Environmental Science, B.A.

Location: Herrmann Science Center 204D
Telephone: 859-572-5110
Fax: 859-572-5639
Email Address: envs@nku.edu
Web Address: http://envsci.nku.edu
Program Director: Kristine N. Hopfensperger, Department of Biological Sciences
Other Faculty: Kirsten Schwarz

The B.A. in environmental science is a transdisciplinary program focused on understanding environmental science from an integrated socio-ecological perspective and is designed to prepare students for future careers that require a broad understanding of environment using a transdisciplinary skillset. The B.A. degree places a greater emphasis on social and behavioral science, humanities, art, health, communication, and leadership skills than the B.S. degree option, while including a set of core courses in science and math. The inclusion of research or internship experience enables students to gain expertise and experience working towards solutions of current environmental problems. Students graduating with a B.A. in environmental science are well equipped for careers in advocacy, administration, community healthcare, public relations, social and behavioral science research, and sustainability planning.

Special admission requirements: The admission standards for all students pursuing degrees in environmental science are mathematics ACT 22 and CPE minimum standards of 18 and 20 reading, or successful completion of appropriate developmental courses. Transfer students must also meet these requirements before declaring an environmental science major.

Four-Year Plan: Click here to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures page.

You should also know: The degree of Bachelor of Arts in environmental science will be conferred upon all students who complete all of the following course requirements with a grade of C- or better.

♦ Indicates prerequisite

These prerequisites are not included in the program totals in the table below, but they must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Degree Requirements (75-79 credits)

Students earning a B.A. in environmental science must complete the core curriculum (48-49 credit hours), two methods/skills courses (6 credit hours), and one of the four track options (21-23 credit hours; B.A. total of 75-79 credit hours), while earning a C- or higher in all courses. Students must take a minimum of 15 credit hours at or above the 300-level within the selected track. Due to the transdisciplinary nature and disciplinary breadth of the program, students completing the B.A. in environmental science will not be required to complete a second major, minor, or focus.

Core Courses (48-49 credits)

Methods and Skills Courses (6 credits)

Student must choose from one of the four tracks below:

Each track is 21-23 credits. Student must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours at or above the 300-level within chosen track.

Track 1: Nature, Culture, and Social Justice (21 credits)

Choose seven courses from the following list.

* If not taken in core

Track 2: Urban Sustainability (21-23 credits)

Must take ENV 408/L and choose six courses from the following list.

* If not taken in core

Track 3: Environmental Communication (21 credits)

Choose seven courses from the following list.

Track 4: Health, Community, and Environment (21 credits)

Choose seven courses from the following list.

* If not taken in core

inside NKU

Environmental Science, B.A.

Degree Requirements (75-79 credits)

Core Courses (48-49 credits)

Methods and Skills Courses (6 credits)

Student must choose from one of the four tracks below:

Track 1: Nature, Culture, and Social Justice (21 credits)

Track 2: Urban Sustainability (21-23 credits)

Track 3: Environmental Communication (21 credits)

Track 4: Health, Community, and Environment (21 credits)