Earth Systems Science & Policy, B. S.~ Environmental Science Education Emphasis Requirements

Note that many of the courses listed below have required lab components.

MLO 1 Quantitative Foundations ~ Students must be able to apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to communicate quantitative information within the context of Earth Systems Science & Policy.

MLO 2 Earth Systems Science & Policy Foundations ~ Students must be able to apply basic scientific principles and methods to the study of: (a) major physical and life science components of the earth system, including the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere, as well as the chemical and physical processes underlying these components, and (b) human components of the earth system including the social, economic, and political structures that shape our interactions without environment.

MLO 3 Natural Science Competency ~ Students must be able to understand, use, and accurately communicate advanced scientific concepts.

MLO 4 Policy Competency ~ Students must understand and accurately communicate state, federal, and local political structures and processes and their relationships, as well as landmark environmental laws and regulations.

MLO 5 Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Display ~ Demonstrate proficiency with current technologies for acquiring, analyzing, and displaying data relevant to a real-world problem.

  • Choose one of the following focus areas:
    Multimedia Complete CST 201 Media Tools;
    Mass Communication Outreach Complete TAT 337;
    GIS/GPS/RS Complete ESSP 332

MLO 6  Systems Approach to Environmental Decision Making ~ Students must be able to demonstrate skill in the application of general systems theory, system modeling, stakeholder analysis, cost/benefit analysis or other interdisciplinary analysis tools to evaluate the equitability and the effectiveness of alternative environmental decisions, policies, or actions.

MLO 7 Area of Concentration ~ Students must be able to apply advanced knowledge and skills in technology, teaching, and natural history.

  • Group I—Technology Skills
    Add one course to the same technology focus chosen in MLO 5:
    Multimedia Complete CST 328 or CST 251;
    Mass Communication Outreach Complete TAT 339 or TAT 361;
    GIS/GPS/RS Complete ESSP 436
  • Group II—Teaching Experience
    Complete one service learning course with a teaching focus: ESSP 349S; ESSP 369S
  • Group III—Natural History
    Complete one of the following courses not taken for MLO 3: BIO 342; BIO 345; BIO 346; BIO 347; GEOL 360; another natural History course approved by your advisor

MLO 8 Scientific Inquiry ~ Students must use the scientific method to design, conduct, and interpret natural science and/or social science investigations, and understand the ethical norms that guide scientific practice.

MLO 9 Effective Communication ~ Students must present clearly (in both written and oral formats) analyses of complex Earth Systems Science & Policy issues.

MLO 10 Service Learning ~ Students must demonstrate the ability to combine disciplinary knowledge and community experiences to share the relevance and importance of science with culturally, linguistically, technologically, and economically diverse populations in the context of issues of social responsibility, justice, diversity, and compassion.

  • Complete one of the following: ESSP 349S; ESSP 369S; ESSP 384S