Dec 12, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science, B.S.


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Students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements, General College of Arts and Sciences Requirements, College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement, Major Requirements, and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases a minimum of 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of coursework used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.

Schedule of Classes


Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

General Education Requirements


In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundation, Exploration, Integration, Writing, U.S. Diversity and Capstone. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.

Requirements for environmental science, B.S.


Designed to integrate applied scientific specialties within the broad field of environmental science, the environmental science curricula prepare students for a variety of professional opportunities in government as well as the private sector, and for graduate study in such fields as toxic substance management, public health, toxicology, pharmacology, industrial hygiene and environmental planning.

Graduates of the program should be able to identify and evaluate a broad range of environmental problems. In addition, they should be able to offer solutions, anticipate hazards and prevent future problems. Studies include such areas as health in the workplace, toxic substance regulations, applied ecology, pollution prevention, air resources, water resources and public environmental policy.

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in environmental science, students must complete a minimum of 124 credits including:

1. An introductory prerequisite core including


b. Required courses in chemistry


 

c. Required courses in physics


 

d. Additional credits in math and statistics


  • Two courses of mathematics above MTH 1221  or statistics (STA 2220  recommended)

           Note:  MTH 1331  and MTH 1332  together satisfy one course toward this requirement.

2. Core requirements (minimum of 15 credits) including


 

3. Complete one of the specializations described below:


Specialization includes a minimum of 28 credits and must be approved by the program director. At least 16 of the credits taken at the 3000 level or above must be taken at Oakland University.

Specialization in environmental health (minimum of 28 credits)


Based upon an extensive curriculum planning study, this option combines environmental and occupational health perspectives in scientific and technical courses designed to provide pre-professional training for careers relating human health and safety factors to working conditions. Students learn to recognize, evaluate and control actual and potential environmental hazards.

Many opportunities exist at local and state levels of government to improve health and environmental quality, focusing on toxic substance control, food protection, water quality, and waste management. Students may also pursue careers in environmental consultancy or industry, such as occupational safety and health, risk assessment, and waste management. This specialization is also designed to adequately prepare students for further pursuits of graduate studies in the fields of toxicology, public health, and environmental chemistry.   

Specialization in environmental sustainability and resource management (minimum of 28 credits)


This option emphasizes the wise use of resources, especially as they affect human health and well-being. Program electives offer training for a variety of field and laboratory opportunities including planning, resource management, environmental protection and public policy.

1. Required coursework includes

 

Notes

Elective courses for the environmental sustainability and resource management specialization must be approved by the program director.

Students using this catalog to meet the environmental studies major requirements may also use any course subsequently approved under the recommended electives and published in a later catalog.

Major Standing


Major standing must be achieved three semesters before graduation, and before a student reaches senior status, otherwise graduation may be delayed.

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