Environmental Studies Major (M)

A strong focus on Christian environmental stewardship is increasingly important in many parts of society.  The Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship (CCES) provides a wonderful resource for students whose interests are primarily in science or other areas.  This major engages student with many facets of the environment.  It is often coupled with minors in art, business, chemistry, or justice and public policy, leading to careers in environmental education at nature centers, sustainable business practices, environmental science, park rangers, or law school.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to explain major biological and related scientific concepts (Knowledge Base of Biology and Related Sciences);
  • Demonstrate the ability to appropriately collect and analyze data while utilizing laboratory equipment and procedures safely and effectively (Biological Procedures and Data)
  • Develop investigative and critical thinking skills to explore complex questions and solve challenging scientific problems (Scientific Inquiry);
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively to both scientists and non-scientists (Scientific Communication);
  • Recognize how vocations in science provide opportunities for service to Christ and others and necessitate ethical behavior in all aspects of science (Vocation and Ethics)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how/why a Christian sees evidence of God’s design in nature and how to be good stewards of His creation (God’s Design and Stewardship).

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements45-47
Electives4-12
Minor: Required18-24
Total Hours120

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
Environmental Science (Lab Science)
Public Speaking (Communication)
Interpersonal Communication
Environmental Law & Politics (Human Beings and Being Human)
Statistics I (Mathematics)
Required Courses
Foundation
BIO 141General Biology I4
or BIO 151 Functional Human Biology I
BIO 142General Biology II4
or BIO 152 Functional Human Biology II
BIO 240Zoology4
or BIO 244 Botany
BIO 367Ecology of the Tropics (Travel Course)3
BIO 410Ecology4
CHEM 105Elements of General and Biological Chemistry4
or CHEM 141 General Chemistry I
PHIL 240Environmental Ethics3
or PHIL 350 Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society
ENV 130Introduction to Sustainability3
ENV 160Introductory GIS3-4
or ENV 180 Remote Sensing from Satellites and Drones
or ENV 220 Water Quality and Aquaponics
or ENV 240 Native Plants of Wisconsin
or ENV 320 Environmental Data Analysis
SCI 235Earth Science3-4
or SCI 195 Meteorology
or SCI 246 Oceanography
Capstone
Select 2 credits of the following:2
Biology Senior Seminar (fall and/or spring, 1 cr. each)
Advanced Applied Field Research (can be taken for 1-3 credits)
Major Electives
Select 8 credits of the following (If a course was selected for the Foundation, it cannot be repeated in the Electives section):8
BIO 146Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology4
BIO 240Zoology4
BIO 244Botany4
BIO 260Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 348Genetics4
BIO 368Ecology of the Tropics-Lab1
CHEM 142General Chemistry II4
ENV 160Introductory GIS4
ENV 180Remote Sensing from Satellites and Drones3
ENV 220Water Quality and Aquaponics4
ENV 240Native Plants of Wisconsin4
ENV 320Environmental Data Analysis3
PHYS 108Introductory Astronomy4
PHYS 151General Physics I4
PHYS 152General Physics II4
SCI 195Meteorology3
SCI 235Earth Science4
SCI 246Oceanography4
SCI 275Cosmogony3
Or other courses approved by the department chair of Life & Earth Sciences
Total Hours45-47