Environmental Studies

What Is Environmental Studies ?

During an era when the world is facing a wide range of environmental problems that are in the news virtually every day, environmental studies (EVST) has become a particularly timely and important major.  The environmental studies major provides an opportunity for the systematic investigation of the natural world and the interaction of humans with their own environment. Environmental issues and conflicts of this century are highly complex and transcend traditional academic disciplines. The goal of the environmental studies program at UC is to provide the interdisciplinary training and conceptual framework required to analyze and respond to the complex and dynamic environmental problems of the modern world.

The solutions to environmental issues and conflicts will continue to require expertise from the natural and social sciences such as biology, economics, engineering and political sciences, but the real-world solutions will also require a more interdisciplinary perspective. They require professionals who take a systems approach: an approach that addresses the complex interrelationships within and among components of natural, built and social environments.

The goal of our environmental studies curriculum is to produce professionals with a strong foundation in the key sciences who also "speak the languages" of the multiple disciplines involved in environmental problem solving and who have learned to interact in interdisciplinary teams. The curriculum includes courses that examine the biological environment (e.g., biology and ecology), the physical environment (e.g., chemistry, geology and geography), and the social-human environment (e.g., policy, ethics and economics). The curriculum also emphasizes the acquisition of "tools of the trade," such as field and lab skills, data analysis, the identification of plants and animals, and computer-based approaches such as satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems.

Success Factors

The keys to success in environmental studies are both a curiosity about and a passion for the natural world. The complex nature of environmental issues and solutions also requires creativity in problem-solving, flexibility, imagination and a talent for both written and oral communication. Successful students have strong analytical and critical thinking skills and an interest in the sciences that form the foundation of UC’s approach to environmental studies.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of environmental studies may choose to pursue professional careers after the B.S. or to continue their studies in either graduate schools (master's or Ph.D. in fields such as biology, ecology or environmental science/studies) or professional schools (e.g., law school, education, or medicine). Career opportunities include positions in federal, state and local agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms and academic institutions. Examples of potential careers include:

• Air or water pollution analyst
• Aquatic ecologist 
• Resource, land or lake management 
• Ecologist or biological researcher 
• Environmental agency or nonprofit official
• Environmental consultant 
• Environmental risk assessor
• Environmental attorney 
• Environmental compliance analyst
• Hydrologist/limnologist
• Park naturalist or ranger
• Environmental mediator/negotiator
• Hazardous waste manager
• Satellite remote sensing

• Geographic information systems specialist 
• Conservation biologist 
• Natural resource specialist
• Environmental protection specialist
• Wetlands/grasslands restoration specialist 
• Zoologist/wildlife biologist
• Waterway restoration specialist
• Policy analyst

Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site.

Major Details

One of the key advantages of the environmental studies curriculum is its diversity and flexibility. Students start with a unified core of courses but can specialize in areas of concentration by selecting upper-level electives, research opportunities and internships that reflect their interests and long-term goals. Although much of the curriculum draws on courses offered across multiple colleges of the university, it unifies students in the program through two unique sequences. Both are team-taught by environmental studies faculty and cover the diverse areas and skills of the various disciplines that make up this uniquely interdisciplinary field.

The introductory sequence integrates lectures, case studies, videos and Web exploration. The second, the two-quarter environmental studies capstone sequence, is a projects-based course that provides opportunities for seniors to apply what they have learned to real-world situations, sites and problems.

Students work with the environmental studies advisor to design an elective track suited to their long-term goals. Program electives are available from environmental studies, numerous other departments within the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. The approved list of electives is frequently updated and can be obtained from the environmental studies Web site or the environmental studies office (612 Rieveschl). Other curricular aspects of the program include seminar series, a student environmental organization (LEAP), professional development workshops and internships. The degree program is 180 total credits.

A&S offers flexible degree requirements which allow and encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives in many majors allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Some of the most common pairings are listed below.

• Anthropology
• Biochemistry
• Biology 
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Geography
• Geology
• Journalism
• Political science
• Spanish

Minor Details

I. Environmental Studies (15MIN EVST)

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Environmental Science I, II, & III	EVST 101, 102, 103	9
Applied Calculus I & II            or                                    Calculus I, II and lab	MATH 226- 227 or    MATH251,252,256	6 - 10
Biology Lecture and Lab	BIOL 101/111-102/112-103/113	15
Ecology	BIOL 303	4
Environmental Law & Policy	EVST 600	3
Environmental Ethics	PHIL 325	3
Choose two of the following: (a), (b), (c), or (d)		6
(a) Economics and the Environment	22ECON 592
(b) Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS	GEOG 376
(c) Ecotoxicology	BIOL 666
(d) Environmental Risk Analysis	EVST 610
Two upper level Environmental Studies electives	see major electives list	6-8
	Total: 52-58

Note: In addition to the courses above, students needing Social Sciences (SS) credit are strongly recommended to select one of the following sequences:

• 22 ECON 101, 102 (SS): Introduction to Economics, 6 credits
• 15 POL 110, 111 (SS): American Politics I & II, 6 credits

II. Environmental Analysis & Policy (15MIN EVAP)

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Environmental Science I, II, & III	EVST 101, 102, 103	9
Environmental Law & Policy	EVST 600	3
Environmental Ethics	PHIL 325	3
Choose one of the following: (a), (b), or (c)		3
(a) International Environmental Law & Policy	22ECON 601
(b) Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS	GEOG 376
(c) Environmental Planning & Policy	23 PLAN 609
Choose one of the following: (a), (b), or (c)		3
(a) Economics and the Environment	22ECON 592
(b) Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS	GEOG 376
(c) Environmental Risk Analysis	EVST 610
Three upper level Environmental Studies electives	see major electives list	9-12
	Total: 30-33

Note: In addition to the courses above, students needing Social Sciences (SS) credit are strongly recommended to select one of the following sequences:

• 22 ECON 101, 102 (SS): Introduction to Economics, 6 credits
• 15 POL 110, 111 (SS): American Politics I & II, 6 credits

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

College Requirements Checklist

Majors should see the departmental advisor early in their program to discuss their interests and departmental requirements and to plan their schedule. After the sophomore year, students may be considered for an environmental internship, which counts toward their upper-level elective requirements. Environmental studies student internships have ranged from the EPA and the National Park Service to local and national nonprofits, such as the Cincinnati Zoo and the Wilderness Society.

First Year	Course Number	Credits
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
Biology Lecture and Lab	BIOL 101/111, 102/112, 103-113	15
First Year Chemistry Lecture and Lab	CHEM 101/111, 102/112, 103/113	15
Environmental Science I, II, & III	EVST 101, 102, 103	9
Total for first year		45

Second Year	Course Number	Credits
*Intermediate Composition	ENGL 289	3
*Foreign Language	see checklist	15
Foundations of Applied Calculus (or substitution, or waiver)	MATH 224 (QR)	0-3
Applied Calculus I & II [see note below]	MATH 226, 227 (QR)	6
Introduction to Economics I & II	22ECON 101, 102 (SS)	6
Amercian Politics I & II	POL 110, 111 (SS)	6
Ecology	BIOL 303	4
Select one of the following three obtions: (a), (b), or (c)		6
(a) Climate:Environmental Geography I & Landscape: Environmental Geography II	GEOG 101, 102
(b) Petrology, and Mineralogy	GEOL 201, 202
(c) Geomorphology, and Structural Geology	GEOL 203, 204
Total for second year		46-49

Third Year	Course Number	Credits
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
*Humanities, Literature, or Fine Arts (HU, LT, or FA)	see offerings	3
College Physics and Lab	PHYS 101/111, 102/112, 103/113	15
Environmental Ethics	PHIL 325 (HU/SE)	3
Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS	GEOG 376	3
Environmental Law and Policy	EVST 600	3
Select one of the following two options: (a) or (b)		3
(a) Ecotoxicology	BIOL 666
(b) Environmental Risk Analysis	BIOL 610
Environmental Studies Electives	see major electives list	9
Free electives	see offerings	3
Total for third year		45

Fourth Year	Course Number	Credits
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	9
Environmental Studies Electives	see major electives list	21
Economics and the Environment	22ECON 592	3
Environmental Capstone	EVST 501, 502	8
Free electives to bring total hours to 180	see offerings	4
Total for fourth year (varies)		45
Minimum total overall		180

*Needed to fulfill A&S college requirements.

[Note] Mathematics - A major in Environmental Studies must take either (a) or (b):
     (a) Applied Calculus I & II, 15MATH226-227 (6 cr.)
     (b) Calculus I & II 251, 252/256 (10 cr.)

Special Opportunities

Students in A&S enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

The University of Cincinnati and its Center for Environmental Studies present an ideal physical and intellectual location in which to study, producing broadly trained, interdisciplinary environmental professionals. Cincinnati is an urban area surrounded by rural communities; this urban-to-wild land gradient provides an array of diverse ecosystems for academic study and research. As such, the local environment is challenged by both the municipal and industrial needs of a city, and the broad impact of activities such as farming and land management.

UC is home to a diverse faculty and a rich curriculum that actively address environmental issues and problems. Faculty in the center have many interests and are drawn from several departments of the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (e.g., biological sciences, geography, geology, economics and communication), the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, as well as from professional scientists of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The expertise within the university is supplemented by the presence of three major research divisions of the EPA: the National Center for Environmental Assessment, the National Environmental Research Laboratory and the National Risk Management Research Laboratory. The close proximity (across the street!) of the EPA facility markedly expands the resources available to environmental research and education, and many UC students have held positions and internships at the EPA. Additional opportunities include affiliated student environmental groups such as LEAP (Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection), undergraduate research opportunities, and internships with local or national agencies and organizations.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA. Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Additional college-prep subjects (3 units)

*A&S does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English Composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

A&S students must meet the college residency requirement of 45.0 hours which begins immediately upon matriculation in the college and consists of courses taught within McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 180 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 180.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 45 credits after matriculating into the college. These minimum 45 credits must be taught within A&S and also must be completed after gaining admission to the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).