The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program which addresses the needs of society to protect and enhance land, water and air resources. The curriculum was designed with the intention of training students in a broad spectrum of interrelated scientific and social fields. Graduates from this program will have a broad-based foundation of technical, social and intellectual training enabling them to pursue careers in natural resource management. It is anticipated that graduates will contribute to society in the areas of scientific inquiry and analysis, environmental policy and law enforcement, ecological protection, restoration and enhancement.

Additionally, the program provides an alternative field of study for students entering science and allied health programs.

Upon completion of the Environmental Studies program, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Be knowledgeable about scientific methods and the process of science.
2. Be knowledgeable about the physical, chemical and biological makeup of planet Earth and the interactions among the disciplines.
3. Be knowledgeable about the relationship between science and policy.
4. Conduct independent research and critique the research of others.
5. Read, write and communicate about science in a technologically advance world.
6. Analyze scientifically collected data and provide ethical and balanced information to an increasingly aware public.

Special Notes for Environmental Studies Majors:

Environmental Studies internships will not be required for graduation. However, competitive Junior and Senior level students majoring in Environmental Studies will be encouraged to pursue summer internship opportunities. These internships may include in-residence experiences with state and federal agencies (EPA, Forest Service, National Biological Service), private companies (law firms, consultants), non-profit natural resource organizations (Audubon, The Nature Conservancy), and colleges and universities (WJU, WVU).

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman		Sophomore		Junior		Senior
FALL		FALL		FALL		FALL
HIS 101	3	MAT 108	3	CHE 221	4	RST Elective	3
RST 106/107	3	PSY 110	3	CHE 231	1	PHI 205	3
BIO 115	3	BIO 205	3	MOL 102	3	SSC 350	3
BIO 121	1	BIO 221	1	NME 130	2	Electives	6
PHI 105	3	CHE 110	4	LIT 250	3	ENV 475	1
FYS 101	1	CHE 121	1	FAS 201	2
		FAS 101	1	ENV 375	1
Semester total	14	Semester total	16	Semester total	16	Semester total	16
SPRING		SPRING		SPRING		SPRING
MAT 105	3	LIT 120	3	PWR 246	3	RST/PHI 305	3
ENG 105	3	MAT 111	4	MOL 110	3	ENV 482	2
HIS 120	3	ENV 201	3	ENV 350	3	PHY 208	3
BIO 120	3	CHE 120	4	ENV 376	1	Global Persp.	3
BIO 122	1	CHE 122	1	CHE 318	3	Elective	3
ENV 101	3			Elective	3
Semester total	16	Semester total	15	Semester total	16	Semester total	14
TOTAL CREDITS	30	TOTAL CREDITS	31	TOTAL CREDITS	32	TOTAL CREDITS	30
Total Credits = 123

Course Descriptions

ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Studies (3 crs)

An introduction to the necessity of mastering multiple fields of study in order to become competent at addressing environmental issues. Case history reviews of world-wide environmental concerns will provide themes for discussion throughout the student’s tenure at Wheeling Jesuit University. This course is required for freshmen entering the Environmental Studies program and sophomores transferring into the program from other disciplines. Prerequisite: Environmental Studies major.

ENV 201 Environmental Health and Safety (3 crs)

This course provides training for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 40-hour health and safety certification. Subjects covered include hazardous materials remediation sites, emergency response to toxic and hazardous spills, health effects and levels of personal protective equipment.

ENV 340 Internship in Environmental Studies (1-3 crs)

Students may request prior approval for college credit for internship experiences as employees or volunteers with state, federal, private and non-profit natural resource organizations. If pre-approved and follow-up documentation requirements are satisfied, up to 3 credit hours of internship may be used toward the restricted elective graduation requirement. No more than 6 credits total will be approved for graduation requirements. Prerequisite: consent of the Program Director.

ENV 350 Environmental Testing (3 crs)

Field survey instrumentation, analytical methods, laboratory analysis techniques and sampling protocols are covered in this technical issues course. Hands-on methods will be presented as well as the “chain of custody” complete process for state of the art measurement of air, soil and water. Prerequisite: ENV 201.

ENV 375 Special Project: Biostatistics & Experimental Design (3 crs)

Includes preparation for an independent research project including literature review, organization of a protocol with planned statistical treatments of data and seminar participation. Selection of a project will be with the consent and guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

ENV 376 Special Project: Instrumentation & Data Acquisition (3 crs)

Continuation of an independent research project including modification of the protocol, testing materials and methods, commencement of data collection and seminar participation. Continuation of BIO 375.

ENV 475 Special Project: Data Analysis (1 cr)

Data Analysis involves the exploration, statistical analysis and visualization of data collected for the student’s independent research project. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

ENV 482 Research Presentation (2 crs)

Oral and written presentation of original research findings. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

SSC 325 Environment and Society (3 crs)

This course examines the enduring conflict between humans and the environment. While humans are part of nature, they stand apart from nature in unique ways. Unlike other species, humans can choose how they will live and organize themselves socially within the confines of ecological scarcity. This course explores socio-historical conceptions of the human/nature relationship as seen through the eyes of various political and social thinkers.

SSC 350 Environmental Law and Policy (3 crs)

This course provides an understanding of the political and social dimensions of environmental policy and law in the United States and internationally. Specific subjects of study include the policy process, how various interest groups influence the structure and content of legislation and the types of enforcement used to induce compliance. The course is a forum for in-depth analysis of important environmental movements legislation and issues including the Clean Water Act, global warming and preservation of the rainforests.