Jul 27, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Environmental Studies, B.A.


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This major emphasizes the multi and interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and the role of the social sciences in addressing and solving environmental problems. Students develop a basic understanding of the social sciences and humanities, including political science, history, philosophy, economics, communications, geography and law, and how these disciplines solve environmental problems. Additional courses in the natural sciences are included to enable the student to develop a holistic view and understanding of the overall context in which environmental issues are placed. As a capstone experience, an internship or directed research is also required. Close consultation with advisors in the School of Earth, Environment and Society is essential.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary thinking to address environmental problems;
  • Examine interdisciplinary policies, practices, and methods and their impacts on environmental and social systems;
  • Propose solutions to complex environmental issues considering multiple viewpoints;
  • Propose and successfully complete a practical, experience-based internship or independent research project;
  • Develop effective oral and written communication skills to articulate issues in environmental studies.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements


Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                              

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)


World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Environmental Studies Major (42 Hours)


Minor (15-21 Hours)


Students who are BA Environmental Studies majors are required to complete a minor. Students should consult the Programs page in the Undergraduate Catalog.

For Graduation You Will Need:


  1. University minimum of 120 credit hours.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. A minimum of 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, students should monitor their academic progress using degree audit.

Students must complete an online Application for Graduation via their MyBGSU Student Center based on the dates posted in the degree audit. After the application deadlines, students must complete an online application located on the College of Arts and Sciences website. Contact the College of Arts and Sciences with questions.

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