Department website: http://neiu.edu/ges
Major In Environmental Studies for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
- environmental policy and planning, or
- environmental interpretation / education.
Students in option 1 investigate the causes, results, and solutions to environmental problems from a policy perspective. They study regulations influencing environmental protection and degradation; they also gain practical skills useful in the field.
Students in option 2 specialize in community interaction and will qualify for careers as naturalists with parks and other outdoor agencies and as environmental educators in schools and non-profit organizations.
The program culminates with an internship experience in which the student applies knowledge, gains practical experience; it often constitutes a first job in an environmental career. To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, students must complete 24 credit hours of core requirements and 18 credit hours of approved electives. Up to nine hours of credit from other relevant fields may be accepted toward the major, with advisor approval.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Environmental Studies requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GES-150 | Introduction To Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES-205 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GES-218 | Conservation Of Natural Resources | 3 |
| GES-250 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing in GES | 3 |
| GES-374 | Research Methods | 3 |
| GES-383 | Internship In Geography And Environmental Studies | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Education | ||
| Principles And Methods Of Environmental Interpretation | ||
| Environmental And Natural Resources Policy | ||
| Environmental Planning | ||
| SUBTOTAL | 24 | |
| Approved Electives | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| GES-150 | Introduction To Environmental Studies | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course (MATH) | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| GES-109B | First Year Experience: Humans And The Chicago Environment | 3 |
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| GES-218 | Conservation Of Natural Resources | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective/Minor | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| GES-205 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| GES-250 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing in GES | 3 |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Env. Studies Short List | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| GES-374 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Env. Studies Short List | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| GES-383 | Internship In Geography And Environmental Studies | 3 |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Env. Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |