Undergraduate Advising FAQ

Should I major in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science?

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.

There are TWO versions of the Environmental Studies major? Which requirements do I need to fulfill?

During the 2006-07 academic year the Environmental Studies (ENVS) and Environmental Sciences (ESCI) majors were reviewed and updated.

If you declared BEFORE Fall 2007, you fall under the old requirements.
(But you have the choice to use the new requirements if you wish).

If you declared AFTER OR DURING Fall 2007, you must use the new requirements.

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).

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 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 five lower-division courses and five upper-division courses for a total of 40 credits.

What is the SIP?

SIP stands for Student Initiated Project. It is an option within the Environmental Studies/Science major that allows students to develop a 12-credit course of study focused on a particular environmental problem or issue. The coursework involves some combination of the following: ENVS 401 (Research), ENVS 406 (Field Studies), ENVS 408 (Environmental Workshop), and ENVS 409 (Practicum). Come into the Environmental Studies Program Office (10 Pacific Hall) for more information.

See the Student Initiated Project page for more information.

Do I need an internship? If so, when should I do it?

Students in both majors are required to have a Practical Learning Experience. To fulfill this requirement (Area 5 on your major requirements form) you can do an environmentally oriented internship, but you can also participate in the Environmental Leadership Program, take a 4-credit class at a field station such as the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, do a SIP, or participate in another experiential learning experience that is pre-approved by your adviser. The practical learning experience is designed to help you explore the career you hope to pursue. ESCI majors must be engaged in some sort of hands-on science to meet their Area 5 requirement. Typically students complete this requirement in their last year – so they can apply what they have been learning in the classroom in a real world context, make potential job connections, and gain work experience.

See the Internships page for more information.

What does it take to become an ENV or ESCI major?

Sign up to see the appropriate advisor (see the Advising page). In the meeting you will fill out a change of major form and get an overview of the program. There is no separate application process.