Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Studies (BS)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

Federal CIP: 03.0103 Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies program at Southern Wesleyan University incorporates the conceptual focus areas of ecology, natural history, environmental economics, environmental law and policy, sustainability, and creation care into a curriculum that addresses current trends in research, public interest, and employment growth. The goal of the program is to create an engaging, relevant, multi-disciplinary program of study that prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in environmental consulting, environmental services, environmental education, and research arenas as well as for graduate degree programs in a variety of related fields. In addition to exploring scientific theory and practice, knowledge of the natural world, and legal issues, the Environmental Studies curriculum integrates the creation care elements of stewardship, ethics, and wilderness spirituality into the existing environmental dialog.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Studies are expected to exhibit and demonstrate an understanding of the following central ideas and concepts.

  • Distributions and abundances of species are not random and there are usually underlying causes that can be investigated and uncovered.
  • The maintenance of Earth’s biodiversity is of utmost importance and there are many factors which influence biodiversity.
  • Familiarity with local flora and fauna and the ability to identify common species by sight and sound are rare and valuable skills.
  • There are fundamental principles, practical benefits, appropriate methods, and unique challenges inherent to the concept of sustainability in the 21st century.
  • Knowledge of environmental law and policy at local, national, and international levels is necessary for effectively understanding the range of environmental issues existing today.
  • The role of the natural world in spiritual formation has significant historical roots and there are substantial reasons to promote the care of creation.

Environmental Studies (BS) Requirements


Specified Core Curriculum


Students earning a bachelor’s degree must complete all Core Curriculum  requirements. The following specific core curriculum course(s) is required.

Electives


In addition to core curriculum (40-44 credit hours) and major course requirements, students must complete elective coursework appropriate to their degree. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required the Environmental Studies (BS), including elective coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to identify courses that complement their program area. 

Students planning to attend graduate school may need to take one or more of the following courses; faculty will advise accordingly.

Summary


   
Core Curriculum  Requirements  40-44 hrs.


Major Requirements 53-57 hrs.


Electives 19-27 hrs.


 

Total: 120 hrs.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs