As an environmental studies major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll develop a more creative and perceptive relationship between God, humanity and the natural world. Through environmentally focused coursework you’ll gain broad scientific training for government, business and nonprofit organizations, or graduate study in fields related to the environment. With this major, you’ll encounter a balance of social and natural science perspectives on the environment whether you’re studying theological ethics and the environment or cultural geography. Additionally, this major will allow for greater flexibility to incorporate a minor, a second major, a study abroad program or additional elective coursework.
Highlights
- Small class sizes allow for personalized education and one-on-one faculty interactions
- Emphasis on research takes your learning outside of the classroom
- Faculty with expertise in zoology, biology and ecology
Career opportunities
Common career paths for environmental scientists include teaching, research and governmental work. Our graduates are also well-prepared for graduate study, including teacher credential programs and master’s research. Because of its highly interdisciplinary structure, the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies can benefit almost any career field. Specific opportunities can be found in public affairs, environmental consulting, conservation and preservation and graduate study in any of the related sciences.
Course listing
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
Environmental Science And Environmental Studies
General Education Prerequisites (14-18 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121 | General Biology: Diversity and Ecology | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Calculus I Credits (for B.S. in environmental science majors only) | 4 |
| PHYS 150 | Earth Science | 3 |
| PS 120 | American Politics and Society | 3 |
Required Courses (19-21 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 312 | Ecology | 4 |
| ENV 150 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 4 |
| MATH 311 | Statistics for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| PS 373 | Nature, Law and Policy | 3 |
| THEO 425 | Theological Ethics and the Environment | 3 |
| ENV 482 | Environmental Studies Practicum | 1-3 |
| BIOL 485 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
B.A. Environmental Studies (17-19 units)
Courses from the B.S. in environmental science, electives or other courses approved by the program director to complete 38 units in the major
Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 311 | Field Botany | 4 |
| BIOL 321 | Vertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL 322 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL 450 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 312L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| CHEM 311 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 313L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 450 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| GEOG 220 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| PHIL 430 | American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy | 3 |
| PHYS 120 PHYS 130 | General Physics I or University Physics I | 4 |
| PS 425 | Global Economics and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| PS 486 | Energy, Economics & Ethics | 3 |
| SOC 483 | Mediation Practicum | 1 |
| THEO 486 | Poverty, Injustice & Development | 3 |
- Approved off-campus programs or field studies such as AuSable Institute
Program director
Michael Kunz, Ph.D.
Faculty
