Environmental Science, B.S.

This major is designed for students focusing on such topics as how material and energy are moved and transformed in complex environmental systems, the role of society in perturbing those processes, and scientific techniques that might be used to improve environmental quality. The program provides interdisciplinary preparation for graduate or professional training as well as for jobs in government, consulting, and industry.

Department Programs

Majors

• Environmental Studies, B.A.
• Environmental Science, B.S.
• Dual Bachelor's-Master's Degree Programs

Minors

• Environmental Science and Studies Minor
• Food Studies Minor
• Sustainability Studies Minor

Graduate Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Science
• Master of Arts

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the environmental sciences program (B.S.), students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in the connections in social and/or natural sciences through an understanding of major concepts, theoretical reasoning, and empirical findings in environmental studies
• Demonstrate knowledge of a marketable skill (e.g. GIS, communication, statistics) to enhance their ability to apply concepts from the program in the real world
• Demonstrate mastery of research and problem-solving skills through individual or team-based projects working for a researcher or client in a social or natural science

Requirements

The environmental science program provides two options:

• Environmental Science, B.S. (with several concentration areas)
• Environmental Science, B.S.–Quantitative Energy Systems Track

Environmental Science, B.S.

In addition to the program requirements, students must

• attain a final cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
• take at least half of their major course requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
• earn a minimum of 18 hours of C or better in the major core requirements (some majors require 21 hours).

For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.

Ecology and Natural Resources Concentration

Environment and Health Concentration

Water and Climate Concentration

Environmental Science, B.S.–Quantitative Energy Systems Track

In addition to the program requirements, students must

• attain a final cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
• take at least half of their major course requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
• earn a minimum of 18 hours of C or better in the major core requirements (some majors require 21 hours).

For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.

This major is designed for students with a strong interest in water, energy, and sustainable natural resources, and interdisciplinary approaches to analytics, informatics, or business.  The degree provides interdisciplinary preparation for graduate or professional training as well as for jobs in government, consulting, and industry.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.

Suggested Program of Study for B.S. Major

Suggested Program of Study for the Quantitative Energy Systems Track

Dual Bachelor’s–Master’s Degree Program

Three dual bachelor’s–master’s programs are offered:

1. Environmental and science communication is a collaboration between the environment, ecology, and energy program and the School of Media and Journalism;
2. Environmental informatics is a collaboration between the environment, ecology, and energy program and the School of Information and Library Science;
3. Environmental finance and leadership is a collaboration between the environment, ecology, and energy program and the School of Government.

Each program is designed for students to earn their bachelor’s degree and complete a master’s degree in a professional school in as few as five years. The dual degree in environmental and science communication is approached through the bachelor’s of arts degree with a major in environmental studies, and students then complete a master’s degree in journalism. The dual degree in environmental informatics is approached through the bachelor’s of science degree with a major in environmental science, and students then complete a master’s in information sciences. The dual degree in environmental finance and leadership is approached through either the bachelor's of science or the bachelor's of arts in environment and ecology, and students then complete a master's in public administration.

Students may begin taking courses for the graduate degree while in the undergraduate program, and a limited number of credit hours of approved graduate coursework may be transferred into the graduate degree program in mass communication (up to nine hours), information sciences (up to 12 hours) and public administration (up to 13 hours). Courses taken as an undergraduate for graduate credit may not be counted as part of the undergraduate degree if the intent is to transfer them to the graduate program. Early advising is essential to success in navigating these dual-degree programs. Advisors are available in both units to help students prepare and select courses appropriately to get the most from their education.

Applying for one of the dual-degree programs is a two-step process. It is highly recommend that interested first- and second-year students speak to an advisor early in their college program. Students must submit a conditional application to the program no later than their junior year to ensure that they will receive preference in registering for courses. Students must formally apply to the program through The Graduate School in their senior year. The GRE is not required for applications from current UNC–Chapel Hill students for the dual degree in environmental science and communication; for other dual degrees students should check with their advisors about GRE requirements. For complete information on the application process and curriculum requirements, please go to the specific Web site listed above for the dual-degree program of interest.

Special Opportunities in Environmental Science and Studies

Honors in Environmental Science or Studies

Students in either the B.S. or B.A. degree program may participate in honors research leading to graduation with honors or highest honors. This distinction is earned by participation in honors research (ENEC 693H) and culminates in ENEC 694H, thesis writing and defense. Students should follow the guidelines established by Honors Carolina and meet with the faculty honors advisor, Dr. Geoff Bell, to ensure that appropriate requirements are fulfilled. (Requirements can be found on the Honors Program Web site). Honors students can use three credit hours of ENEC 693H (research) or ENEC 694H (thesis), but not both courses, to fulfill a concentration requirement.

Departmental Involvement

The Carolina Environmental Student Alliance (CESA) is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to uniting the environmental interests of students across campus. Participation is open to all students and community members with an interest in the environment. The Epsilon Eta Environmental Honors Fraternity is an organization dedicated to excellence in environmental education. Interested students are nominated for membership.

Experiential Education

Possibilities for experiential education include APPLES service-learning courses (ENEC 593), Coral Reef Ecology and Management (ENEC 259), Sierra Nevada Program (ENEC 208), internships (ENEC 393, ENEC 493), research (ENEC 395, ENEC 396, ENEC 698), and honors research (ENEC 693H, ENEC 694H). Additionally, a series of experiential education field sites is available in North Carolina and around the world where students may take coursework and conduct research for a semester. Fall semester field sites are offered in North Carolina at Highlands Biological Station (mountain/ecology), the Institute for Marine Sciences (marine ecology/geology), and the Coastal Studies Institute/Outer Banks (coastal policy and economics). Spring semester field sites are offered on the UNC campus (Sustainable Triangle field site) and in Thailand (energy and pollution). The Thailand field site experience incorporates part of the following summer as well. Summer programs are also offered in the Galapagos via UNC's Center for Galapagos Studies. Contact our advisors about other opportunities. Faculty members often arrange Burch Program summer educational trips to such locations as Australia (conservation, restoration, and natural resource management), Siberia, Russia (ecology and anthropology), the Sierra Nevadas (ecology and physical geography), and northern Europe (energy, sustainability, and communication).

Internships

Students are encouraged to apply for paid or unpaid internships in local, state, national, and international environmental organizations. Internship opportunities can be found through the Ecostudio Internship Incubator Web site. These internships provide valuable practical experience, and some may be conducted for academic credit. Students interested in academic credit should contact the director of undergraduate studies, Dr. Amy Cooke, to obtain the required application for credit before the term begins.

Study Abroad

Exchange and other study abroad programs are available through the UNC Study Abroad Office. At some locations students may take courses for UNC credit, such as some field sites listed above. Students may take courses at other universities during study abroad and apply for transfer credit as well. We encourage students to participate in study abroad during their career at Carolina.

Undergraduate Awards

Undergraduates may be considered for the Watts and Betsy Carr Awards, Mary and Watts Hill Jr. Awards, and Robert Alonzo Winston Scholarships.

Undergraduate Research

All students are encouraged (but not required) to complete an independent or team research project. Such projects introduce students to the tools needed for graduate study. They also provide an important opportunity for working directly with the world-class environmental faculty members and graduate students at UNC–Chapel Hill, as well as in the many environmental organizations in the Research Triangle. The Triangle area contains one of the largest collections of environmental organizations and expertise in the world, providing unique opportunities for students to conduct research on an immense range of topics from fundamental scientific research to policy applications. Students interested in obtaining course credit for research should speak with either Dr. Geoff Bell (honors advisor) or Dr. Amy Cooke (director of undergraduate studies) to ensure all the requirements and appropriate paperwork has been approved within the first week of classes.