Environmental Studies B.A.

This is an interdisciplinary major under the authority of the vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean. The program is administered by the environment program coordinator.

The environmental studies major is designed to serve those interested in a broader knowledge of the natural environment and the role of humans in that environment. Students begin with a foundation of knowledge in economics, policy, science, humanities, and statistics. Carefully chosen electives, a required practical internship or research experience, and a capstone seminar provide depth of experience and help students prepare for graduate and professional programs as well as for careers in education, government service, and the private sector.

Admission Requirements

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Students are required to take 2 semester(s) of any second language.

Selection of electives must be intentional and done in close consultation with an environmental studies adviser. Students must submit an elective plan (preferably by the end of sophomore year), to be reviewed and approved by the environment program coordinator and the other voting members of the environment program.

Elective plans must be designed to ensure that there is sufficient depth of coverage in the chosen ENST electives. For many students, a double-major (or minor) with a closely related disciplinary major is desirable. For some majors, electives can be selected in such a way that many of the courses in a coherent environmental studies elective plan also count toward the second major. Other elective courses, not listed below, may be appropriate to add depth and provide more theoretical context for the environmentally focused coursework (requires written approval of course instructor and the program coordinator). For instance, POL 3421 - International Organizations might be an appropriate elective for students wishing to understand international environmental policy. Some generally focused courses (ENGL 3032 - Creative Nonfiction for example) are appropriate if course project topics are environmentally themed.

No grades below C- are allowed. Required courses may not be taken S-N unless offered S-N only.

A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the major to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.