Environmental Studies Major - Earth System Science Specialization

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 earth system science specialization reflects the interconnectedness of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Students explore the varied systems of the Earth in courses like Geology, Climatology, and Science of Soil, Water, and Air, learning skills that they can apply to future careers like environmental scientists for government and non-profit organizations, consultants, and teachers. Experiential activities emphasize skills used in Earth science careers and include plume mapping, water budgeting, wetland delineation, infiltration testing, and much more. Students will learn how to think long-term, work effectively in the field and with environmental data, and develop a wholistic view of Earth Systems within the field of environmental studies.

Requirements

Core (24 credits)

• ENV 1131 - Environmental Problem Solving
• ENV 2151 - Sustainability #
• ENV 2204 - Society and Natural Resources #
• ENV 2207 - Environmental Management #
• ENV 3120 - ENV Junior Seminar #
• ENV 4494 - ENV Senior Seminar

Select Four Specialization Courses From (16 credits):

(Two of the four courses must be at the 3000-level.)

• CHE 2211 - Chemistry of Consumer Products
• ENV 1132 - Geological Hazards
• ENV 2116 - Energy and the Environment
• ENV 2117 - Environmental Geology (required)
• ENV 2152 - Earth History
• ENV 2203 - Science of Soil, Water and Air
• ENV 3110 - Climatology
• ENV 3114 - Wetland Ecology
• Other ENV environmental science courses as selected by the student with their advisor
• GSC 1112 - The Earth

Additional Courses (8 credits):

Take one (1) course from the Policy and Management Specialization  and one (1) course from the Environmental Biology 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.