- Should I major in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science? What are the differences between the 2 majors?
- What does it take to become an ENV or ESCI major?
- How do I sign up for an advising appointment?
- Can I count transferred credits toward my major?
- I’m a double major. Can I double count classes?
- Is there an Environmental Studies Minor?
- What is the Practical Learning Experience Requirement (Area 5)?
- What is a tipsheet?
- What can a peer advisor do for me?
- What is Econews?
Should I major in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science? What are the differences between the 2 majors?
The Environmental Studies Program offers an Environmental Studies and an Environmental Science major. Both cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines such as the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, management, policy, design, and law.
The Environmental Studies major, while providing a foundation in the natural sciences, focuses in particular on the social sciences, policy studies, environmental design, and the humanities. This major prepares students for careers in the non-profit sector, government agencies, environmental planning, sustainability advising, green business, environmental education, environmental journalism, and related areas.
The Environmental Science major emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, including biology, geology, chemistry, data analysis, and physical geography. It is designed for students who want to focus on scientific careers in fields such as pollution abatement, water resources, ecosystem protection, environmental restoration, and environmental management. Graduates of this major hold positions in government agencies, the non-profit sector, and private business.
Refer to the ENVS and ESCI major requirements sheets for credits and course differences between the majors.
I’m a double major. Can I double count classes?
You can double count all lower division requirements and up to 16 upper division credits (typically 4 courses).
How do I sign up for an advising appointment?
All advising appointments are made online at: http://envs.uoregon.edu/advising/
New users, click the ‘Create New Account’ link and follow the directions.
Current users, login and reserve an appointment with the appropriate advisor by clicking on a colored time slot.
Katie Lynch – ENVS majors (Green)
Peg Boulay- ESCI majors/ENV minors (Blue)
Alissa Manske – Prospective/Undeclared Students (Yellow)
Can I count transferred credits toward my major?
It depends. Use the University’s Transfer Course Equivalencies tool on the Registrar’s homepage to see if the classes you want to transfer have already been evaluated. If so, make a note and bring to your next advising meeting. If not, then see your academic adviser with questions on specific classes. You will need to provide a copy of the course description and the syllabus for evaluation. Electronic or hard copies are fine.
Is there an Environmental Studies Minor?
Yes. The interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Minor includes three (3) lower-division courses and five (5) upper-division courses for a total of 32 credits.
What is the Practical Learning Requirement (Area 5)?
Students in both majors are required to have a Practical Learning Experience. The practical learning experience is designed to help you apply your academic knowledge outside of the classroom, explore the career you hope to pursue, make potential job connections and gain work experience. To fulfill this requirement (Area 5 on your major requirements form) you can do an environmentally oriented internship, participate in the Environmental Leadership Program, take a 4-credit class at a field station such as the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, study abroad, or participate in another experiential learning experience that is pre-approved by your adviser. ESCI majors must be engaged in some sort of hands-on science to meet their Area 5 requirement.
See the Internships page for more information.
What does it take to become an ENV or ESCI major?
Sign up to see the ENVS Undeclared/Prospective student advisor. In the meeting you will be given an overview of the program and be able to change your major. There is no separate application process.
What is a tipsheet?
A tipsheet shows what classes are being offered each term and which requirements they fulfill. Special topics/ seminars courses are also listed on the tipsheet. Generally, tipsheets are published one week before initial registration for the following term. Tipsheets are available electronically on the ENVS website and hardcopy in 144 Columbia.
What can a Peer Advisor do for me?
There are many things a peer advisor can do! The Peer Advising Center is in 145 Columbia. Open 10am-3pm Monday – Friday.
Peer advisors can help with:
-ENVS/ESCI major & minor requirements
-general education requirements
-Degree Audit Report inquiries
-picking out classes for upcoming terms
-graduation checklist (during last year, students must also meet with a faculty adviser)
-Area 5/internship requirement questions
-signing up for an advising appointmentThey cannot approve classes that are not on the tipsheet or major requirements nor can they approve you to graduate but they can help you fill out your graduation checklist. All final decisions must be made by your academic advisor.
What is Econews?
It is an ENVS listserv for environmentally related news and opportunities. This is where we post job announcements, internship opportunities, speakers and other special events as well as volunteer possibilities and other items. To sign up for econews see Alissa in 144 Columbia.