Frequently Asked Questions
What courses do I need to complete the program?
All majors AND minors must complete the Core. Majors have to complete additional electives (see below).
What are the core courses?
You can find the core courses by looking at the list of Core Courses at the top of the Checksheet or by checking the Course Sequencing of Core Courses
What do majors have to complete in addition to the Core?
Majors must complete three additional requirements:
- Two approved upper level electives in the environmental science, and two approved upper level electives in the social sciences, humanities, or other colleges. See Checksheet for the list of approved electives. Some of these courses may double count as courses for your second major or minor.
- All majors must complete either a second major (strongly encouraged) or a minor, in addition to the ES major. Students are free to select whatever second major or minor fits their interests and goals, but they should consult their advisor concerning this choice. The ES curriculum is a “complementary” program that assumes that you will choose a second major/minor that helps you gain the expertise you need.
- Majors must declare to the Registrar’s Office whether they are in the Applied Science Track (they have a second major/minor in the natural sciences) or the Environment, Community, and Values Track (a second major/minor outside the sciences). (We hope to eliminate this bureaucratic requirement.)
How do I find out when courses will be offered?
Most courses are not offered every semester. However, we have a regular, predictable schedule of Core Courses, and a fairly regular schedule of electives. You can find out when courses are offered in three ways:
- The Checksheet notes {in this type of bracket} the semester the courses are expected to be taught, if we have that information.
- There is an Expected Schedule of Core Courses with a list of courses offered each fall semester and each spring semester.
- There is also a Two-Year Schedule of Courses.
{Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all of the courses will always be offered in the semesters indicated, but in general you can expect them to be offered at that time.}
How do I know that I will be able to complete required courses before graduation?
You must PLAN AHEAD and be aware of when required courses are offered, especially as you approach graduation. In particular, be aware that there are two advanced seminars in the core offered only once a year: ES 370: Environmental Science, Policy, and Problem Solving in the fall, and ES 490: Senior Seminar in the spring. The best way to plan ahead is to discuss course scheduling with your advisor and fill out a Semester-by-Semester Plan of Courses. Consult your advisor in your second major to ensure there will not be conflicts with their requirements.
Do courses have prerequisites? How do I find out what they are?
Many of them do, and we plan to add more prerequisites in the future to make the curriculum more efficient for students. Prerequisites are listed in three places.
- The Checksheet notes <in this type of bracket> what prerequisites a course may have.
- The Next Semester Course List that comes out every semester includes the prerequisites.
How do I learn what the ES courses are about?
Course descriptions are found on this website. There are two listings. One is for courses that are listed as "Env Stds" courses. The other is for courses offered by other departments that count for the ES major. You can also check for recent course syllabi.
Who is my advisor?
If you are a current ES major, you can find out who is advisor is by checking the Advisor List.
How do I declare an ES major and get assigned an advisor?
Students declare a major at the Registrar's Office in Dempsey. Students in their first semester here can declare an ES major and be assigned an advisor. To qualify for assignment to an Environmental Studies Faculty Advisor, the student must declare Environmental Studies as the student’s major and be in academic good standing with the University. Faculty Advisor assignments are made by the Director of Environmental Studies, David Barnhill. Students should set up an appointment to discuss the program with him: barnhill@uwosh.edu, 424-0644, Swart 313. At that time, an advisor will be assigned to the student. The advisor may change as the student progresses through the program.
Can I set up an appointment with my advisor?
You bet. We’d be happy to talk with you. Just email your advisor to schedule an appointment. If you don’t yet have an advisor, contact David Barnhill.
If you still have questions, contact David Barnhill, Director of Environmental Studies
