our planet’s greatest challenges.

The environmental biology specialization introduces students to the relationship between living species and their ecosystems, as well as the impacts of human-driven and natural processes on these relationships and conditions. This specialization provides students with a broad training in scientific processes for understanding our natural world as well as approaches for solving pressing environmental issues. The courses within this specialization provide students with training in outdoor and indoor lab settings as well as specific applications ranging from natural resource management and conservation, agriculture and food systems, and environmental restoration, among others. The interdisciplinary nature of the ENV program means that students in this specialization will also practice translation of environmental biological sciences into applied policy, programs, and field practices.

Requirements

Core (24 credits):

Select Four Specialization Courses From (16 credits):

(Two of the four courses must be at the 3000-level.)
BIO 1111 - Principles of Biology (required)
BIO 1117 - Topics in Biology
BIO 3317 - Ecology (required)
ENV 2121 - Exploration of the Environment
ENV 3106 - Conservation Biology
ENV 3111 - Sustainable Agriculture
ENV 3114 - Wetland Ecology
BIO courses as selected by the student with their advisor

Additional Courses (8 credits):

Take one course from the Earth System Science Specialization and one course from the Policy and Management Specialization .

Other courses may be substituted with approval from the Environmental Studies Department Chair.

Total Credit Hours: 48

Departmental Writing Requirement:

The Department of Environmental Studies extends writing through required core courses for the major. Student who major in Environmental Studies are required to take the courses as notated by the # symbol.

Requirements for Departmental Honors

Honors in ENV will be awarded to graduating seniors who have earned at least a 3.50 GPA in the ENV major. Students who wish to receive Honors in ENV must enroll in the program by committing to a project that demonstrates their leadership in the field of environmental studies, such as serving as an officer of a student club, completing independent research, or engaging in other extra-curricular activities that support issues related to environmental sustainability.