Environmental Science and Policy (BS)

Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) is an interdisciplinary program that explores the past, current, and future status of Earth’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and processes, and how changes to our planet affect humans. ESP courses include extensive outdoor, laboratory and project-based learning that trains students for early career jobs spanning many environmental disciplines. In the core curriculum, students develop broad, applied understanding of the science behind environmental issues and policy-based approaches to resolving them. In the major options (Science or Policy and Planning), students gain deeper, specialized knowledge that includes engagement with off-campus partners and opportunity for research and internships. An ESP degree provides a springboard toward careers and graduate education in forestry, geology, water resources, environmental health services, waste management, and sustainable food systems, among others.

Students customize their experience in the program by pursuing one of two program options: Policy and Planning or Science. Specialized courses distinguish each option. Both options lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

• Policy and Planning: courses focus on regulatory and human behavior approaches to environmental challenges.
• Science: courses focus on measuring, monitoring and surveying the natural world to identify and understand the mechanisms that cause environmental changes.

All students pursuing a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Policy complete the core courses. In addition, all students complete courses in either the Policy and Planning Option or the Science Option. Students must declare an Option when joining the Environmental Science and Policy program, but this choice can be changed at any time.

Enrollment in Math courses is determined by a Math Placement Assessment: https://www.plymouth.edu/mathematics/math-placement-assessment). Depending on a student’s Assessment score or credit transfers, some preparatory math courses may be needed before completing required courses in the ESP major.

Complementary Courses

Students pursuing the Environmental Science and Policy degree are encouraged to consider an undergraduate research project, an internship, a GIS Certificate, or one or more minors. Free electives and up to 2 courses in the ESP major can be used to fulfill requirements in a minor such as Chemistry, Sustainability, Biology or Business, among others.

 

 

 

¹Directions in this major should total a minimum of 16 credits, excluding SIDI which is waived. Students who choose all 4-credit Directions courses can satisfy this Gen Ed requirement with 4 courses, total. Choosing any one 3-credit Directions course will necessitate at least 5 Directions courses to reach the 16 credit minimum.

Science Option of BS Environmental Science and Policy

Policy and Planning Option of BS Environmental Science and Policy

Not all courses are offered every year. The course sequences listed below are recommendations only. To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Policy and Planning Option of BS Environmental Science and Policy

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

¹

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Environmental Science and Policy, Policy Option.

²

For all students who have completed ESP 2100.

³

For all students who have completed ESP 3335.

Science Option of BS Environmental Science and Policy

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

¹

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Environmental Science and Policy, Policy Option.

• Integrate natural and social science concepts, theories, and methods to address interdisciplinary environmental issues
• Value, incorporate and practice diverse, inclusive perspectives on environmental issues
• Demonstrate open, critical and systems thinking when evaluating and solving environmental problems
• Work effectively within a team to understand and assess environmental systems, policies, and management plans
• Identify and describe key environmental policy and regulations as they relate to environmental issues
• Identify and incorporate stakeholders in local, state, and federal environmental issues
• Integrate natural and social science methods to monitor, evaluate, and manage environmental systems
• Understand the processes by which environmental policy and regulation is created and revised
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative environmental research and report findings to peers, environmental professionals (e.g. managers, policy makers), and public audiences

Students graduating with a BS degree in Environmental Science and Policy find rewarding careers in state and federal environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private consulting firms. Prior to joining the workforce or while employed, some graduates choose to pursue graduate degrees and/or post-bac certificates. Common positions include:

• Seasonal/Permanent Field Technician
• Lab Technician
• Environmental Quality Analyst
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Stewardship Coordinator
• Environmental Educator
• Environmental Scientist
• Hydrologist/Hydrologic Technician
• Fish Biologist
• Aquatic Ecologist
• Physical Scientist
• Environmental Protection Agency Inspector
• Park Ranger
• Planner
• Environmental Compliance Analyst
• Sustainability Coordinator