Carnegie Mellon University Environmental Policy
Environmental Studies Major: Environmental Policy Concentration
Why study environmental policy at CMU?
The environmental studies program at CMU prepares students for a variety of environment-related careers. Students will focus on a wide range of environmental issues and the complex relationship between humans and the environment. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
Diverse fieldwork experiences at the geographic center of the Great Lakes basin located near CMU
Classroom enhancement at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan and at Neithercut Woodland just north of CMU's main campus
Well-rounded program that includes course work in biology, chemistry, geology, economics, law, and political science
Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as the Geology Club, Wildlife Club, and the Student Environmental Association
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
Employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow about nine to 17 percent, and employment of hydrologists should grow 18 to 26 percent.
Job opportunities will be spurred by an awareness of the need to monitor environmental quality, to interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring ecosystems.
Scientific research and development services have increased the hiring of conservation scientists and foresters to prepare environmental impact statements and erosion and sediment control plans, monitor water quality near logging sites, and advise on tree harvesting practices.
Career options
Graduates of the environmental studies program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
Conservation Officer
Environmental Biologist, Chemist, or Scientist
Environmental Consultant or Engineer
Environmental Lawyer or Writer
Forester
Hydrologist
Wildlife Manager
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Environmental Studies Major:Environmental Policy Concentration
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the complex relationship between humans and the environment. This program is designed to satisfy the needs of students who desire to work in fields that are explicitly related to the environment as well as to provide valuable information to students who simply care about environmental issues. The Environmental Studies major requires a second major taken in another discipline. All Environmental Studies majors must: 1. complete the Environmental Studies common core outlined below, 2. complete a six (6) week Internship Program; 3. earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7. ( Total: 56-57 semester hours For additional information, see the list of advisors in the Class Schedule Booklet. )
(16 hours) Core Courses I
3BIO 340 Ecology
Study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. Prerequisites: One of: BIO 101, 105, 110. Recommended: BIO 203 or 218.
3BLR 521 Environmental Law and Policy
A survey of environmental laws and policies that affect business decision making, stressing macroenvironmental considerations and major Michigan environmental issues. Prerequisites: BLR 202 or BLR 235 or ENV 101; completion of 86 hours; admission to Professional Business Studies or listed on signed major or minor or permission of MBA director or MBE advisor.
3ECO 301 Environmental Economics
Basic economic understanding of environmental/ecological problems arising from a free enterprise system. Economists' solutions presented without advanced economic theory or mathematical computation. Recommended: ECO 202 or 203.
3ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Studies
An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of human/environmental relationships. Topics include the biosphere, ecosystems and how human socio-political factors interact with them. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group IV-A)
1ENV 400 Environmental Studies Colloquium
Seminar format to integrate student internship experiences in the execution of problem-solving exercises relevant to environmental studies. Open to seniors who have completed their field internship. Prerequisites: successful completion of non-credit six-week field internship and permission of the Program Director.
3PSC 261 State and Local Government
Structure and functions of state, county, and city governments, with emphasis on policy issues. Michigan governments are used for illustrations and examples. (University Program Group III-B)
(3 hours) Core Courses II
Select one of the following:
3BIO 240 Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecological approaches to issues of global environmental sustainability, with emphasis on preservation of natural resources such as soil, water, forests and wildlife. (University Program Group II-A)
3GEO 330 Resource Perception and Utilization
Influence of physical, economic, political, and social factors on the total resource system.
(3 hours) Core Courses III
Select one of the following:
3GEL 100 Introduction to Earth Systems
A discovery-based introductory examination of the processes that shape our planet. Topics include the rock cycle, earthquakes, volcanoes, the Ice Age, and plate tectonics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 100 and GEL101, GEL102, GEL105 or GEL 130. (University Program Group IIA)
3GEL 101 Physical Geology
An introduction to the surficial and internal earth processes that shape our world. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Ice Age. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 101 and GEL 100, GEL 105, or GEL 130. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-A)
3GEL 105 Dangerous Planet
A survey of the socially important geological topics that affect people and their environment with a focus on natural and anthropogenic geologic hazards. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 105 and 100, 101, or 130. (University Program Group II-A).
3GEL 130 Earth Processes
An introduction to geologic processes from a quantitative perspective. Students will investigate, graph, and calculate rates and scales of processes including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and groundwater flow. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 130 and 100, 101, 102, or 105. (Group II-B)
(15 hours) Required Courses I
Select 15 hours from: ( Note: You cannot take both PSC 514 and PSC 516. )
3GEO 334/BIO 334 Soil Science
An introduction to the physical, chemical, and biotic properties of soils; soil classification and mapping; and soil resource issues. Identical to BIO 334. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: CHM 120 or CHM 131. Recommended: 6 hours of environmental science.
3IET 327 Industrial Safety
A study of the principles and practices of safety management with emphasis on occupational safety standards and loss control.
3MGT 312 Introduction to Management
Introduction to the concepts, techniques, and processes of management as they pertain to business and other organizations. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisite: 56 semester hours completed.
3MKT 151 Marketing and Society
An overview of the environment, concepts and current trends that shape the world of marketing. Attention is paid to the impact of marketing on society. This course will not be accepted for credit for departmental or College of Business Administration major or minors.
3PSC 514 American Public Policy Making
This course serves to integrate political institutions and levels of government in terms of policy development and implementation. Prerequisites: PSC 105 or graduate standing. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3PSC 516 Environmental Politics and Policy
Analysis of relationships between politics and public policy in the environmental arena. Emphasis upon policy making process, political strategies, and alternative decision modes. Prerequisites: complete minimum of 56 credit hours of university course work.
(4-5 hours) Required Courses II
Select one of the following options:
(5 hours) Option A
4CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry
Elementary concepts in chemistry. For students on curricula needing minimal chemical background or students with no or weak chemistry background who need additional preparation for CHM 131. Cannot be counted on a Chemistry or Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-B) Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 105 (preferably with a B or better).
1CHM 127 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
Elementary laboratory experiments which parallel syllabus in CHM 111 and CHM 120. Recommended for students in dietetics, sports medicine, health education, and elementary/middle school education. Pre/Co-Requisites: CHM 111 or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
(4 hours) Option B
4CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 and 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course for science majors. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
(3 hours) Required Courses III
Select one of the following:
3BLR 410 Regulatory Law
Survey of major regulatory programs affecting business decision-making, including antitrust, securities regulation, labor-employment law, environmental-land use regulation, utility regulation, administrative law. Prerequisites: BLR 202 or BLR 235; 56 semester hours completed; admission to Professional Business Studies or listed on a signed major or minor.
3PSC 522 Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law
Survey of the principles of administrative law and the politics of the U.S. regulatory processes. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
(6 hours) Electives I
( Note: You cannot take both GEO 201 and MET 240. )
3BIO 365 Environmental Contaminants
Survey of pesticide characteristics and residue problems, hazardous wastes, ground and surface water contaminants, air pollution and acid rain, and other environmental pollution concerns. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or 240; CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: CHM 345.
4CHM 342 Survey of Organic Chemistry
Elementary course covering the field of organic chemistry. Course meets the needs for entrance to some professional schools. No credit toward chemistry major or minor. Prerequisites: One of: CHM 120, 127, or CHM 132 or CHM 161.
3CHM 513 Chemistry of Natural Waters
Fundamentals of laboratory and field analysis of water and their application to environmental studies. Prerequisites: CHM 211.
3GEL 372 Introduction to Geophysics
A survey of the physical properties and structure of the earth, and the basic geophysical techniques by which they are known. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: PHY 130 or PHY 145; MTH 132.
3GEL 380 Hydrogeology
Introduction to the study of groundwater, groundwater flow, well hydraulics, groundwater quality and pollution and resource exploration, evaluation, and management. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or GEL 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or GEL 130; MTH 106 or higher; junior standing.
3GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry
Application of chemical principles to environmental-geological topics. Explores geochemical aspects of contemporary problems such as water and soil pollution, including data analysis and problem solving. Prerequisite : GEL 380; CHM 132.
4GEO 201 Weather and Climate
Nature of atmospheric processes, weather, and climate - why and how they vary over the surface of the earth. (University Program Group II-A)
3GEO 203 Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Fundamentals of geographic information science - including map interpretation and spatial data gathering, measurement, classification, analysis and display. Current computer mapping technologies are used in laboratory.
3GEO 305 Remote Sensing of the Environment
Characteristics and principles of remote sensing of the environment. The processes of remote sensing imagery acquisition, analysis, and information extraction. Prerequisites: GEO 203. Recommended: Six hours of geography or other environmental science.
3GEO 503 Geographic Information Systems
The techniques of computer-assisted analysis and display of spatially ordered geographic data. Students will use vector and raster GIS. Prerequisites: GEO 303, GEO 305.
3GEO 508 Digital Remote Sensing
Computer processing and data analysis of digital remote sensing data. Emphasis on multispectral image processing and analysis using standard image processing software. Prerequisites: GEO 303, 305. Recommended: STA 382.
3MET 240 Meteorology
Structure of the atmosphere; radiation and global warming; forces causing the wind; moisture, stability, and clouds; thunderstorms and tornadoes; hurricanes and extratropical cyclones. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (Group II-B)
4PHY 130 College Physics I
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Prerequisites: MTH 106. (University Program Group II-B)
4PHY 131 College Physics II
A continuation of PHY 130 that covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.
(6 hours) Electives II
3ANT 171 Human Origins: Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Introduction to human and primate evolution, and the origin of human hereditary variations. University Program Group II-A.
3ANT 370/SOC 370 Global Environmental Issues
Social and cultural dimensions of global population issues, food and energy policies, destruction of indigenous lifeways, roles of multinational organizations, environmental racism, and environmental movements. Identical to SOC 370; credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.
3ENV 310 Environmental Issues Management
Review of regulatory requirements and application of scientific studies to managing environmental risk. Case studies of risk management by the targeted community and regulatory agencies. Prerequisites: BIO 101 or BIO 105; ENV 101; CHM 120 or CHM 161 or both CHM 131 and CHM 132.
3HSC 352 Environmental Health
Emphasis on today's environmental problems related to health, air, water, radiation, housing, urbanization, disease, and man's responsibilities and remedial actions to these problems. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3HST 322 Westward Movement in America
The impact of territorial expansion in the United States upon economics, culture, and politics.
3IET 525 Hazardous Materials Technology
The course covers hazardous materials and related health, safety, and regulatory issues for persons conducting, supervising, and managing field activities. Prerequisites: IET 327; CHM 120 or CHM 131; junior or senior standing.
3IND 332 Human Shelter and Environment
Perspectives on the interrelationship between the built, cultural and natural environments, including: social, political and psychological effects; cross-cultural and interdisciplinary views; and ecological aspects. (University Program Group IV-A)
3PHL 118 Moral Problems
Study of basic moral problems and proposed solutions to problems associated with violence, oppression, prejudice, and sex. (University Program Group I-A)
3PSC 105 Introduction to American Government and Politics
Focuses both on the formal institutions of government and how politics actually works in the United States. Recommended prior to taking any other political science courses in American Political Institutions. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group III-B)
3PSY 387 Behavioral Neuroscience
Overview of the neurological processes underlying organismic behavior. Surveys neurobiological explanations of sensation, movement, motivation, emotion, sleep, learning, neurological disorders, recovery mechanisms. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Prerequisites: One of the following: PSY 100, BIO 101, BIO 105, BIO 110, BIO 151, HSC 211(University Program Group IV-A)
3PSY 583 Motivation and Emotion
Survey of the theories, systems and concepts of motivation and emotion. Prerequisites: Fifteen hours of psychology or graduate standing.
3REL 235 Religion and Social Issues
Introduction to religious ethical thought in its personal, social and institutional contexts, considered in relation to current societal, medical, and sexual issues. (University Program Group IV-A)