Environmental Science BS / Environmental Policy MS

Major: Environmental Science and Environmental Policy
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science in Environmental Policy (MSEP)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 225.5
Co-op Options: One Co-op (Five years)
BS Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 03.0104
BS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-2041
MS Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 44.0599
MS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1031

About the Program

The BS/MS program in Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Policy (MS) is designed to bring two distinct but mutually enhancing disciplines together in one program. It provides an opportunity for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates to begin pursuing a graduate degree prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree in the 4+1 co-op program.

Environmental policy pairs naturally with environmental science by helping students bridge the gap between their strength in science and their interest in making change through policy. Science without an effective avenue toward working with decision makers and supporting public policy runs short of its reach and potential benefit. The BS/MS in ENVS-ENVP prepares students both as scientists and professionals who can communicate science and translate environmental data into actionable environmental policy with tangible impact. Students can also conduct real-world research writing through a case study thesis, select elective courses tailored to their interests, or complete their degree with research experience.

The accelerated program is appropriate for Environmental Science majors interested in learning about public policy and who have a desire to work in environmental policy, such as in government, advocacy work, consulting, or the nonprofit sector. 

Additional Information

For more information about the program, visit the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science's web page.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the BS/MS program, students must apply between 90.0-120.0 credits and have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. Applicants should meet with their advisor to create a plan of study and email that plan of study and a one-page essay to the director of the ENVP program along with a short email of introduction including their current major and proposed ENVP track. After a review of the initial plan of study, the director and the student will have a 20-minute interview. If accepted, the student will receive an Accelerated Degree Program Application form and will use it to obtain permission from all approving parties listed on the form.

Degree Requirements

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Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

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In some cases, course substitutions may be made with courses from other departments. Elective courses taken outside the department must receive prior departmental approval in order to be counted toward the degree.

Environmental Science Concentrations
 

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

4+1, 1 co-op (Accelerated program completed in 5 years)

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.