Environmental Science and Policy (BS)

Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore and understand the effects of humans on the Earth’s ecosystems, biodiversity, processes, and how changes to our planet affect humans. We examine past, current, and future environmental issues through a hands-on, minds-on approach that incorporates extensive outdoor and project-based learning experiences.  Through a comprehensive core curriculum, students develop deep, applied understanding of the science of environmental issues and policy-based approaches to resolving them. The ESP program promotes engagement with off-campus partners (ex: federal and state agencies, non-governmental environmental stewardship groups) through class projects and customized student research and/or internship experiences. ESP program provides a springboard toward environmental careers in the public (e.g. government) and private (e.g., consulting, non-profit) sectors and the pursuit of graduate education.

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 mechanistic drivers of environmental problems.

All students pursuing a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Policy will complete a core set of interdisciplinary courses. In addition, students will pursue a focused suite of courses that correspond to one of two program options: Policy and Planning or Science. Students are required to declare an option when joining the Environmental Science and Policy program, but the choice can be revised during pursuit of the degree.
Depending on a student’s Math Placement Level*, preparatory courses may need to be taken prior to registering for MA 1800 College Algebra (math requirement for Policy and Planning option) or Precalculus (math requirement for the Science option).
*Math level is determined through the Math Placement Assessment required for all students. https://www.plymouth.edu/mathematics/math-placement-assessment).

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

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. 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