Honors in Environmental Science

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Available through the Department of Environmental Science , College of Arts and Sciences , the Honors in Environmental Science program engages students in the process of scientific exploration. Under the guidance of a faculty member, students apply for grant funding, design and conduct a year and a half long research project, and prepare a manuscript for publication of their research all while taking advanced coursework designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the scientific theories and processes underlying their research. Students admitted to the program are also encouraged to participate in scientific conferences to share their research in a public forum and to meet leading researchers in the field.

Admission to the Program

Interested students must complete an online application form in either the second semester of their sophomore year or first semester of their junior year. The purpose of this form is to communicate the student’s intent to propose a research project under the supervision of an Environmental Science faculty member. The form requires the approval of this faculty member, a sketch of the likely research project (including justification of its feasibility), and the student’s qualifications and motivation for undertaking such a project. Upon acceptance into the program a research proposal is completed within the first semester with input from the faculty advisor.

Admission to the program is based on good academic standing, relevance of the research idea, and faculty mentor approval. Students must have cumulative and major GPAs of 3.50 or higher.

Program Requirements

12 credit hours of Honors in Environmental Science coursework
- 6 credit hours in independent research, culminating in a report and presentation
- 6 credit hours in ENVS upper-level or 500-level coursework
Minimum 3.50 major GPA in Environmental Science (BS) or Environmental Studies (BA)

Course Requirements

Independent Research (6 credit hours)

ENVS-490 Independent Study Project in Environmental Studies (1-6) (6 credit hours required; taken over 2-3 semesters)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following, or other courses approved by program director: