Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Major (B.S.)

The ECS major curriculum is comprised of core requirements providing integrative courses in both environmental conservation and sustainability, along with a foundation in biology, ecology, physical and social science, and the basic tools and skills applied to problem solving. These core requirements are typically fulfilled in the first two years. Beginning in their junior year, ECS students, in consultation with their advisers, create a course focus area based on an ecological system or natural resource of their choosing. The focus area provides advanced study in ecology and natural resources; social sciences; tools, skills, and/or natural history and should reflect the student's interests and future goals. Additionally, each ECS student completes a practicum experience and a capstone option.

The ECS major provides the opportunity for students to gain a common foundation of knowledge and skills emphasizing integration and critical thinking, while allowing for sufficient flexibility to pursue their interests and passions within a large and complex field of study. The design of the curriculum will allow each student at least four, and as many as six, free electives, which they may fulfill as they choose. Many students pursue international experiences, such as the UNH EcoQuest program in New Zealand, add a minor or dual degree (such as the dual degree in global studies), and/or pursue research opportunities with our faculty or through another of UNH's undergraduate research opportunity programs.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in coursework for the major.

¹

The focus area is based upon at least one course in the ecology and natural resources category, along with a combination of courses in the social sciences; tools, skills, and natural history categories; and any additional courses from the ecology and natural resources category reflecting the student's interests and future direction. Focus areas should be designed in close consultation with the adviser. Courses used to fulfill core requirements may not be used in the focus area.

²

If NR 663 Applied Directed Research in New Zealand is taken in the junior year or earlier, then one Critical Issues seminar (2cr) or Leadership for Sustainability must be taken in the senior year to fulfill the capstone requirement.

³

Each ECS major will engage in a practical experience reflecting their interests and goals. The choice of the experience will be made in conjunction with the adviser and may occur any time beginning with the sophomore year.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

¹

All choices for the Ecological Principles requirement except for AGFS 502 are fall courses.

²

The Statistics, Physical Science, Writing Skills and Presentation Skills requirements may be taken in either the Fall or Spring Semester of the second year.

³

Work experience, internship, etc may be scheduled any time beginning in the second year.

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One of the 2 credit capstone seminars may be taken in either the fall or spring of the junior year.

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One 2 credit seminar may be taken in each of the Fall and Spring semesters of the Senior Year OR NR 786 may be taken in the Fall semester of the Senior Year.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Describe and explain the interactions among physical, biological, chemical, and human components of the environment;
• Formulate tests of environmental questions, acquire data, and apply scientific methods to answer these questions;
• Describe and explain the ecological and societal value of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship;
• Use principles of ecology, economics, sustainability, and policy science to solve real-world environmental problems;
• Communicate effectively to peers within the environmental community and with audiences outside of the discipline.