The Environmental Studies program at UNCA prepares students for graduate studies or for employment in government, education, industry, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. The cirriculum addresses environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes biology, ecology, geology, chemistry, physics, economics, public policy, and other natural and social sciences. The department offers students the opportunity to pursue one of three concentrations: Earth Science, Ecology and Environmental Biology, or Environmental Management and Policy. Individualized options can be developed for students interested in other areas of environmental studies. Integral to all degrees concentrations is an on-the-job internship, which allows students to make connections between academics and organizations involved with environmental issues.

Degree Concentrations:  
  

Earth Science

Geology, hydrology, and soils-related courses meld to provide an understanding of earth processes with an environmental emphasis.  All students are required to take four core lab courses, but may tailor additional courses to emphasize soils, general and economic geology, and hydrology and water quality.

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Forest and wetland ecology, freshwater biology, and wildlife management are just a few of the areas that may be explored, depending on the student's professional interests. Students may choose from a variety of advanced environmental science, ecology, botany, and zoology courses.

Environmental Management and Policy

This concentration's interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of the scientific, economic, political, and social complexities of contemporary environmental management challenges. As well, students learn about the tools for evaluating and carrying out management strategies. The goal of the concentration is to provide students with the broad education and experience necessary for careers in natural resource and environmental management.

Individualized

This concentration provides the opportunity for design of a curriculum unavailable in the concentrations above. Like all majors, students complete the core courses in Environmental Studies but specialized courses are tailored to a common theme through consultation between the student and department chairperson. Examples of individualized options completed include Environmental Education, Environmental Planning, Environmental Journalism, and Human Ecology.