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2018-2019 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin
Columbia Campus
   
2018-2019 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2018-2019 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Environmental Science, B.S.



Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts in environmental sciences.
  • When presented with a scientific question or hypothesis, students will be able to form an appropriate research plan and identify sources of error in the resulting data or analyses.
  • Students will demonstrate strong analytical writing skills.
  • Students will demonstrate strong oral communication skills.

Admission, Progression and Transfer Standards

  1. Any student applying for transfer to the environmental science major from other programs within the University, or from accredited colleges and universities, is required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale.
  2. Environmental Science majors may enroll in an environmental science course a maximum of two times to earn the required grade of C or higher. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment.

Special Opportunities

The major endorses the use of independent study courses to further students’ intellectual pursuits in alternative ways. Before students may register for an independent study course, they must submit a completed independent study contract which has been approved by the major advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. (No student may apply more than 6 hours of independent study credits toward the degree). A grade-point average of 2.75 or greater is required to enroll in independent study courses.

Degree Requirements (128 Hours)

1. Carolina Core


CMW: Carolina Core Effective, Engaged and Persuasive Communication: Writing (6 Hours)


Must be passed with a grade of C or higher

ARP: Carolina Core Analytical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Writing (A Minimum of 12 Hours)


Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:

Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 12 hours, as specified by the major program, to include:

SCI: Carolina Core Scientific Literacy (8 Hours)


Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirements (16 Hours in addition to the 8 SCI Carolina Core Hours)

GFL: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding (0-9 Hours)


Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences requirements:

  • Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required for all baccalaureate degrees. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.

It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.

GHS: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (6 Hours)


Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:

  • Two courses in History at the 100 level- one non-US history and one US history

GSS: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (9 Hours)


Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:

AIU: Aesthetic & Interpretive Understanding (3 Hours)


Any approved Carolina Core AIU course in fine arts or literature.

Program-Specific Ethics Requirement (3 Hours)


OR

  • PHIL 312, 320-325, 360, 514 or 550

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements: (3-9 Hours)


Up to two of these requirements may be met in overlay courses. At least one of these requirements must be satisfied by a course not applied elsewhere in general education. 

CMS: Carolina Core Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Speech (3 Hours)


Select from the following: PHIL 325; SAEL 200; SPCH 140, 145, 213, 230, 260

INF: Carolina Core Information Literacy (0-3 Hours)


Select from the following: ENGL 102 (recommended); or LIBR 101, SLIS 202, SPCH 145, STAT 112

VSR: Carolina Core Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (3 Hours)


Any approved Carolina Core VSR course

2. Environmental Science Major


Pre-Major Requirements (8 Hours)


Environmental Literacy

Major Requirements (34-36 Hours)


All majors must complete at least 34-36 hours of approved courses which must include the core requirements of 17-18 hours. Majors must complete 17-18 additional hours in selective courses to bring them to the required 34-36 hours total. Students are required to develop a program of study in consultation with their advisor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses used to fulfill major requirements. Any modifications to the program of study require the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Required Courses (17-18 Hours)


Selected Courses with Advisor Approval (17-18 Hours)


Students, in consultation with their assigned advisor, must develop a program of study which either provides a broad set environmental science courses or allows students to focus in a defined area. Given the current course offerings and faculty expertise at the University, if a student wanted to focus their elective course work, possible areas include: Natural Systems, Climate and Weather, Water Resources, Energy, or Humans and the Environment. All Students’ selective courses should include at least 2 courses taken at the 400 level.  All courses may be selected from ENVR designator classes, but if not ENVR classes, then no more than 3 should be from a single discipline and no more than one Research Methods course.

Courses Acceptable for Major Credit:

From Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering:


Research Methods Courses:


Not required, but if selected; only one of these three may be taken for credit towards the major

3. Electives for B.S. Degrees


No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification of inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.