B.A. in Ecosystem Science and Policy

Overview

The B.A. degree in Ecosystem Science and Policy is recommended in preparation for careers in law, government and business, including professional schools and careers in government and private industries concerned with the environment. Students pursuing the B.A. may choose to have the major fulfill either the STEM or People & Society cognate; they will need to complete the other cognate plus the Arts & Humanities cognate.  Students with a second major in another school or college should consult their advisors regarding requirements for that major.  Any course used to fulfill one ECS requirement cannot be used to fulfill another; however, courses other than the ECS core can be used to fulfill requirements for a cognate, minor, or second major.  Students whose primary college is Arts & Sciences are required to complete four courses designated as "Writing Intensive" (also known as "W") courses. Those seeking a B.A. degree in ECS must complete at least two, but as many as four, ECS courses designated as "W". These include ECS 113, ECS 301, ECS 302, ECS 402, and ECS 403  Up to two "W" courses may be selected from other departments. Students whose primary degree is in another school or college should follow its writing requirements. 

Curriculum Requirements

¹

BIL, CHM, CSC, MIC, NEU, PHY, GSC, MSC, CAE, or approved

²

APY, ARC, ECO, ECS, GEG, HIS, INS, LAS, MAF, POL, PSY, SOC, EPS, COM, BPH, or approved

³

See list of current relative minors maintained by the program director.

Suggested Plan of Study - with Minor

In this plan, we are showing the case in which study abroad simply counts toward the total required for graduation, 120 credits.  However, study abroad courses generally can be used as courses for ECS, for a minor, or for cognates, in which case there would be additional electives opened up in subsequent semesters.  

Suggested Plan of Study - with Second Major 

In this plan, we are showing the case in which no courses from the second major (30 credits) are double counted with ECS.  However, some course may double count, in which case electives will be opened up. 

Mission

The mission of the Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS) program is to educate the next generation of environmental leaders. Future leaders need to find ways to meet human demands, while protecting and restoring the natural environment that sustains us. As science increasingly demonstrates the complex interconnectedness of all the elements of natural systems, environmental decisions must take into account potential ecosystem-wide effects to be truly effective. Environmental scientists and nonscientist policy-makers, managers, and planners must communicate with each other in new and better ways as development and environmental policy decisions are made. The program offers two degrees, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts.

Goals

The Bachelor of Arts degree prepares students with knowledge in a broad background of environmental issues from a variety of perspectives, along with in-depth education in a related area of specialization. Students earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in ECS carry out intensive study in social science approaches to environmental issues. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Scientific Knowledge: Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem science.
• Policy Knowledge: Students will demonstrate an ability to evaluate the role of science and technology in society and demonstrate understanding of factors involved in the formulation and implementation of environmental policy.
• Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate communication skills to convey information, orally and in writing, to both scientific and lay audiences.