Description
Website: esp.unl.edu
The environmental studies major is designed for students who want to make a difference and contribute to solving environmental challenges on a local to global scale. Solutions to challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource conservation require individuals who have a broad-based knowledge in the natural and social sciences, as well as strength in a specific discipline. The environmental studies major will provide the knowledge and skills needed for students to work across disciplines and to be competitive in the job market. The environmental studies program uses a holistic approach and a framework of sustainability. This framework recognizes the necessity of meeting current resource needs without compromising the environment or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The degree program consists of four required components:
- Environmental studies core courses introduce students to the major (ENVR 101 Environmental Studies Orientation) and provide a foundation in the scientific and human dimensions of environmental challenges (ENVR 201 Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability and ENVR 249 Individual and Cultural Perspectives on the Environment). Students will have the opportunity to work with individuals and organizations involved in environmental challenges within the community (ENVR 319 Environmental Engagement and the Community). The required internship course (ENVR 495 Internship in Environmental Studies) provides the opportunity to gain work experience related to academic and career objectives. The "capstone" senior thesis series (ENVR 499A Environmental Studies Senior Thesis I and ENVR 499B Environmental Studies Senior Thesis II) provides an opportunity to complete a scholarly creative or research product.
- General collateral courses in Earth and Environmental Systems, Human Dimensions, and Economics and Policy: Earth and Environmental Systems courses provide the opportunity to explore Earth's four major spheres (land, water, living things, air) and the influence humans have had on their variability over space and through time. Human Dimensions courses allow an exploration of human factors driving environmental change: law, politics, ethics, human behavior, cultural diversity, decision-making, and communication. Economics and Policy courses provide an additional lens to view environmental challenges. In addition, students will use and apply relevant research methods, tolls, and technologies to address environmental challenges in an ethical manner.
- Ancillary requirements in natural sciences (biology, chemistry and physics), mathematics, and statistics.
- Emphasis area courses. To provide depth within a particular discipline, completion of an emphasis area is required. Three options are available to the students—Natural Resources, Public Health, or completion of a CASNR minor. Students are also encouraged to complete an additional 6 credit hours of discipline-specific coursework at the 300 level or higher.
College Requirements
College Admission
Requirements for admission into the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) are consistent with general University admission requirements (one unit equals one high school year): 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics, 3 units of natural sciences, 3 units of social studies, and 2 units of foreign language. Students must also meet performance requirements: ACT composite of 20 or higher OR combined SAT score of 950 or higher OR rank in the top one-half of graduating class; transfer students must have a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average and 2.0 on the most recent term of attendance. For students entering the PGA Golf Management degree program, a certified golf handicap of 12 or better (e.g., USGA handicap card) or written ability (MS Word file) equivalent to a 12 or better handicap by a PGA professional or high school golf coach is required. For more information, please visit: http://pgm.unl.edu/requirements.
Admission Deficiencies/Removal of Deficiencies
Students who are admitted to CASNR with core course deficiencies must remove these deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours at UNL, or within the first calendar year at Nebraska, whichever takes longer, excluding foreign languages. Students have up to 60 credit hours to remove foreign language deficiencies. College-level coursework taken to remove deficiencies may be used to meet degree requirements in CASNR.
Deficiencies in the required entrance subjects can be removed by completion of specified courses in the University or by correspondence.
The Office of Admissions, Alexander Building (south entrance), City Campus, provides information to new students on how deficiencies can be removed.
College Degree Requirements
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum requirements of the College consist of three areas: ACE (Achievement-Centered Education), College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Core, and Degree Program requirements and electives. All three areas of the College Curriculum Requirements are incorporated within the description of the Major/Degree Program sections of the catalog. The individual major/degree program listings of classes ensures that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.
Foreign Languages/Language Requirement
Two units of a foreign language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
The College grants the bachelors degree in programs associated with agricultural sciences, natural resources, and related programs. Students working toward a degree must earn at least 120 semester hours of credit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Grade Rules
Removal of C-, D, and F Grades
Only the most recent letter grade received in a given course will be used in computing a student’s cumulative grade point average if the student has completed the course more than once and previously received a grade or grades below C in that course.
The previous grade (or grades) will not be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average, but it will remain a part of the academic record and will appear on any transcript.
A student can remove from his/her cumulative average a course grade of C-, D+, D, D-, or F if the student repeats the same course at the University of Nebraska and receives a grade other than P (pass), I (incomplete), N (no pass), W (withdrew), or NR (no report). If a course is no longer being offered, it is not eligible for the revised grade point average computation process.
For complete procedures and regulations, see the Office of the University Registrar website at http://www.unl.edu/regrec/course-repeats.
Pass/No Pass
Students in CASNR may take any course offered on a Pass/No Pass basis within the 24-hour limitation established by the Faculty Senate. However, a department may specify that the Pass/No Pass status of its courses be limited to non-majors or may choose to offer some courses for letter grades only.
GPA Requirements
A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Transfer Credit Rules
To be considered for admission, a transfer student, Nebraska resident or nonresident, must have an accumulated average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum C average in the last semester of attendance at another college. Transfer students who have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study must submit either ACT or SAT scores.
Ordinarily, credits earned at an accredited college are accepted by the University. The College, however, will evaluate all hours submitted on an application for transfer and reserves the right to accept or reject any of them. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept on transfer from a two-year college. Ninety (90) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept from a four-year college. Transfer credit in the degree program must be approved by the degree program advisor on a Request for Substitution Form to meet specific course requirements, group requirements, or course level requirements in the major. At least 9 hours in the major field, including the capstone course, must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln regardless of the number of hours transferred.
The College will accept no more than 10 semester hours of C-, D+, D, and D- grades from other schools. The C-, D+, D, and D- grades can only be applied to free electives. This policy does not apply to the transfer of grades from UNO or UNK to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Joint Academic Transfer Programs
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has agreements with many institutions to support joint academic programs. The transfer programs include dual degree programs and cooperative degree programs. Dual degree programs offer students the opportunity to receive a degree from a participating institution and also to complete requirements for a bachelor of science degree in CASNR. Cooperative programs result in a single degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or the cooperating institution.
Dual Degree Programs
A to B Programs
The A to B Program, a joint academic program offered by the CASNR and participating community colleges, allows students to complete the first two years of a degree program at the participating community college and continue their education and study in a degree program leading toward a bachelor of science degree.
The A to B Program provides a basic knowledge plus specialized coursework. Students transfer into CASNR with junior standing.
Depending on the community college, students enrolled in the A to B Program may complete the requirements for an associate of science at the community college, transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and work toward a bachelor of science degree.
Participating community colleges include:
- Central Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
- Mid-Plains Community College
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Northeast Community College
- Southeast Community College
- Western Nebraska Community College
3+2 Programs
Two specialized degree programs in animal science and veterinary science are offered jointly with an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine. These two programs permit CASNR animal science or veterinary science students to receive a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in animal science or veterinary science after successfully completing two years of the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine at an accredited veterinary school. Students who successfully complete the 3+2 Program, must provide transcripts and complete the Application for Degree form via MyRED. Students without MyRED access may apply for graduation in person at Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building, or by mail. Students should discuss these degree programs with their academic advisor.
Cooperative Degree Programs
Academic credit from the University and a cooperating institution is applied towards a four-year degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (University degree-granting program) or the cooperating institution (non University degree-granting program). All have approved programs of study.
UNL Degree-Granting Programs
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln degree-granting program is designed to provide students the opportunity to complete a two-year program of study at one of the four-year institutions listed below, transfer to CASNR, and complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree.
Chadron State College. Chadron State College offers a 2+2 program leading to a grassland ecology and management degree program and a transfer program leading to a bachelor of science in agricultural education in the teaching option.
Wayne State College. Wayne State College offers a 3+1 program leading to a bachelor of science in plant biology in the ecology and management option and a 3+1 program leading to a bachelor of science in Applied Science.
University of Nebraska at Kearney. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
University of Nebraska at Omaha. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) cooperates with CASNR in providing four-semester pre-agricultural sciences, pre-natural resources, pre-food science and technology, pre-horticulture, and pre-turfgrass and landscape management transfer programs.
A student enrolled in these programs may transfer all satisfactorily completed academic credits identified in the suggested program of study and enter CASNR to study toward a degree program leading to a bachelor of science degree. The total program would require a minimum of four years or eight semesters (16 credit hours/semester or 120 credit hours).
Nebraska CASNR faculty teach horticulture and food science and technology courses at UNO to assist an urban population in better understanding the food processing, horticulture, and landscape horticulture industries.
For more information, contact the CASNR Dean’s Office, 800-472-8800, ext. 2541.
Non University of Nebraska–Lincoln Degree-Granting Programs
CASNR cooperates with other institutions to provide coursework that is applied towards a degree at the cooperating institution. Pre-professional programs offered by CASNR allow students to complete the first two or three years of a degree program at the University prior to transferring and completing a degree at the cooperating institution.
Chadron State College–Range Science. The 3+1 Program in range science allows Chadron State College students to pursue a range science degree through Chadron State College. Students complete three years of coursework at Chadron State College and one year of specialized range science coursework (32 credit hours) at CASNR.
Dordt College (Iowa)–Agricultural Education: Teaching Option. This program allows students to pursue an Agricultural Education Teaching Option degree leading toward a bachelor of science in agricultural education. Students at Dordt College will complete 90 credit hours in the Agricultural Education: Teaching Option Transfer Program.
Residency
Students must complete at least 30 of the total hours for their degree using University of Nebraska–Lincoln credits. At least 18 of the 30 credit hours must be in courses offered through CASNR1 (>299) including the appropriate ACE 10 degree requirement or an approved ACE 10 substitution offered through another Nebraska college and excluding independent study regardless of the number of hours transferred. Credit earned during education abroad may be used toward the residency requirement if students register through UNL and participate in prior-approved education abroad programs. University of Nebraska–Lincoln open enrollment and summer independent study courses count toward residence.
| 1 | Includes courses taught by CASNR faculty through interdisciplinary prefixes (e.g., LIFE, MBIO, ENVR, SCIL, EAEP, HRTM, ENSC) and CASNR crosslisted courses taught by non-CASNR faculty. |
Online and Distance Education
There are many opportunities to earn college credit online through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Some of these credits may be applicable not only as elective credits, but also toward the fulfillment of the College’s education requirements. Credits earned online may count toward residency. However, certain offerings may not be counted toward scholarship requirements or academic recognition criteria.
For further information, contact:
Office of Online and Distance Education
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
305 Brace Labs
Lincoln, NE 68588-0109
402-472-4681
http://online.unl.edu/
Independent Study Rules
Students wishing to take part in independent studies must obtain permission; complete and sign a contract form; and furnish copies of the contract to the instructor, advisor, departmental office, and the Dean’s Office. The contract should be completed before registration. Forms are available in 103 Agricultural Hall or online at the CASNR website.
Independent study projects include research, literature review or extension of coursework under supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.
Students may only count 12 hours of independent study toward their degrees and no more than 6 hours can be counted during their last 36 hours earned, excluding senior thesis, internships, and courses taught under an independent study number.
Other College Degree Requirements
Capstone Course Requirement
A capstone course is required for each CASNR degree program. A capstone course is defined as a course in which students are required to integrate diverse bodies of knowledge to solve a problem or formulate a policy of societal importance.
ACE Requirements
All students must fulfill the Achievement Centered Education (ACE) requirements. Information about the ACE program may be viewed at ace.unl.edu.
The minimum requirements of CASNR reflect the common core of courses that apply to students pursuing degrees in the college. Students should work with an advisor to satisfy ACE outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 with the college requirements.
Catalog Rule
Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year in which they are first admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or when they were first admitted to a Joint Academic Transfer Program. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a subsequent catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at Nebraska in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. The catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of environmental studies will be able to:
- Explain and apply appropriately the systemic principle of sustainability for the development of solutions to environmental and natural resource issues.
- Organize, plan, and satisfactorily complete a senior project through scholarly creativity and/or in depth research that uses appropriate technical knowledge, field, laboratory, geospatial, and/or social science research methodologies.
- Describe the Earth’s four major spheres: land, water, living things, and air in the context of physical, geological, and biological processes, their variability over space and time, and the extent to which human’s influence them.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically assess environmental and sustainability issues from the local to global scale considering a range of perspectives.
- Identify, explain, and evaluate problems/questions/issues using relevant data, resources and reasoning to form carefully considered conclusions.
- Communicate effectively to a range of audiences through the preparation of written documents along with oral and visual presentations that are consistent with professional standards.
- Effectively work in teams and groups from various backgrounds and perspectives to address environmental challenges.
- Demonstrate improvement in professional and interpersonal skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, empathy, and teamwork so they can effectively operate in society and the professional world.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Core Requirements | ||
| College Integrative Course | ||
| SCIL 101 | Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World | 3 |
| Communications | ||
| Select one Written Communication (ACE 1) course of the following: | 3 | |
| Writing and Inquiry | ||
| Writing and Argument | ||
| Writing and Communities | ||
| Basic Business Communication | ||
| Technical Communication I | ||
| Select one Oral Communication (ACE 2) course of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Leadership | ||
| Fundamentals of Human Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Select one Communication and Interpersonal Skills elective of the following: | 3 | |
Any ACE 1 course | ||
Any ACE 2 course | ||
| Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Humanities & Social Science | ||
| Select one ACE 5 Humanities | 3 | |
| Select one ACE 7 Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Specific Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies Core | ||
| ENVR 101 | Environmental Studies Orientation | 1 |
| ENVR 201 | Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability | 3 |
| ENVR 249 | Individual and Cultural Perspectives on the Environment | 3 |
| ENVR 319 | Environmental Engagement and the Community | 2 |
| ENVR 495 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| ENVR 499A | Environmental Studies Senior Thesis I 1 | 1 |
| ENVR 499B | Environmental Studies Senior Thesis II 1 | 2 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 13 | |
| Earth and Environmental Systems | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Principles of Ecology and Ecology Laboratory (Recommended) | ||
| Soil | ||
| SOIL 153 / AGRO 153 / HORT 153 | Soil Resources | 4 |
| Climate | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Climate in Crisis | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Environment, Energy, and Climate Change | ||
| Applied Climate Sciences | ||
| Earth Systems | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Earth's Natural Resource Systems Laboratory | ||
| Energy in Perspective | ||
| Dynamic Earth | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Geology of National Parks and Monuments | ||
| Frontiers in Antarctic Geosciences | ||
| Elements of Physical Geography | ||
| Quality of the Environment | ||
| Water | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Water Science | ||
| Water in Society | ||
| Geospatial Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Applications of Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Introduction to Spatial Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing | ||
| GIS in Environmental Design and Planning | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 23 | |
| Human Dimensions Electives 3 | ||
| Select two courses from two different departments from the following: | 6 | |
| Legal Aspects in Agriculture | ||
| World Food Economics | ||
| Natural Resource and Environmental Law | ||
| Rural Community Economics | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Ethics in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Digital Imaging and Storytelling in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Anthropology of the Great Plains | ||
| Introduction to Great Plains Studies | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Conflict and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Indigenous Peoples of North America | ||
| Ethnographic Field School | ||
| Ecological Anthropology | ||
| Human Rights, Environment, and Development | ||
| Business, Government & Society | ||
| Communication in the 21st Century | ||
| Communicating in Small Groups | ||
| Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement | ||
| Organizing Social Change | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural and Intergroup Communication | ||
| Polls, Politics and Public Opinion | ||
| Communication and Social Identity | ||
| Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Theories of Persuasion | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Hazard Mitigation Planning | ||
| Human Dimensions of Sustainability | ||
| Energy in Perspective | ||
| Introduction to Energy Systems | ||
| Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy | ||
| University Honors Seminar | ||
| Introductory Human Geography | ||
| Quality of the Environment | ||
| Geography of World Regions | ||
| Space, the Environment and You | ||
| Historical Geography of the Great Plains | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Spatial and Environmental Influences in Social Systems | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Management Essentials For Contemporary Organizations | ||
| Natural Resource Conservation in Society | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Integrated Resources Management | ||
| Environmental Education and Interpretation | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| News Literacy, The Public, and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Biology, Psychology, and Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Politics in State and Local Governments | ||
| Public Issues in America | ||
| Genetics, Brains, and Politics | ||
| Problems in International Relations | ||
| Threats to World Order | ||
| Polls, Politics and Public Opinion | ||
| Issues in Biology, Psychology, and Politics | ||
| Globalization, Human Rights and Diversity | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| The Psychology of Social Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Diversity | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Rural Sociology | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Select two courses from two different departments from the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Agroecology | ||
| Environmental Leadership | ||
| Ecological Anthropology | ||
| The Community and the Future | ||
| Environmental Impact Assessment | ||
| Human Dimensions of Sustainability | ||
| Literature and the Environment | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Education and Interpretation | ||
| Writing and Briefing for the National Security Enterprise | ||
| Analysis for the National Security Establishment | ||
| The United Nations and World Politics | ||
| Globalization, Human Rights and Diversity | ||
| Psychology of Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Economics and Policy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Economics of Agriculture | ||
| Economic Essentials and Issues | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Policy Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| World Food Economics | ||
| Natural Resource and Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Natural Resources Policy | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Ancillary Courses 2 | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 102 | Trigonometry (or higher) | 2-5 |
| Statistics | ||
| STAT 218 | Introduction to Statistics (or equivalent) | 3 |
| Biological Sciences | ||
| Select one sequence from the following: | 4 | |
| General Biology and General Biology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Science and Agronomic Plant Science Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology I laboratory | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| Select one sequence from the following: | 8 | |
| Chemistry in Context I and Chemistry in Context II | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Fundamental Chemistry I and Fundamental Chemistry II | ||
| Physics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Descriptive Physics | ||
| Elementary General Physics I | ||
| Elements of Physics | ||
| Physical Principles in Agriculture and Life Sciences | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 25 | |
| Program Emphasis Areas | ||
| Select one of four options listed below this table | 18-33 | |
| Core Courses (from list above) | 18 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 41 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | ENVR 499A & ENVR 499B are the capstone courses for environmental studies majors. ENVR 499H is the capstone course for Honor students. |
| 2 | For students in pre-professional tracks or considering graduate studies, MATH 104 or MATH 106, CHEM 109 & CHEM 110, PHYS 141, and LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L, plus LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L are the recommended courses. |
| 3 | Human Dimension requirements are not required for the Customized Environmental Studies option. |
Program Emphasis Areas
Option 1. Any CASNR Minor or second major, selected in consultation with academic advisor – 18 cr
Students are strongly encouraged to add 6 additional credits at the 300 level or higher of discipline-specific courses, especially if they are considering graduate work.
Option 2. Natural Resources – 19-25 cr
The Natural Resources emphasis area has been designed to allow a student to tailor their coursework to meet their learning and career objectives. By the end of their sophomore year, the student will work with the environmental studies academic advising team to develop an individual study plan for approval. Their plan of study must include at least seven courses and a minimum of 19 hours of coursework in natural resources courses (NRES, WATS, SOIL, RNGE). Three of the courses need to be at the 300 level or above. A rationale for the courses they have chosen as they relate to learning or career objectives will be submitted with their study plan. The plan can be changed at any time, but must receive appropriate approval.
Option 3. Public Health – 18 cr
The Public Health emphasis is a collaborative program between the bachelor of science in environmental studies (BSES) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and the master of public health (MPH) with a concentration in environmental and occupational health (EOH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (http://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/programs/mphdualdegree/bses-mph.html). The program provides students in the environmental studies program at UNL an option to complete the undergraduate degree in environmental studies and the MPH in EOH in about five years. The collaborative program is designed for dedicated undergraduate students who are motivated and willing to take on the challenges and opportunities related to professional education. The collaborative BSES and MPH in EOH involves intensive study, a senior thesis, service learning, and capstone courses in EOH.
The collaborative program is a 147-155 credit hour undergraduate/professional option allowing eligible students to work toward the EOH concentration in the MPH program requirements while completing their undergraduate degree. Students interested in this option will work closely with their advisors to develop an integrated plan of study. The plan will cover the entire undergraduate and professional program and will be reviewed each semester with the student’s advisors. A maximum of 18 credits from the MPH program (of the required 45 graduate credits for the MPH degree) will be counted toward the undergraduate degree. The student will receive a BS in environmental studies with an emphasis in public health and an MPH with a concentration in environmental and occupational health. Students with sophomore standing and at least 45 hours of completed coursework in their undergraduate degree program may apply for admission to the collaborative BSES and MPH in EOH. See the environmental studies program coordinator or the UNMC graduate studies bulletin for prerequisite and admission process details.
The Public Health courses from the UNMC Master of Public Health program are:
- CPH 500 Foundations of Public Health
- CPH 501 Human Health Behavior
- CPH 502 Health Services Administration
- CHP 503 Public Health, Environment and Safety
- CHP 504 Epidemiology in Public Health
- CHP 506 Biostatistics I (Will generally substitute for STAT 218 or equivalent.)
Option 4. Pre-Law (Year 4) - Nebraska College of Law – 33 cr
An applicant will be accepted into the 3-3 Program (Accelerated Program) at the College of Law if the applicant:
- Has an LSAT score of at least 156;
- Has a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .6 or higher as calculated by the Law School Admission Council;
- Will have successfully completed at least 75% of the course credits required for his or her undergraduate degree, along with all other requirements of his or her undergraduate degree program, by the date of matriculation at the College of Law. Course credits may include no more than 6 credit hours of Pass/No Pass coursework;
- Has submitted on time the materials required of all applicants to the College of Law, including a completed application, satisfactory letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and records of the required course credits;
- Has not been on academic probation at any undergraduate institution;
- Has provided the College of Law with a letter from the relevant Dean, or other administrator of equivalent authority, of the applicant's undergraduate institution stating that the applicant has completed all institutional requirements for participation in the 3-3 Law College Program and that the institution will grant the applicant an undergraduate degree upon the applicant's successful completion of the first year College of Law coursework.
If the above requirements are satisfied, the applicant will automatically be accepted into the 3-3 Law Program unless there is information concerning the applicant that reflects adversely on the applicant’s character and fitness, including criminal citations, pending criminal charges, or criminal convictions. In such cases, the application will be individually reviewed by the College of Law Admissions Committee.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 College of Law | ||
| Select 33 credits from the following list of courses: | 33 | |
| Contracts I and Contracts II | ||
| Contracts I and Contracts II | ||
| Torts I | ||
| Property I and Property II | ||
| Property I and Property II | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
or LAW 508G | Criminal Law | |
| Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) and Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) | ||
| Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) and Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) | ||
| Civil Procedure I and Civil Procedure II | ||
| Civil Procedure I and Civil Procedure II | ||
| International Perspectives in U.S. Legal System: Practicing Law in a Global Legal Environment | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 33 | |
Option 5. Customized Environmental Studies – 51-55 cr
Option Requirements
- 120 credit hour minimum requirement (30 hours must be at the 300 level or above).
- Must complete 65-69 hours of core requirements in the environmental studies major (see table below), which includes the general education requirements (ACE) and CASNR college core.
- Achieve a grade of C or better in all courses.
Process for Student
- Explore and articulate your interests, strengths, and abilities. Establish career goals. Research the types of career opportunities and employers of interest.
- Consult with program director, faculty member and/or professional advisor to determine if an existing degree program satisfies your personal and professional interests.
- Think about the academic skills and background needed for your career choice. Consider future education plans, including graduate school and professional programs.
- Identify a faculty member from the ESCC to help you design your program of study. The advisory committee will be comprised of the ENVR Director, ESCC member, and academic advisor with the ESCC member designated as the major advisor. The major advisor must be a faculty member of the ESCC. Additional committee members can be included.
- Develop a proposal that includes the degree program focus, what you hope to accomplish by completing this program, how your individualized program of study connects different disciplines, and the relationship between your career goals and your program of study. Also include a list of all courses taken as part of your degree along with a semester-by-semester plan of study. The selection of courses must be consistent with your personal, academic and professional interests and goals.
- Schedule a meeting with your advisory committee to present your proposal. Once the faculty advisory committee approves the core concentration areas and program of study, the Advisory Committee Approval (ACA) form should be completed. The ACA form is available through the CASNR Dean’s Office.
- Submit the proposal and accompanying ACA form to the Environmental Studies Coordinating Committee. The committee must approve the degree program before the student completes 60 of the 120 applicable hours of the degree.
- Students pursuing this degree option are required to have a meeting with their faculty advisor at the start of each semester (must be completed by the first week of the semester). The purpose of this meeting is to review the program of study and progress towards degree completion, along with discussing the student’s professional development and career plans.
Any changes to the approved program of study must be recommended by the advisory committee and approved by the ESCC.
Additional Major Requirements
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
Environmental studies majors must earn a C or P in all major core courses with the exception of ancillary courses.
Pass/No Pass
No environmental studies (ENVR) core courses, unless offered Pass/No Pass, or discipline-specific emphasis area courses may be taken Pass/No Pass.
Requirements for Minor Offered by Department
Environmental Studies Minor
Minimum of 18 hours with 6 hours at 300 level or above are required.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Environmental Studies Courses | ||
| ENVR 101 | Environmental Studies Orientation | 1 |
| ENVR 201 | Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability | 3 |
| ENVR 249 | Individual and Cultural Perspectives on the Environment | 3 |
| ENVR 319 | Environmental Engagement and the Community | 2 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Earth and Environmental Systems | ||
| Select one course from the Earth and Environmental Systems section of the major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Human Dimensions | ||
| Select one course from the Human Dimensions Electives section of the major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Economics and Policy | ||
| Select one course from the Economics and Policy section of the major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Environmental Education Minor
A minor in environmental education is designed to provide additional qualifications for students interested in pursuing a career in the field of environmental and natural resources education. Career options for students pursuing an environmental education minor include working in formal and non-formal educational settings; employment in the public or private sector; and serving as educational specialists, extension educators, and program leaders. Courses selected for the minor’s curriculum were chosen for their holistic perspective and interdisciplinary approach to environmental and natural resources studies. A number of the courses focus regionally on the environment of the Great Plains.
The 18-hour minor includes lower and upper division courses.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Environmental Education | ||
| NRES 301 | Environmental Communication Skills | 3 |
| NRES 434 / ENVR 434 | Environmental Education and Interpretation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Systems Approach to Earth and Ecological Processes | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability | ||
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Learning Characteristics and Outdoor Leadership Experiences | ||
| EDPS 250 | Fundamentals of Child Development for Education | 3 |
| or EDPS 251 | Fundamentals of Adolescent Development for Education | |
| Select three of the following: | 3 | |
| Canoeing | ||
| Challenge Course: Instructor | ||
| Back-country Camping | ||
| Wilderness First Aid | ||
| Wilderness: First Responder | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Implementation of Outdoor Educational Experiences | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Experiential Learning in Food, Energy and Water Systems I | ||
| Internship in Environmental Studies | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Environmental Studies Senior Thesis I and Environmental Studies Senior Thesis II | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Sustainability Studies Minor
The sustainability studies minor will prepare students to contribute solutions for current and future local, regional, and global environmental challenges. Stewardship and the efficient, sustainable use of environmental, financial, and human resources will be the foundational concepts for this minor. More specifically, the educational component of this minor will provide students with explicit opportunities to engage in the community and develop skill sets to employ a systems approach to managing the growth of our habitats, and at the same time achieve a balance of economic development with the conservation of the earth’s natural system. This minor will be available to all University of Nebraska–Lincoln students upon approval of individual colleges.
Learning Outcomes: The University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate minor, sustainability studies, introduces students to the concepts, principles, and issues that inform the paradigm of sustainability and the efficient and sustainable use of environmental, financial, and human resources. The curriculum integrates classroom learning and community-based learning and research in a program that prepares students for future endeavors.
Upon completion of the requirements for the Society and the Environment, students will be able to:
- Explain the relationship among social, economic, and environmental systems for the development of solutions for global environmental and natural resource issues.
- Employ concepts of sustainability to the campus and community by engaging in the challenges and solutions of applied sustainability.
- Utilize problem-solving skills to address real world opportunities to help create healthier ecosystems and communities.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate to a range of audiences through the preparation of written documents along with oral and visual presentations that are consistent with professional standards.
The 18-credit-hour minor includes 9 credit hours of core courses. Each student chooses an additional 9 credit hours of elective courses from one of three tracks. These elective hours should include at least one 300-level and one 400-level course. Students and advisors need to be aware that prerequisites may be required for some courses. These need to be addressed during advising process.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ARCH 107 | Sustainability Basics and the Build Environment (ACE 8) | 3 |
| ENVR 201 | Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability (ACE 8) | 3 |
| ENVR 319 | Environmental Engagement and the Community | 2 |
| ENVR 495 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select one track of the following: | 9 | |
| Track 1: Built Environment | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Landscape and Environmental Appreciation (ACE 7 & 9) | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Engineering 1 | ||
| Building Environmental Technical Systems I 1 | ||
| Sustainable Construction | ||
| Human Dimensions of Sustainability (ACE 8) | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Track 2: Community Development | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Rural Community Economics 1 | ||
| Introduction to Planning (ACE 8) | ||
| GIS in Environmental Design and Planning | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Environmental Impact Assessment | ||
| Hazard Mitigation Planning | ||
| Human Dimensions of Sustainability (ACE 8) | ||
| Landscape and Environmental Appreciation | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Track 3: Food, Environment, and the Landscape | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Agroecology (ACE 10) | ||
| Landscape Solutions 1 | ||
Any 400-level HORT course | ||
| World Food Economics (ACE 9) 1 | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | Prerequisites required and need to be addressed during the advising process. |
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
A grade of C or above is required for all courses in the minor.
Pass/No Pass
No course taken Pass/No Pass will be counted toward the minor.
Description: A comprehensive overview of the discipline of Environmental Studies. Investigate current and critical environmental issues.
Description: Introduction to the scientific, social, and economic dimensions of historical and contemporary water systems. Students will develop an understanding of hydrologic systems and analyze and engage in decision-making about complex challenges associated with water resource use.
This course is a prerequisite for: SCIL 300
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.
A University Honors Seminar 189H course is required of all students in the University Honors Program. Letter Grade Only.
Description: Topics vary.
Description: Application of basic Earth system and ecosystem science concepts for understanding: natural systems; the relationships and interactions between the living and the non-living environment; current and future environmental challenges; the importance of considering scientific evidence and uncertainty; and the implementation of the sustainability concepts.
Description: The influence of culture on individual perspectives related to the concepts of sustainability and the relationship that humans have with the environment. The role of ethics, religion, and historical setting on the individual and cultural perspectives related to environmental challenges at the local to global scales.
Description: The processes of environmental agencies and organizations use to develop and implement projects and programs. The development of their project proposal, work plans, budgets, and final report. Requires developing and implementing projects and programs in collaboration with clients who are from agencies and organizations working with environmental issues.
Description: Applications of psychological principles to understand human transactions with their environments and find behavior-based solutions to environmental problems.
Description: An examination of environmental engagement in the novels, short stories, poetry, films, and music of the French-speaking world.
Requires 20 hours of service.
Description: Examination of formal and informal environmental education and interpretation. Knowledge, application and practice relevant to science teachers and park, extension, museums, and zoo educators.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Experience in off-campus setting that is directly relevant to environmental studies.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; environmental studies major or minor; prior arrangement with program director and emphasis adviser or academic adviser
First course of a two-semester sequence of courses consisting of ENVR 499A and 499B. Letter Grade only.
Description: Preparation for writing the senior thesis
This course is a prerequisite for: ENVR 499B
Prerequisites: ENVR 499A
Second course of a two-semester sequence of courses consisting of ENVR 499A and 499B. The thesis is to be written under the supervision of the emphasis adviser or a faculty member designated by the adviser. A committee of two (the faculty member guiding the thesis and an additional member with expertise in the topic) will review the thesis.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Preparation for writing the senior thesis.
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
Environmental Studies - Progam Emphasis Area Option 1
Critical Milestones
- You must declare a required minor or emphasis by this term.
- Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Environmental Studies - Natural Resouces Emphasis Option 2
Critical Milestones
- You must declare a required minor or emphasis by this term.
- Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Environmental Studies - Public Health Emphasis Area Option 3
Critical - Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Transferable Skills
- Confidently navigate complex, ambiguous projects and environments
- Conduct and present research to large and small groups
- Integrate information and perspectives from multiple disciplines to solve problems
- Collaborate with a team to develop solutions
- Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
- Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information
- Understand and use proper laboratory and technical skills and instruments
- Offer empathetic, sensitive, and patient interactions with others
- Understand and utilize a variety of research methodologies
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Environmental Scientist, Olsson & Associates Engineering - Lincoln NE
- Water Quality Coordinator, City of Minneapolis - Minneapolis MN
- Wildland Firefighter, United States Forest Service - Kalispell MT
- VISTA Leader, AmeriCorps - Beckley WV
- Plant Ecologist, Prairie Legacy Inc. - Lincoln NE
- Operations Assistant, Yellowstone National Park - WY
- Sustainability Associate, Cleaner Greener Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Field Technician, Fish & Wildlife COOP - Lincoln NE
- Crew Member, Montana Conservation Corps - Kalispel MT
- More...
Internships
- Integrated Water Management Planner Assistant, Nebraska Dept of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
- Biological Technician, USDA-AMRU - Lincoln NE
- Natural Resource Intern, JEO Consulting - Lincoln NE
- Pathways Intern, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Lincoln NE
- Integrated Management Technical Assistant, NE Dept of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
- Environmental Health Waste Section Intern, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept - Lincoln NE
- Intern, Olsson Associates - La Vista NE
- Crime Analysis, Lincoln Police Department - Lincoln NE
- Project Manager Assistant Intern, LI-COR Biosciences - Lincoln NE
- Waste Section Intern, Lancaster County Health Department - Lincoln NE
- More...
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master's Degree, Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Juris Doctorate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Master's Degree, Agronomy-Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Master's Degree, Environmental Science and Policy, Indiana University - Bloomington IN
- Master's Degree, Energy, Technology, & Policy, Humbolt State University - Arcata CA
- Master's Degree, Environmental Policy, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI
- Master's Degree, Geography, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Master's Degree, Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha NE
- Master's Degree, Water Biogeochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE