Environmental Science Major, 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. There are two tracks available. Interested students should contact Dr. Amy Cooke to discuss which track best fits their interests and career goals.
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
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ENEC 201 |  Introduction to Environment and Society H, F | 4 |
| ENEC 203 | Introduction to Environmental Science Problem Solving | 3 |
| or ENEC 415 | Environmental Systems Modeling | |
| or MATH 528 | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I | |
| or MATH 564 | Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | |
| ENEC 698 | Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems | 3 |
| or ENEC 694H | Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | |
| One of the following earth system science courses: | 3-4 | |
| How Cells Function 1, F | ||
or BIOL 104 | Biodiversity | |
or BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution | |
| Introduction to the Environmental Sciences | ||
| Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science 1 | ||
| Ecological Processes in Environmental Systems 1 | ||
| Coastal and Estuarine Ecology 1 | ||
| Environmental Chemistry Processes 1 | ||
| Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems and Water in Our World Laboratory 1 | ||
| Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems and Water in Our World Laboratory | ||
| Energy Resources | ||
| Two courses from one analytical skills option: | 6-7 | |
Applied Math: | ||
| Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | ||
| First Course in Differential Equations H | ||
GIS and Remote Sensing: | ||
| Anthropological Application of GIS | ||
| Landscape Analysis 1 | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information 1 | ||
| Geovisualizing Change | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Introduction to GIS | ||
| Advanced Remote Sensing | ||
| Applied Issues in Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Geologic and Oceanographic Applications of Geographical Information Systems 1 | ||
Statistics: | ||
| Statistics for Environmental Scientists 1 | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management | ||
| Basic Elements of Probability and Statistical Inference I | ||
| Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences | ||
| Inverse Theory: Advanced Data Analysis and Geophysical Modeling | ||
| Methods of Data Analysis | ||
| Time Series Data Analysis | ||
Basic Science: | ||
| Molecular Biology and Genetics H, F | ||
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry I 1, H | ||
Informatics | ||
| Tools for Information Literacy | ||
| Foundations of Information Science | ||
| Information Systems Analysis and Design | ||
| Introduction to Database Concepts and Applications | ||
| Information Visualization | ||
| Foundations of Decision Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Decision Analytics | ||
| Five courses chosen from one of the following concentrations | 15-20 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I F | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science H | 3 |
| or COMP 116 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| STOR 155 | Introduction to Data Models and Inference F | 3 |
| or BIOS 600 | Principles of Statistical Inference | |
| Select one of the following: | 8 | |
| Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratoryand Ecology and Evolution H, H, F | ||
| Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity and Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta F | ||
| General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences and General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences F | ||
| Students are required to earn a minor in an allied science, such as biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, geographic information sciences, geology, information science, marine science, mathematics, physics, or statistics and analytics. | 15 | |
| Enough free electives to accumulate minimum of 120 credit hours. 2 | varies | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
This course appears on a core requirement list as well as a concentration requirement list, but can only be counted toward one of the two.
- 2
Recommended courses are ECON 101; ENEC 202; one of the following PH courses: COMM 375/ENEC 375, ENEC 325, or ENEC 368/PHIL 368; and one of the following statistics courses: BIOS 511 or ENEC 562 or STOR 455.
Ecology and Natural Resources Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution 1, H | 4 |
| BIOL/ENEC 272 | Local Flora | 4 |
| BIOL 277 & 277L | Vertebrate Field Zoology and Vertebrate Field Zoology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 402 | Infectious Disease in the Developing World | 3 |
| BIOL 463 | Field Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 464 | Global Change Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 465 | Global Biodiversity and Macroecology | 3 |
| BIOL 469 | Behavioral Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 471 & 471L | Evolutionary Mechanisms and Evolutionary Mechanisms Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 476 & 476L | Avian Biology and Avian Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 561 | Ecological Plant Geography | 3 |
| BIOL 565 | Conservation Biology H | 3 |
| BIOL 568 | Disease Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL/ENEC 256 | Mountain Biodiversity | 4 |
| BIOL/ENEC 461 | Fundamentals of Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL/ENEC 562 | Statistics for Environmental Scientists 1 | 4 |
| BIOL/ENEC 563 | Statistical Analysis in Ecology and Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL 657/ENVR 520/MASC 504 | Biological Oceanography | 4 |
| BIOL 462/MASC 440 | Marine Ecology | 3 |
| ENEC 222 | Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science 1 | 4 |
| ENEC 304 | Restoration Ecology | 4 |
| ENEC 324 & 324L | Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems and Water in Our World Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| ENEC 370 | Agriculture and the Environment H | 3 |
| ENEC 462 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| ENEC 479 | Landscape Analysis 1 | 3 |
| ENEC 485 | Coastal Resource Economics and Policy | 3-4 |
| ENEC 489 | Ecological Processes in Environmental Systems 1 | 4 |
| ENEC/GEOG 264 | Conservation of Biodiversity in Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOL/MASC 450 | Biogeochemical Processes | 4 |
| ENEC/MASC 352 | Marine Fisheries Ecology | 3 |
| ENEC/MASC 433 | Wetland Hydrology | 3 |
| ENEC/MASC 441 | Marine Physiological Ecology | 3 |
| ENEC/MASC 444 | Marine Phytoplankton | 3 |
| ENEC/MASC 448 | Coastal and Estuarine Ecology 1 | 4 |
| ENEC/MASC 471 | Human Impacts on Estuarine Ecosystems | 4 |
| GEOG 444 | Landscape Biogeography | 3 |
| MASC 443 | Marine Microbiology | 3 |
| MASC 445 | Marine Invertebrate Biology | 4 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
- 1
This course appears on a core requirement list as well as a concentration requirement list, but can only be counted toward one of the two.
Environment and Health Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 402 | Infectious Disease in the Developing World | 3 |
| BIOL 568 | Disease Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| CHEM 261 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry I 1, H | 3 |
| ENEC 222 | Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science 1 | 4 |
| ENEC/ENVR 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes 1 | 3 |
| ENEC/ENVR 522 | Environmental Change and Human Health | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOL 324 | Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems 1 | 3 |
| ENEC/MASC 444 | Marine Phytoplankton | 3 |
| ENVR 412 | Ecological Microbiology | 3 |
| ENVR 413 | Limnology | 3 |
| ENVR 416 | Aerosol Physics and Chemistry | 4 |
| ENVR 419 | Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters | 3 |
| ENVR 421 | Environmental Health Microbiology | 3 |
| ENVR 430 | Health Effects of Environmental Agents | 3 |
| ENVR 431 | Techniques in Environmental Health Sciences | 2 |
| ENVR 442 | Biochemical Toxicology | 3 |
| ENVR 451 | Introduction to Environmental Modeling | 3 |
| ENVR 600 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| EPID 600 | Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
| MASC 443 | Marine Microbiology | 3 |
| PATH 128 | Biology of Human Disease | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
- 1
This course appears on a core requirement list as well as a concentration requirement list, but can only be counted toward one of the two.
Water and Climate Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 350/ENVR 417/GEOL 403/MASC 401 | Oceanography | 3 |
| ENEC 222 | Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science 1 | 4 |
| ENEC/ENVR 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes 1 | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOG 253 | Introduction to Atmospheric Processes | 4 |
| ENEC/GEOL 324 | Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems 1 | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOL 417 | Surface Processes and Landscape Evolution | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOL/MASC 411 | Oceanic Processes in Environmental Systems | 4 |
| ENEC/GEOL/MASC 415 | Environmental Systems Modeling | 3 |
| ENEC/GEOL/MASC 450 | Biogeochemical Processes | 4 |
| ENVR 413 | Limnology | 3 |
| ENVR 416 | Aerosol Physics and Chemistry | 4 |
| ENVR 419 | Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters | 3 |
| ENVR 453 | Groundwater Hydrology | 3 |
| GEOG 370 | Introduction to Geographic Information 1 | 3 |
| GEOG 412 | Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| GEOG 414 | Climate Change | 3 |
| GEOG 416 | Applied Climatology: The Impacts of Climate and Weather on Environmental and Social Systems | 3 |
| GEOG 440/GEOL 502 | Earth Surface Processes | 3 |
| GEOL 202 | Earth Systems History | 3 |
| GEOL 432 | Paleoclimatology | 3 |
| GEOL 435 | Groundwater | 3 |
| GEOL 436 | Geochemistry of Natural Waters | 3 |
| GEOL/MASC 483 | Geologic and Oceanographic Applications of Geographical Information Systems 1 | 4 |
| GEOL/MASC 503 | Marine Geology | 4 |
| GEOL/MASC 506 | Physical Oceanography | 4 |
| GEOL 508 | Global Hydrology | 3 |
| MASC 312 | From the Equator to the Poles: Case Studies in Global Environmental Change | 3 |
| MASC 314 | Earth Systems in a Changing World | 3 |
| MASC 432 | Major World Rivers and Global Change: From Mountains to the Sea | 3 |
| MASC 433 | Wetland Hydrology | 3 |
| MASC 460 | Fluid Dynamics of the Environment | 3 |
- 1
This course appears on a core requirement list as well as a concentration requirement list, but can only be counted toward one of the two.
Environmental Science, B.S.–Quantitative Energy Systems Track
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ENEC 201 | Introduction to Environment and Society H, F | 4 |
| ENEC 203 | Introduction to Environmental Science Problem Solving | 3 |
| or ENEC 415 | Environmental Systems Modeling | |
| or MATH 528 | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I | |
| or MATH 564 | Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | |
| ENEC 698 | Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems | 3 |
| or ENEC 694H | Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | |
| Two courses each from two of the following quantitative skills (4 courses total) | 12-19 | |
Informatics | ||
| Tools for Information Literacy | ||
| Foundations of Information Science | ||
| Information Systems Analysis and Design | ||
| Introduction to Database Concepts and Applications | ||
| Information Visualization | ||
| Foundations of Decision Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Decision Analytics | ||
Applied Mathematics | ||
| Linear Algebra for Applications | ||
| Discrete Mathematics H | ||
| First Course in Differential Equations H | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I | ||
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | ||
| Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I 1 | ||
Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management | ||
| Statistics for Environmental Scientists | ||
| Statistical Analysis in Ecology and Evolution | ||
| Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences | ||
| Inverse Theory: Advanced Data Analysis and Geophysical Modeling | ||
| Methods of Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Time Series Data Analysis | ||
Basic Science | ||
BIOL 101 | 1, H | |
| Ecology and Evolution 1, H, H | ||
| Plant Biology | ||
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H | ||
| General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences 1, F | ||
or PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity | |
| General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences F | ||
or PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta | |
Modeling | ||
| Environmental Systems Modeling | ||
| Discrete Mathematics H | ||
GIS and Remote Sensing | ||
| Anthropological Application of GIS | ||
| Landscape Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information | ||
| Geovisualizing Change | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Introduction to GIS | ||
| Advanced Remote Sensing | ||
| Applied Issues in Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Geographic Information Science Programming | ||
| Geologic and Oceanographic Applications of Geographical Information Systems | ||
| Four courses from one of the following concentrations | 12-16 | |
Energy Management | ||
| Energy and Material Flows in the Environment and Society | ||
| Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies for Undergraduates 1 | ||
or ENEC 396 | Directed Readings | |
| Principles of Energy Conversion | ||
| Environmental Life Cycle Assessment | ||
| Energy Economics | ||
| Energy and the Environment: A Coastal Perspective | ||
| Honors Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies 1 | ||
or ENEC 694H | Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | |
| Environmental Chemistry Processes 1 | ||
| Energy Resources | ||
| Energy: Physical Principles and the Quest for Alternatives to Dwindling Oil and Gas | ||
| Renewable Electric Power Systems | ||
| Decarbonizing Fuels | ||
| Energy, Transportation, and Land Use | ||
Environmental Processes | ||
| Introduction to the Environmental Sciences | ||
| Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science | ||
| Mountain Biodiversity | ||
| Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies for Undergraduates 1 | ||
or ENEC 396 | Directed Readings | |
| Ecosystem Management | ||
| Ecological Processes in Environmental Systems | ||
| Honors Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies 1 | ||
or ENEC 694H | Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | |
| Environmental Chemistry Processes 1 | ||
| Major World Rivers and Global Change: From Mountains to the Sea | ||
| Wetland Hydrology | ||
| Biogeochemical Processes | ||
| Fluid Dynamics of the Environment | ||
| Groundwater | ||
| Geochemistry of Natural Waters | ||
| Global Hydrology | ||
| Data Analysis in the Earth Sciences | ||
| Inverse Theory: Advanced Data Analysis and Geophysical Modeling | ||
| Modeling of Environmental Systems | ||
| Synoptic Meteorology | ||
| Climate Change | ||
| Applied Climatology: The Impacts of Climate and Weather on Environmental and Social Systems | ||
| Introduction to Watershed Systems | ||
Smart Cities | ||
| Environmental Law and Policy | ||
| Coastal Law and Policy | ||
| Water Resource Management and Human Rights H | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies for Undergraduates 1 | ||
or ENEC 396 | Directed Readings | |
| Community Design and Green Architecture | ||
| Environmental Decision Making | ||
| Coastal Resource Economics and Policy | ||
| Social Science Research Methods | ||
| Honors Research in Environmental Sciences and Studies 1 | ||
or ENEC 694H | Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | |
| Energy, Transportation, and Land Use | ||
| Site Planning and Urban Design | ||
| Urban Data Analytics | ||
| Applied Environmental Finance: How to Pay for Environmental Services | ||
| Watershed Planning | ||
| Urban Transportation Planning | ||
| Public Transportation | ||
| Pedestrian and Bike Transportation | ||
| Urban Form and the Design of Cities | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science 1, H | 3 |
| or COMP 116 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | |
| or PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I (PX) 1, F | 4 |
| or PHYS 114 | General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences | |
| or PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity | |
| or BIOL 101 & 101L | Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory | |
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II (PX) 1, H, F | 4 |
| or PHYS 115 | General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences | |
| or PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta | |
| or BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I (QR) H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II (QI) H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables (QI) H, F | 4 |
| STOR 155 | Introduction to Data Models and Inference F | 3 |
| or BIOS 600 | Principles of Statistical Inference | |
| Enough General Education courses and free electives to satisfy 120-credit hours. 2 | 48-59 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Following courses are listed under multiple requirements in the major but can only be used to fulfill one requirement per course: ENEC 395, ENEC 415, ENEC 396, ENEC 693H, ENEC 694H, ENVR 403/ENEC 403, PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 118, PHYS 119, PHYS 331.
- 2
Recommended courses are ENEC 202 (PX), ECON 101 (SS), and one of the following PH courses: ENEC 325, COMM 375/ENEC 375, or PHIL 368/ENEC 368.
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
| First Year | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 1 | 3-4 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I F | 4 |
| ENEC 201 | Introduction to Environment and Society H, F | 4 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| STOR 155 | Introduction to Data Models and Inference F | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Lifetime Fitness | 1 | |
| Hours | 34-35 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| ENEC 203 | Introduction to Environmental Science Problem Solving or Environmental Systems Modeling or Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I or Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | 3 |
| One environmental concentration course | 3 | |
| One earth system science core | 3-4 | |
| PHYS 114 or PHYS 118 | General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences F or Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity | 4 |
| PHYS 115 or PHYS 119 | General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences F or Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta | 4 |
| COMP 110 or COMP 116 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science H or Introduction to Scientific Programming | 3 |
| Electives or IDEAs in Action Requirements | 6 | |
| Hours | 30-31 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Two courses from the analytical skills core | 6 | |
| Three courses from environmental concentration core | 9 | |
| Two courses from a minor field | 6 | |
| Electives or IDEAs in Action Requirements | 9 | |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| ENEC 698 or ENEC 694H | Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems or Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | 3 |
| Remaining environmental concentration core | 3 | |
| Remaining minor field courses | 9 | |
| Remaining Electives or IDEAs in Action Requirements to meet 120 academic hour minimum | 11 | |
| Hours | 26 | |
| Total Hours | 120-122 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Students may wish to consider completing their GLBL-LANG requirement over the summer, in the second year, or through transfer credit to allow for taking fewer hours per semester in the first year.
Suggested Program of Study for the Quantitative Energy Systems Track
| First Year | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENEC 201 | Introduction to Environment and Society H, F | 4 |
| STOR 155 | Introduction to Data Models and Inference F | 3 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I F | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Language levels 2 and 3 | 6 | |
| Lifetime fitness | 1 | |
| ENGL 105 | English Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| Hours | 33 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| ENEC 203 | Introduction to Environmental Science Problem Solving or Environmental Systems Modeling or Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I or Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | 3 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science H or Introduction to Scientific Programming or Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 3 |
| Two courses from quantitative skills | 6 | |
| Approaches and Connections (4 courses) | 12 | |
| Free elective course | 3 | |
| Hours | 31 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science H or Introduction to Scientific Programming or Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 3 |
| Two courses from environmental concentration courses | 6 | |
| Two courses from quantitative skills | 6 | |
| Approaches and Connections (3 courses) | 9 | |
| Free elective courses | 6 | |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| ENEC 698 or ENEC 694H | Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems or Honors Project in Environmental Sciences and Studies | 3 |
| Remaining environmental concentration courses | 6 | |
| Remaining General Education courses and free electives to reach at least 120 academic credit hours | 17 | |
| Hours | 26 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Dual Bachelor’s–Master’s Degree Program
Four dual bachelor’s–master’s programs are offered:
- Environmental and science communication is a collaboration between the environment, ecology and energy program (E3P) and the School of Journalism and Media;
- Environmental informatics is a collaboration between E3P and the School of Information and Library Science;
- Environmental finance and leadership is a collaboration between E3P and the School of Government;
- Environmental geography is a collaboration between E3P and the Department of Geography.
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 of arts degree with a major in environmental studies, and students then complete a master’s degree in journalism with a focus on strategic communication. The dual degree in environmental informatics is approached through the bachelor of science degree with a major in environmental science, and students then complete a master’s in information sciences (M.S.I.S.). The dual degree in environmental finance and leadership is approached through either the bachelor of science in environmental science or the bachelor of arts in environmental studies, and students then complete a master of public administration (M.P.A.). The dual degree in environmental geography is is approached through either the bachelor of science in environmental science or the bachelor of arts in environmental studies, and students then complete a master's in geography.
Students may begin taking courses for the graduate degree while in the undergraduate program. In some programs, up to 12 hours of undergraduate credits can also be counted in the graduate degree. 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 recommended that interested first- and second-year students speak to an advisor early in their college program. Students must submit a conditional application to most programs 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 degrees in environmental science and communication, nor for the dual degrees in environmental geography; 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 website listed above for the dual-degree program of interest.
In addition to the four dual-degree programs specific to collaborations with E3P, there are other dual-degree undergraduate/graduate programs developed by other UNC departments and colleges. Programs of interest include the Department of City and Regional Planning for a Master's in City and Regional Planning (M.C.R.P.), the Department of Public Policy for a Master's in Public Policy (M.P.P.), and the Gillings School of Global Public Health for a range of public health-related master's programs.
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 website). 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.
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 website. 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, or the Ecostudio, 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.
Department Programs
Majors
- Environmental Studies Major, B.A.
- Environmental Science Major, B.S.
- Dual Bachelor's-Master's Degree Programs
Minors
Graduate Programs
Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program
3202 Murray Hall, CB# 3275
(919) 962-1270
