Degree Program

Environmental Science BS/BA

Program Learning Objectives

PLO 1. Describe the main properties and processes of Earth’s major spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere) and their interactions.
PLO 2. Apply environmental processes and their interactions in the Earth System across gradients of space and time and link to current environmental problems
PLO 3. Explain the science underlying environmental issues and the context of environmental issues (water quality, public & environmental health, climate-related risk).
PLO 4. Develop environmental problem-solving skills that provide approaches to develop and evaluate effective, sustainable solutions that reduce environmental risk.
PLO 5. Evaluate and apply current and future applications to manage and address environmental problems and associated risks using environmental risk management approaches (e.g., green infrastructure, climate resiliency measures).
PLO 6. Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data using quantitative, qualitative, and technological tools (e.g., field and lab techniques, GIS, R).
PLO 7. Visualize and communicate scientific findings effectively through written, oral, and visual formats.
PLO 8. Develop and implement environmental research, sampling, and monitoring protocols.
PLO 9. Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to identify environmental problems and consider and evaluate evidence-based solutions.
PLO 10. Gain hands-on experience through paid and unpaid internships/work experience in an environmental professional experience (e.g., environmental consulting, environmental research, public policy) to develop skills, earn experience, and gain a better understanding of professional opportunities.

Degree Program

Environmental Studies BA

Program Learning Objectives

PLO 1. Integrate knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to develop a comprehensive framework of environmental principles, climate change science, and sustainability. Identify solutions to environmental challenges that promote resilience and adaptation.
PLO 2. Analyze Earth systems, geological processes, biological Interactions, and climate dynamics using scientific methodologies. Explain how human activities drive environmental and climatic changes, Influencing ecosystems, biodiversity, and global sustainability.
PLO 3. Examine the connections between urban development, climate change, and human communities. Assess how cities contribute to and are affected by environmental changes, focusing on adaptation strategies and community resilience.
PLO 4. Evaluate environmental and climate policies across multiple scales, considering their effectiveness, equity, and impact on diverse stakeholders. Analyze the role of environmental justice and social equity in shaping policy responses to climate change and sustainability challenges.
PLO 5. Apply research methodologies, fieldwork techniques, and data analysis to assess environmental and climate- related challenges. Utilize quantitative and qualitative approaches to develop science-based solutions.
PLO 6. Communicate environmental and climate issues effectively through writing, presentations, and public outreach. Develop skills to engage diverse audiences, advocate for sustainable practices, and influence policy and community responses.

Degree Program

Geology BS/BA

Program Learning Objectives

PLO 1. Interpret Earth’s systems, their interrelationships, and effects on each other.
PLO 2. Explain the scale and magnitude of deep time, the impact of different timescales on geologic processes, and interpret its relationship to major geological and biological events in the geologic record.
PLO 3. Recognize, analyze, and interpret key surface processes, their connection to geological features, and possible manmade and natural geologic hazards.
PLO 4. Analyze and interpret chemical and mechanical processes that are involved in each stage of the rock cycle.
PLO 5. Analyze and interpret plate tectonic and other deformation processes, their relationship to Earth structure, and the resultant geological structures and natural hazards.
PLO 6. Analyze and interpret chemical and mechanical processes involved in the water cycle and important aspects related to water being a natural resource.
PLO 7. Relate the distribution and availability of natural resources to geological processes and explain how natural resources are used and extracted.
PLO 8. Analyze and explain the Earth’s changing climate over various timescales, and analyze the environmental, social, and geological impacts of these changes.
PLO 9. Apply scientific research methods, including field observation, experimentation, and computational approaches (e.g., GIS, programming) to solve geoscience problems.
PLO 10. Analyze spatial and temporal information from multiple sources to make inferences, even when faced with uncertainty, ambiguity, and/or incomplete datasets.
PLO 11. Effectively communicate scientific concepts and results to specialists and non-specialists in written, visual, and oral formats.
PLO 12. Work in diverse, interdisciplinary teams to address Earth science questions.