Environmental Studies Program

Bachelor of Arts

Susan M. Allen-Gil, Associate Professor and Coordinator

The program in environmental studies offers two majors. Environmental studies focuses on the humanities, including implementation, values, and aesthetics, while providing a strong science background. Environmental science focuses on the sciences and prepares students to conduct original research designed to solve environmental problems in the context of social values and economic and political reality.

The Major in Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary major dealing with questions and issues that pertain to the interaction between humanity and nature. No one discipline can possibly cover such a broad area for reflection; consequently, students in this major are required to develop considerable intellectual breadth. The core curriculum requires not only a significant amount of science but also history, economics, politics, and philosophy. In consultation with their advisers, students will construct an area of concentration. Students must submit the self-designed concentration to the registrar no later than the end of the junior year. A senior capstone experience (such as an internship, research paper, or special project) will integrate the major and prepare graduates for graduate school or environmental careers.

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Studies - B.A.

Required courses

Restricted Electives

Required self-designed concentration (see the environmental studies website for examples)

The Major in Environmental Science

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary program that provides strong training in the sciences; a choice of focal areas in anthropology, biology, or chemistry; and a background in related courses in the humanities. Core science requirements include 43 credit hours of classes for science majors. In addition, the environmental science major develops a significant expertise in one of the three focal areas. Majors in both environmental studies and environmental science share in the senior capstone experience - a real, applied project - which integrates the experiences of students with different skills and training and prepares students for graduate school or environmental careers.

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Science - B.A. with a Concentration in Anthropology, Biology, or Chemistry

Science background courses

Cultural background courses

A minimum of two courses from each of the two lists below, with at least one in humanities and one in social sciences. Courses chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the focal area.

Select two of the following:

Select two of the following:

Integrative experience

Focused Studies

Each student will fulfill requirements in one of three focal areas listed below.

Biology

Select five of the following:

Chemistry

Anthropology

Select six of the following:

Minor in Environmental Studies

The interdisciplinary minor in environmental studies at Ithaca College is administered by the School of Humanities and Sciences. The object of the minor is to (1) introduce students to the substance and complexity of environmental issues, and (2) explain what they must know before they can begin to participate in responsible discussion and policy making on any level.

Students pursue eight courses for an integrated inquiry into two related areas: Area I: foundations in science - toward an understanding of and an appreciation for the principles of ecology, and thus a recognition of the necessity for integrity and stability in the natural environment; and Area II: cultural solutions - an analysis of economic, political, cultural, and intellectual forces that motivate adverse human impact on the natural environment, and an encouragement of an "active hope" for solutions to environmental issues.

Requirements for the minor in environmental studies

Area I: Foundations in Science (9-16 credits; minimum of three courses)

Minimum of one survey of biology from the following:

Minimum of one ecology/environment-oriented course from the following:

Minimum of one chemistry course from the following:

Area II: Cultural Solutions (12 credits; minimum of four courses of which at least one is in the humanities and one is in the social sciences)

Students should be aware that many of the courses in Area II have prerequisites not required for the minor. Therefore, to successfully complete the minor, it is important to plan carefully and seek advice early from a minor adviser. Courses listed as seminar or tutorial apply only if the topic is appropriate to the minor and prior approval is granted by the environmental studies program coordinator.