Environmental Science - Concentration: Social Science (BS)

The School of Science and Technology offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Environmental Science. The Environmental Science Major includes concentrations in Natural Science and Social Science.

Laboratory Courses

Many courses in the School of Science and Technology include both a class and a laboratory component. The laboratory and class components complement each other as integrated elements of a course that facilitate the accomplishment of the Course Outcome Goals. As such they cannot be separated. Student must pass both the lab and class. If a student fails either the class or the laboratory component, they will receive a fail grade and must repeat both components of the class.

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (60 hours)

The primary objective of the general education requirements is to guarantee that all students seeking a degree will be exposed to a common set of learning experiences that draw from a broad spectrum of subject areas. These common learning experiences are designed so that a student who completes the general education requirements will achieve the general education program goals as well as take introductory courses in the environmental science major that are prerequisite to courses in the program of student curriculum.

Additional Requirements (3 hours)

The physical education requirement is comprised of one credit hours of Wellness and two credit hours of additional Physical Education courses.

Legislative Requirements

Georgia law requires that each candidate for a degree demonstrate knowledge of the history and constitution on the United States and Georgia. These requirements may be met by receiving a passing grade in certain courses, or by passing the appropriate examination. The courses and the requirement(s) each course satisfies are as follows:

1. HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 satisfies the Georgia and U.S. history requirement (if taken at a University System of Georgia institution).
2. POLS 1101 satisfied the Georgia and U.S. Constitution requirement (if taken at a University System of Georgia institution)
3. Students with transfer credit (HIST 2111, HIST 2112 or POLS 1101) from outside the University System of Georgia will need to contact the Testing Center regarding the legislative exams requirement.

Major Requirements (60 hours)

The courses in the Environmental Science Major consist of both required and elective courses. The required courses are designed to ensure that all students receiving the BS Environmental Science degree will share a common set of learning experiences toward achievement of the Program Outcome Goals. In addition, student will apply these learning experiences in the accomplishment of a research project or internship. Elective courses allow students to delve further into areas of specialization that provide breadth and/or depth of learning.

Program Outcome Goals

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

Concentrations: Natural Science and Social Science

The Natural Science concentration will provide an undergraduate education in the scientific understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect environmental sustainability.  Skills obtained in this concentration will provide students with a foundation from which they may pursue higher degrees or jobs in the burgeoning market of environmental health, restoration, and industrial ecology.

1. Communicate environmental science issues to various audiences in both written and oral form.
2. Develop critical thinking and analytical problem solving skills related to environmental science and public policy.
3. Apply scientific research methods and techniques to address environmental issues.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the major scientific fields which contribute to environmental science including biology, chemistry and earth science.
5. Work collaboratively iwith others in inter- and multidisciplinary contexts.
6. Address the sociocultural and ethical issues connected to environmental matters.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, economic, and political frameworks involving environmental policymaking.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses

One course must be at the 3000/4000 level

5-6 hours must be at 3000-4000 level