- NEW! In the fall of 2011, we will have new and exciting changes to our curricula for both our Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Studies (BA) degrees. In addition, there will be a new sustainability track within the environmental studies program.
- ENV 152 (Ecological Economics, MWF 9:40-10:40 am) replaces ENV 260 (Environmental Data Analysis) for environmental studies (BA) students. Dr Klimas, who does research on sustainable forest ecology, will be teaching ENV 152 this spring for the first time. BA students who have not yet taken ENV 260 may want to consider it. In addition, it is an SSMW option for BS students.
Summary of Changes to the Environmental Science (BS) Degree
- Organic chemistry (CHE 171/3/5) is no longer required. Instead, students can select from a range of upper-level courses in chemistry, biology and geography. You will be required to take three courses within one of these disciplines.
- The old areas of emphasis categories are replaced with the requirement to take 3 upper-level (300+) courses within ENV.
Summary of Changes to the Environmental Studies (BA) Degree
- The biology sequence (BIO 101/2/3) is no longer required. Instead, students can select from a range of courses in environmental science (3 required).
- BIO 215 (Ecology) is replaced by a new course, ENV 250 (Applied Ecology)
- ENV 260 (Environmental Data Analysis) is replaced by a new course, ENV 152 (Ecological Economics)
- Two new courses were added as options under social sciences: ENV 151 (Introduction to Sustainability) and PPS 335 (Land Use Policy).
Summary of the New Sustainability Track for the Environmental Studies (BA) Degree
- In addition to taking the same seven required core courses as environmental studies, students will take PPS 330 (Sustainable Development) and ENV 151 (Introduction to Sustainability).
- Students in the sustainability track will select eight more courses from a subset of the environmental studies offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
For All Students
I am currently on the old credit evaluation sheet. Will I automatically be switched to the new curriculum?
No, you will need to work with your ENV advisor to switch to the new curriculum.
I liked my options with the old credit evaluation sheet better. Can I stick with that?
Yes! If you entered before the fall of 2011, you can remain on the old credit evaluation sheet.
My Degree Progress Report online still has the requirements for the old curriculum. How can I change this?
There may be some glitches as we transfer to the new system. This is also complicated by DePaul's switch to the online Degree Progress Report. To start with, email your ENV advisor and let him/her know you want to switch to the new curriculum.
For Environmental Science (BS) Students
I am interested in med school. Can I still take orgo and have it count towards my environmental science degree?
Yes! This will fulfill the new Allied Electives field.
I want to get a certificate in GIS. Can I still count some of my GIS courses?
Yes! You can count up to 3 of the courses for your Allied Electives.
Many ENV 300-level courses are rarely offered. How am I going to be able to take three courses?
We recognized this has been a problem, and we are committing to teaching more of these courses. Our goal is to offer at least one 300-level ENV course every quarter.
For Environmental Studies (BA) Students
I have already taken the biology sequence, but I would like to take ENV 152 (Ecological Economics) instead of ENV 260 (Environmental Data Analysis). Is this possible?
Maybe. You cannot mix and match the old and new curricula. But talk to your ENV advisor and work with our chair, Dr. Bramble, on a possible exemption. No guarantees!
I have taken one quarter of biology/I have biology credits via transfer. Can these count in the new curriculum?
Again, maybe. Talk with your ENV advisor and Dr. Bramble.