Our Majors

Welcome to the Department of Environmental Science & Policy. If the prospect of solving environmental problems inspires you, this is the place for you! We have two majors, Environmental Science and Management (ESM) or Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning (EPAP).

The ESM major will help students to learn to solve environmental problems from an interdisciplinary perspective linking the natural and social sciences. By studying the physical, biological, and social components of environmental problems, students will understand the scientific basis for environmental decision making and the economic implications involved in management of the environment. The major offers a contemporary perspective for solving environmental problems and understanding human dimensions of the environment. Students gain exposure to real world problem solving and learn how to use cutting edge technology and tools. ESM is managed jointly by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy and the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources.

The EPAP major provides students with a strong interdisciplinary background in policy analysis, including the evaluation of policy alternatives and the study of factors affecting policy formulation and implementation. Key components of this major include a general background in the natural sciences relevant to environmental policy, mathematics, statistics, and research methodology to quantitatively analyze environmental problems and policy options. Students will also get training in environmental impact assessment and geographic information systems, both are areas of growing demand, particularly in the green job market. We also offer a minor in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning and Climate Science & Policy.