Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Environmental & Sustainability Studies (CASNR)
Description
Website: esp.unl.edu
The environmental and sustainability studies major is designed for students who want to make a difference and contribute to solving environmental challenges on a local to global scale. Environmental and sustainability studies is focused on solutions. 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 and sustainability studies major provides the knowledge and skills needed for students to work across disciplines and to be competitive in the job market. The environmental and sustainability 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.
Students may choose to minor in environmental studies or minor in sustainability studies as alternatives to pursuing their interests in environment and sustainability.
Options
Students may choose to focus their advanced coursework in ways that meet their specific interests and career goals. All students complete a core set of requirements and can determine in consultation with faculty and their academic advisor which specific option to follow. The option will be documented on the final transcript.
Environmental Studies Standard Option
To provide depth within a particular discipline within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural (CASNR) resources, the standard option is to choose a minor from a disciplinary area within CASNR. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.
Natural Resources Option
This option provides disciplinary knowledge and proficiency in the collection, synthesis, and interpretation of information/data in the disciplines represented in the School of Natural Resources courses (NRES, WATS, SOIL, RNGE). Three of the courses need to be at the 300 level or above. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.
Collaborative Programs
Choose from one of two collaborative programs – Public Health and Pre-Law. These course sequences are designed for students interested in pursuing post-undergraduate degrees. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
Accelerated Program
Students may complete the Community and Regional Planning Accelerated Program. The course sequence is designed for students interested in pursuing a post-undergraduate degree. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
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 sciences, and 2 units of world language. Students must also meet performance requirements: a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average OR an ACT composite of 20 or higher, writing portion not required OR a score of 1040 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading and Math sections 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.
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 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, or within the first calendar year at Nebraska, whichever takes longer. 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 the 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 ensure that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.
World Languages/Language Requirement
Two units of a world language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.
Experiential Learning
All undergraduates in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources must take an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.
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 their 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 the 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
- Nebraska Indian Community College
- 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 are 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. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
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 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and participate in prior-approved education abroad programs. The 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 the 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. Students transferring from a community college, but without admission to a Joint Academic Transfer Program, may be eligible to fulfill the requirements as stated in the catalog for an academic year in which they were enrolled at the community college prior to attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision should be made in consultation with academic advisors, provided the student a) was enrolled in a community college during the catalog year they are utilizing, b) maintained continuous enrollment at the previous institution for 1 academic year or more, and c) continued enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within 1 calendar year from their last term at the previous institution. 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 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln 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 and sustainability 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 humans 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 for Change | ||
| Writing and Communities | ||
| Basic Business Communication | ||
| Technical Communication I | ||
| Select one Oral Communication (ACE 2) course of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Leadership | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Select one Communication and Interpersonal Skills elective of the following: | 3 | |
Any ACE 1 course (UNL approved list) | ||
Any ACE 2 course (UNL approved list) | ||
| Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Economics (ACE 6) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Economics of Agriculture | ||
| Economic Essentials and Issues | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Humanities & Social Science | ||
| Select one ACE 5 Humanities | 3 | |
| Select one ACE 7 Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 21 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Specific Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental and Sustainability Studies Core | ||
| ENVR 101 | Environmental & Sustainability Studies Orientation | 1 |
| ENVR 201 | Science, Systems, Environment and Sustainability (ACE 8) | 3 |
| ENVR 249 / NRES 249 | Individual and Cultural Perspectives on the Environment (ACE 9) | 3 |
| ENVR 319 | Environmental Engagement and the Community | 2 |
| ENVR 334 / PSYC 334 | Psychology of Environmental Sustainability | 3 |
| ENVR 489 | Environmental Studies Senior Thesis I 1 | 1 |
| or ENVR 489H | Honors: Environmental Studies Senior Thesis I | |
| ENVR 499 | Environmental Studies Senior Thesis II 1 | 2 |
| or ENVR 499H | Honors: Environmental Studies Senior Thesis II | |
| ENVR 495 | Internship in Environmental & Sustainability Studies | 1 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 16 | |
| 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 / PLAS 153 | Soil Resources | 4 |
| Climate | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment | ||
| Climate in Crisis | ||
| Climate Literacy in Natural Resources | ||
| Earth Systems | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Energy in Perspective | ||
| Dynamic Earth | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Geology of National Parks and Monuments | ||
| Frontiers in Antarctic Geosciences | ||
| Elements of Physical Geography | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| Earth's Natural Resource Systems Laboratory | ||
| Water | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| University Honors Seminar | ||
| Water in Society | ||
| Geospatial Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| GIS in Environmental Design and Planning | ||
| Principles of GIS | ||
| Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 23 | |
| Human Behavior, Leadership and Change | ||
| Select three courses. One course from each of the two following areas, with at least 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level. | 9 | |
| Human Behavior | ||
| Anthropology of the Great Plains | ||
| Introduction to Great Plains Studies | ||
| Ecological Anthropology | ||
| Human Rights, Environment, and Development | ||
| Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy | ||
| University Honors Seminar | ||
| The Environment and the French-Speaking World | ||
| Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| Historical Geography of the Great Plains | ||
| Spatial and Environmental Influences in Social Systems | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Leadership and Change | ||
| Legal Aspects in Agriculture | ||
| Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Ethics in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Digital Imaging and Storytelling in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Leadership | ||
| Organizing Social Change | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Environmental Education and Interpretation | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Ancillary Courses 2 | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 102 | Trigonometry (or higher) | 3-5 |
| Statistics | ||
| STAT 218 | Introduction to Statistics (or equivalent (ACE 3)) | 3 |
| Biological Sciences | ||
| Select one sequence from the following: | 4 | |
| General Biology and General Biology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Science and Agronomic Plant Science Laboratory | ||
| Plant Science and Horticultural Plant Science Laboratory | ||
| Plant Science and Plant Sciences Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology I laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Biology II and Fundamentals of Biology II Laboratory | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| Select one sequence from the following: | 4 | |
| Chemistry in Context I and Chemistry in Context I Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Fundamental Chemistry I and Fundamental Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Physics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Physical Principles in Agriculture and Life Sciences | ||
| Descriptive Physics | ||
| Physics for Life Sciences I | ||
| Elements of Physics | ||
| College Core Requirements | 18 | |
| Program Option Area | 30 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 69 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 117 | |
- 1
ENVR 489 & ENVR 499 are the capstone courses for environmental and sustainability studies majors and both must be completed to fulfill the ACE 10 requirement.
ENVR 489H & ENVR 499H are the capstone courses for Honor students and both must be completed to fulfill the ACE 10 requirement.- 2
For students in pre-professional tracks or considering graduate studies, MATH 104 or MATH 106, CHEM 109A/CHEM 109L & CHEM 110A/CHEM 110L, PHYS 141, and LIFE 120/LIFE 120L plus LIFE 121/LIFE 121L are the recommended courses.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies Options
Environmental Studies Standard Option
The standard option is to choose a minor from a disciplinary area within CASNR. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and Law | ||
| Policy | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Policy Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Hazard Mitigation Planning | ||
| Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy | ||
| Natural Resources Policy | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Public Policy: Concepts and Processes | ||
| Public Policy Analysis: Methods and Models | ||
| Climate Change: Policy and Politics | ||
| Law | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource and Environmental Law | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Free electives | 6-12 | |
| Choose a CASNR Minor or second major. Select in consultation with your academic advisor. | 12-18 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 30 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Natural Resources Option
The Natural Resources option provides disciplinary knowledge and proficiency in the collection, synthesis, and interpretation of information/data in the disciplines represented in the School of Natural Resources courses (NRES, SOIL, RNGE). Other disciplines may be accepted with permission of the program director. Three of the courses need to be at the 300 level or above. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and Law | ||
| Policy | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Policy Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Hazard Mitigation Planning | ||
| Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy | ||
| Natural Resources Policy | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Public Policy: Concepts and Processes | ||
| Public Policy Analysis: Methods and Models | ||
| Climate Change: Policy and Politics | ||
| Law | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource and Environmental Law | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Free electives | 6-12 | |
| Natural Resources Courses: Six courses and a minimum of 18 hours of coursework in natural resources courses (NRES, SOIL, RNGE). Three of the courses need to be at the 300 level or above. | 18 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 30 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Collaborative Programs
Choose from one of two collaborative programs – Public Health and Pre-Law. These course sequences are designed for students interested in pursuing post-undergraduate degrees. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health – Collaborative Program with University of Nebraska Medical Center | 18 | |
| 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) | ||
| Free Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Pre-Law (Year 4) - Nebraska College of Law
The 3-3 Law Program allows qualified undergraduate students to begin studies at the University of Nebraska College of Law after three years of undergraduate studies. Students admitted to the program will use the credit hours awarded in the first year at the College of Law to complete their undergraduate degree requirements. The 3-3 Law Program allows students to receive their Bachelor’s degree and their Juris Doctor degree in six years rather than the traditional seven years.
For additional information, go to https://law.unl.edu/3-3-program-information/.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 College of Law | ||
| Complete the First Year Curriculum in the College of Law. First Year curriculum can be found on the College of Law website - https://law.unl.edu/first-year-curriculum | 30 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 30 | |
Additional Major Requirements
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
Environmental and sustainability studies majors must earn a grade of C or above is required for all courses in the major, including those in the major Core; Human Behavior, Leadership, and Change requirements; and Option requirements. Ancillary courses are excluded from this requirement.
Pass/No Pass
No course taken Pass/No Pass will be counted toward the major (excluding ancillary courses) unless offered exclusively with a grade option of Pass/No Pass. This includes courses in the major Core; Human Behavior, Leadership, and Change requirements; and Option requirements.
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 & Sustainability 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 of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Ecology and Evolution | ||
| GIS in Environmental Design and Planning | ||
| Energy in Perspective | ||
| Elements of Physical Geography | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| Principles of GIS | ||
| Dynamic Earth | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Geology of National Parks and Monuments | ||
| Frontiers in Antarctic Geosciences | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment | ||
| Climate in Crisis | ||
| Earth's Natural Resource Systems Laboratory | ||
| Climate Literacy in Natural Resources | ||
| Principles of Ecology and Ecology Laboratory (Recommended) | ||
| Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | ||
| Climate Change: Policy and Politics | ||
| Water in Society | ||
| Soil Resources | ||
| Introduction to Water Science | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Human Dimensions | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| 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 | ||
| Agroecology | ||
| Conflict and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Exploring Cross Cultural Diversities | ||
| 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 | ||
| Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Theories of Persuasion | ||
| Independent Study in Communication Studies | ||
| Communication and Social Identity | ||
| The Community and the Future | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Environmental Impact Assessment | ||
| Hazard Mitigation Planning | ||
| Literature and the Environment | ||
| Energy in Perspective | ||
| Introduction to Energy Systems | ||
| Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy | ||
| University Honors Seminar | ||
| Introductory Human Geography | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| Geography of World Regions | ||
| Historical Geography of the Great Plains | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Spatial and Environmental Influences in Social Systems | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Social Justice, Human Rights and the Media | ||
| Special Topics (Climate Change Magazine Production is the course that is applicable) | ||
| Management Essentials For Contemporary Organizations | ||
| Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation | ||
| Environmental Communication Skills | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Education and Interpretation | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Writing and Briefing for the National Security Enterprise | ||
| Analysis for the National Security Establishment | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Comparative 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 | ||
| The United Nations and World Politics | ||
| Globalization, Human Rights and Diversity | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| The Psychology of Social Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Diversity | ||
| Psychology of Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Rural Sociology | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Economics and Policy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Economics of Agriculture | ||
| Policy Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources | ||
| World Food Economics | ||
| Natural Resource and Environmental Law | ||
| Water Law | ||
| Environmental Planning and Policy | ||
| Economic Essentials and Issues | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Natural Resources Policy | ||
| 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 the advising process.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ARCH 107 | Sustainability Basics and the Built 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 & Sustainability 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: | ||
| Building Environmental Technical Systems I 1 | ||
| Principles of Environmental Engineering 1 | ||
| Special Topics in Civil Engineering | ||
| Sustainable Construction | ||
| Landscape and Environmental Appreciation (ACE 7 & 9) | ||
| 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 | ||
| Landscape and Environmental Appreciation | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Resources | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Track 3: Food, Environment, and the Landscape | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Landscape Management Solutions 1 | ||
| Agroecology (ACE 10) | ||
Any 400-level PLAS course | ||
| World Food Economics (ACE 9) 1 | ||
| Planting Design | ||
| Ecological Landscape Design | ||
| Critical Thinking in Landscape Management | ||
| 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.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with the Master of Community and Regional Planning
In an accelerated program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses toward both the current undergraduate degree and the later graduate degree. Students must apply for graduate admission and be accepted prior to enrollment. For more information, visit https://graduate.unl.edu/academics/programs/accelerated-masters/accelerated-masters-faq.
The following courses are approved for this program:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CRPL 800 | Introduction to Planning (replaces CRPL 400) | 3 |
| CRPL 830 | Planning with GIS (replaces CRPL 433) | 3 |
| CRPL 863 | Land Use and Transportation Planning (replaces CRPL 463) | 3 |
| CRPL 870 | Environmental Planning and Policy (replaces CRPL 470) | 3 |
Grading Requirements
Grading rules as defined by the undergraduate degree/major apply. Please consult your academic advisor and/or the department graduate chair for grading policy as it relates to credit applying toward a graduate degree.
Description: Introduction to the Environmental Studies program and community. Weekly group discussions focus on majoring in and pursuing a career in Environmental Studies. Topics address the philosophy and structure of the program, exploring local environmental issues, and connecting academic work to career pursuits.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
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
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 4 Science ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 4 Science ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity
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.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Description: Applications of psychological principles to understand human transactions with their environments and find behavior-based solutions to environmental problems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
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.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
| Experiential Learning: | Community Engagement |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: ENVR major or minor; junior or senior standing
First course of a two-semester sequence of courses consisting of ENVR 489 and 499. Letter Grade only.
Description: Preparation for writing the required senior thesis.
This course is a prerequisite for: ENVR 499
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: University Honors Program; ENVR major or minor; junior or senior standing;
First course of a two-semester sequence of courses consisting of ENVR 489H and 499H. Letter Grade only.
Description: Preparation for writing the required senior thesis.
This course is a prerequisite for: ENVR 499H
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
| Experiential Learning: | Research |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Experience in off-campus setting that is directly relevant to environmental studies.
| Credit Hours: | 1-4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Independent reading or research under direction of a faculty member.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: ENVR 489
Description: Required thesis written under the supervision of the emphasis advisor or a faculty member designated by the advisor.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: ENVR 489H
Description: Required thesis written under the supervision of the emphasis advisor or a faculty member designated by the advisor.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
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 & Sustainability Studies
Critical Milestones
- You must declare a required minor by this term.
Graduation Requirements
- 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 Education Intern, Pottawatomie Conservation – Honey Creek, IA
- Assistant Scientist, Olsson – Lincoln, NE
- Scientist, State of Nebraska Department of Agriculture – Lincoln, NE
- Manager, Glacial Till Winery – Lincoln, NE
- Integrated Water Management Planner Assistant, Nebraska Dept of Natural Resources – Lincoln, NE
- Biological Technician, United States Dept of Agriculture-AMRU – Lincoln, NE
- Crime Analyst, Lincoln Police Department – Lincoln, NE
- Integrated Management Technical Assistant, Nebraska Dept of Natural Resources – Lincoln, NE
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...
- Integrated Water Management Planner Assistant, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
- Biological Technician, USDA-AMRU - Lincoln NE
- Natural Resource Intern, JEO Consulting - Lincoln NE
- Pathways Intern, USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Services - Lincoln NE
- Permaculture Intern, Big Island Farms - Honokaa HI
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master's Degree, Natural Resources, 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, Humboldt 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
- Juris Doctorate, University of Nebraska College of Law – Lincoln, NE