May 10, 2025  
2015-2016 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Studies Comprehensive, B.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges/Departments/Programs

The environmental studies degree consists of a curriculum core which provides the student with a general background in major components of the environmental area. Upon completion of this core, students will follow one of six possible concentrations: environmental science; resource management; aquatic science; environmental engineering; or sustainability.  

Note:  Effective Fall 2012, the Historic Preservation concentration under the Environmental Studies major has been merged into the Historic Preservation/Public History Concentration under the major. (Board of Governors, June 2012).

Curriculum for a Comprehensive Major in Environmental Studies


Total hours required (including free electives), 120 Hours:


 

Core Curriculum requirements (not required by concentrations), 35-39 Hours:


 

Portfolio Requirement for Environmental Studies Major:


It is required that each major complete a portfolio prior to graduation. See advisor for specific details.

Environmental Science Concentration


The environmental science concentration is designed to prepare the student for a future in scientific study of the environment, with the broad range of topics covered providing the student with perspective on the numerous parameters environmental scientists must consider in their work. Skills necessary for employment in the environmental field and graduate study are important components of this concentration.

Additional specific Core Curriculum requirements, 11-12 Hours:


 

Concentration requirements, 34-36 Hours:


 

Note(s):


*Cell Biology () is required for enrollment in Genetics ().

**Cell Biology () or Genetics () is required for Molecular Biology ().

 

Four-Year Course Progression


Environmental Science Concentration
FALL   FIRST YEAR     SPRING   FIRST YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
ENVS 201   Dimensions of Environmental Science I 4   ENVS 202   Dimensions of Environmental Science II 4
BIOL 208, 208L   Plants as Organisms 4   BIOL 209, 209L   Animals as Organisms 4
Core Curriculum   ENGL 101 3   Core Curriculum 1 History 3
ENVS 101   Environmental Studies First-Year Experience 1   Elective   Elective 3-4
Elective   Elective 3-4       TOTAL 14-15
    TOTAL 15-16          
         
FALL   SECOND YEAR     SPRING   SECOND YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
MATH 205   Calculus with Applications OR     CHEM 209/209L   General Chemistry II 4
MATH 314   Statistics 3-4   ENVS/BIOL   ENVS and BIOL Applications 4
CHEM 207, 207L   General Chemistry I 4   Core Curriculum   ENGL 104 3
ENVS 306   Environmental Policy 3   Core Curriculum 2 SOC-SCI 3
Core Curriculum 2 Humanities 3   Core Curriculum 2 Wellness 3
Core Curriculum 2 Arts 3       TOTAL 17
    TOTAL 16-17          
         
FALL   THIRD YEAR     SPRING   THIRD YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
PHYS 201/201L   College Physics I 4   PHYS 202/202L   College Physics II 4
ENVS 401   Conservation Ecology 4   Core Curriculum 2 SOC-SCI 3
Core Curriculum 2 SOC-SCI 3   ENVS 460   Environmental Research Capstone 4
GSCI 301   Physical Geology 4   Core Curriculum 2 Humanities 3
    TOTAL 15       TOTAL 14
         
FALL   FOURTH YEAR     SPRING   FOURTH YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
ENVS/BIOL   ENVS or BIOL Applications 4   CHEM   Chemical Science 4
ENVS 462   Environmental Internship Capstone 1   ENVS/GSCI   Earth Sciences 4
ENVS/GSCI   Earth Sciences 4   ENVS 390   Geographic Information Systems 4
ENVS 461   Environmental Internship 3       TOTAL 12
    TOTAL 12          
              DEGREE TOTAL 120
         

 

Resource Management Concentration


The resource management concentration provides the student with a strong, interdisciplinary background in the environmental arena. Upon completion of this option, students will be able  to investigate and implement policies relating to the environment, be prepared for employment in state and national parks, undertake environmental advocacy, develop programs for cultural and physical resource management and education, and continue study at the graduate level.

Concentration requirements, 35-39 Hours:


 

Note(s):

 *For students taking these courses, Plants and Animals as Organisms (BIOL 208, 209) is preferred

Aquatic Science Concentration


The aquatic science concentration provides training in the practical skills required to directly enter employment in industry, consulting firms, or government in positions where practitioners monitor or ameliorate aquatic habitats. In addition, the aquatic science concentration would prepare students who plan to pursue graduate studies in a diverse range of disciplines such as aquaculture, fisheries management, and ecology.

Environmental Engineering Concentration


The environmental engineering concentration is designed to prepare the student for a future in application of engineering technology to environmental issues and problems. The need for trained environmental engineers is illustrated through the numerous employment opportunities available for individuals trained in this field in industry, at state and federal agencies, and with environmental consulting firms. The program structure provides the student with the skills to achieve success in this challenging field and with further field experience through a required internship. Instructional emphasis also prepares the student with the academic skills necessary for graduate study in environmental engineering.

Environmental Sustainability Concentration


The environmental sustainability concentration provides students with a strong background in environmental studies with an emphasis on sustainability. The program explores ways of meeting humanity’s current and future needs for energy, food, and shelter that are scientifically, socially, and economically viable and that do not compromise earth’s resources and ecological systems. Students develop a specific research problem in sustainability and acquire hands-on training in courses, at the Renewable Energy Demonstration site, and through a required internship.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges/Departments/Programs