Environmental Science
What courses should I take in my first year to see if this is the right major for me?
The best courses to take in your first year within this major are EN 101, BIOL 101, and GEOG 104. They are core courses for the major and BIOL 101 is a prerequisite for higher level courses in the major.
Are there any courses I am required or strongly encouraged to take in my first semester if I know I want to declare this major? Do any AP credits count for these requirements?
Take the courses that are listed in the question above. Please note that BIOL 101 is taught in the Fall while EN 101 and GEOG 104 are taught in the Spring.
The AP exams of Biology, Chemistry, American Government, Physics C: Mechanics, Calculus AB and BC, and Statistics can all apply as credit for required courses in the major. Whether or not these courses apply for your major depends upon the track you select within the Environmental Science major.
What is the latest semester that I can start this major and still graduate in four years?
Second semester of sophomore year as the major requires between 18 and 19 courses to be completed. Please make sure you are on track with both the major and your Core requirements before declaring.
I am interested in many different subjects. What other majors, minors, or concentrations go well with this major?
Biology, Geography, Data Science, Political Science, and Studio Art are all common programs that our students decide to declare alongside their Environmental Science major.
What else do you want incoming first year students to know about this major?
Make sure you research the four tracks within the major, as the requirements will vary among tracks and you will need to choose a track when you declare in your sophomore year.
If I want to declare this as a major, who should I talk to and where do I go?
Depending on the track that you are planning to declare, there are different faculty who oversee the declaration process. For the Environmental and Conservation Biology track – contact Professor Kate Mathis; for the Earth System Science track – contact Professor Chris Williams; and for the Environmental Science and Policy track – contact Professor Morgan Ruelle. If you are not sure which track you will pursue, please reach out to any of these faculty members. You can also learn more about the major by visiting our webpage here.
Summer Point of Contact:
Professor Kaitlyn Mathis (Program Director) – kmathis@clarku.edu
