Benjamin Gilman Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant as part of their financial aid package.  


Deadline: Usually around March 1 for Summer, Fall and Academic Year. Usually around October 1st for Spring.

Environmental Studies - B.A.

The Environmental Studies B.A. program combines scientific, social and policy perspectives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. Enroll now and become an agent for positive change.

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Program Information for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to integrate concepts and knowledge about environmental issues from across multiple disciplines and communicate about these in important ways. Basic scientific knowledge about environmental processes is used to inform different social goals. Students develop a set of key competencies in earth systems science, environmental social science, human-natural systems and sustainability science to solve specific environmental problems.

Environmental Studies students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Geography and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the environment and how it relates to human activity, human resource needs and human cognition.
  2. Analyze the interconnections between environmental and human systems and how those play out in particular problem areas.
  3. Evaluate how environmental problems are framed and public attitudes and policies can be harnessed to provide solutions to environmental degradation.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
ENVS 22070NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
ENVS 30105CAREER PATHWAYS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1
ENVS 32091ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SUSTAINABILITY 2
ENVS 42099INTEGRATIVE SENIOR PROJECT (ELR) (WIC) 13
ESCI 21062ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS) 3
Biological Sciences Elective, choose from the following:3-4
BSCI 30274
FORESTRY
BSCI 30275
LOCAL FLORA (ELR)
BSCI 30277
ECONOMIC BOTANY
BSCI 30360
GENERAL ECOLOGY
BSCI 30361
BIOGEOGRAPHY
BSCI 30362
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY OF THE TROPICS
BSCI 30370
CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGY
BSCI 30582
ORNITHOLOGY
BSCI 40170
STREAM BIOLOGY
BSCI 40222
INVASION BIOLOGY
BSCI 40365
FIELD METHODS IN ORNITHOLOGY (ELR)
BSCI 40375
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
BSCI 40525
WILDLIFE RESOURCES (ELR)
BSCI 40558
MAMMALOGY
BSCI 40560
HERPETOLOGY
Earth Science Elective, choose from the following:3
ESCI 33025
WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ESCI 42065
WATERSHED HYDROLOGY
ESCI 42066
PHYSICAL HYDROGEOLOGY
ESCI 44025
GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND DISASTERS
ESCI 44040
EARTH’S ENERGY TRANSITION
Geography Elective, choose from the following:3
GEOG 41051
NATURAL DISASTERS AND SOCIETY
GEOG 41066
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
GEOG 41074
RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 41082
GEOGRAPHY OF SOILS
GEOG 41195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY
Methods Elective, choose from the following:3-4
BSCI 40224
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY
ESCI 42030
REMOTE SENSING
ESCI 42035
DATA ANALYSIS IN THE EARTH SCIENCES
ESCI 42060
EARTH OBSERVING
GEOG 40285
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 41065
DATA ANALYSIS FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 49070
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 49073
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS IN R
GEOG 49230
REMOTE SENSING
SOC 32210
RESEARCHING SOCIETY (ELR) (WIC) 1
Social Sciences Electives, choose from the following:15
ARCS 30421
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVES
ECON 32084
ECONOMICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENVS 30000
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS AND ASSESSMENT
ENVS 46092
INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ELR)
ENVS 49195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
FDM 35012
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION
GEOG 31070
POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 32023
FOOD AND PLACE (ELR)
GEOG 41073
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
GEOG 41077
WATER AND SOCIETY
GEOG 41800
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
GEOG 42064
SETTLING THE NORTH AMERICAN ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 45085
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
GEOG 46060
FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
GEOG 46070
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
PACS 35050
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PACS 45060
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
PH 30006
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
PHIL 30025
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY (ELR)
PLST 35001
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR PARALEGALS
POL 30350
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
POL 40440
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICIES
POL 40540
POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT (DIVG)
RPTM 36082
INTERPRETATION OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
RPTM 36083
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
SOC 42560
SOCIOLOGY OF FOOD
SOC 42565
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)3
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)39
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University
  3. Demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ENVS 22070 NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours13
Semester Two
BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
ESCI 21062 ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
Geography Elective 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
Biological Sciences Elective 3-4
Methods Elective 3-4
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
Earth Science Elective 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
ENVS 30105 CAREER PATHWAYS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1
ENVS 32091 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SUSTAINABILITY 2
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Social Sciences Elective 3
General Electives 12
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
ENVS 42099 INTEGRATIVE SENIOR PROJECT (ELR) (WIC) 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Compliance officers

4.6%

about as fast as the average

337,600

number of jobs

$71,100

potential earnings

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary

3.7%

about as fast as the average

7,600

number of jobs

$84,740

potential earnings

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

7.8%

faster than the average

90,900

number of jobs

$73,230

potential earnings

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health

8.4%

much faster than the average

34,700

number of jobs

$46,850

potential earnings

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary

2.2%

slower than the average

2,100

number of jobs

$87,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Geography - B.A.

The Geography B.A. program offers a comprehensive education in the field of geography, including the physical, social and cultural aspects of the world. With experienced faculty and real-world opportunities, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in a variety of geography-related careers.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Info
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Geography - B.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography emphasizes a growing field that offers a wide range of career options. Geographers study both natural science and social science. Natural science topics include spatial patterns of rocks, soils, animals, plants, climate and weather. Social science topics include spatial patterns of culture, policy, conflict, demographics, economics, resources and waste, with an emphasis on investigating the intersection of human activity and environmental processes. Geographers use a variety of geospatial technologies to map the world in different ways from the global to the local.

Geographers use data (environmental and social statistics, interviews, textual and landscape analysis and archival documents) to describe natural and social patterns. They then apply their knowledge of human and environmental processes to analyze why these patterns exist. Geographers work at the intersection of multiple disciplines — geology, ecology, climate science, urban planning, economics, sociology, computer science and the humanities — using this knowledge to examine spatial processes. Geographers use GIS software and remote sensing for spatial analysis and cartography.

Geography offers a unique way of seeing and understanding the world, combined with the ability to communicate this understanding to others. Geographers find work in the environmental sciences, GIS and mapping and working with people in planning and other government and non-profit agencies.

Geography students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Geography and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for Geography - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe spatial patterns of human and environmental features at multiple scales.
  2. Use geographic research tools, including geographic information systems, to analyze spatial patterns and identify processes that create these patterns.
  3. Explain linkages and interactions between social and environmental processes.
  4. Communicate these patterns, processes and interconnections through writing, speaking and map making.
  5. Apply a geographic perspective and geospatial skills to contemporary social and environmental issues, informing policy and practice.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ENVS 22070NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
GEOG 17063WORLD GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
or GEOG 17064 GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (DIVD) (KSS)
GEOG 21062PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (KBS) 3
GEOG 21063PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
GEOG 22061HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
GEOG 39002STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY 3
or GEOG 40285 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 39070MAPPING, SPACE AND POWER 3
GEOG 40191SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC) 13
or GEOG 40199 CAPSTONE IN APPLIED GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
GEOG 49070GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 4
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level)18
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Basic Sciences2-3
Kent Core Additional3
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)41
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University
  3. Demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
GEOG 17063
or GEOG 17064
 WORLD GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS)
or GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (DIVD) (KSS)
3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
GEOG 21062 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (KBS) 3
GEOG 21063 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
GEOG 22061 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
ENVS 22070 NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
GEOG 39070 MAPPING, SPACE AND POWER 3
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
GEOG 49070 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 4
Foreign Language 4
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours14
Semester Five
GEOG 39002
or GEOG 40285
 STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
or FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
3
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 9
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
GEOG 40191
or GEOG 40199
 SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
or CAPSTONE IN APPLIED GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
3
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours13
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Geography - B.A.

Calibration technologists and technicians and engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other

2.1%

slower than the average

91,600

number of jobs

$64,190

potential earnings

Geographers

-1.2%

decline

1,600

number of jobs

$85,430

potential earnings

Geography teachers, postsecondary

2.9%

slower than the average

4,800

number of jobs

$82,330

potential earnings

Surveying and mapping technicians

0.7%

little or no change

58,400

number of jobs

$46,200

potential earnings

Cartographers and photogrammetrists

4.5%

about as fast as the average

12,000

number of jobs

$68,380

potential earnings

Urban and regional planners

11.0%

much faster than the average

39,700

number of jobs

$75,950

potential earnings

Social scientists and related workers, all other

0.8%

little or no change

38,800

number of jobs

$87,260

potential earnings

Social science research assistants

5.8%

faster than the average

40,100

number of jobs

$49,210

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Natural sciences managers

4.8%

about as fast as the average

71,400

number of jobs

$137,940

potential earnings

Forest and conservation technicians

0.6%

little or no change

21,200

number of jobs

$38,940

potential earnings

Forest and conservation workers

-0.5%

little or no change

13,200

number of jobs

$30,640

potential earnings

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

7.8%

faster than the average

90,900

number of jobs

$73,230

potential earnings

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

4.9%

about as fast as the average

31,800

number of jobs

$93,580

potential earnings

Community and social service specialists, all other

11.7%

much faster than the average

105,200

number of jobs

$46,770

potential earnings

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary

4.9%

about as fast as the average

13,400

number of jobs

$78,840

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
A Spooktacular Fashion Show

Haus of Horrors host welcomes audience to fashion show

Gothic themes and haunted attire embellished the Cartwright Hall Auditorium for the Fabric Pantry’s Haus of Horrors Fashion Show. The stage was lined with candles on Friday, Oct. 13, turning it into a spooktacular catwalk for Kent State University’s fashion design students to show off their impressive designs themed around Halloween and the goth aesthetic. With house music filling the auditorium and drag-inspired makeup gracing the stage, the event’s theme was clear: queer culture’s impact on the fashion industry. The Fabric Pantry is a student organization with the missi...

Environmental Studies - B.A.

The Environmental Studies B.A. program combines scientific, social and policy perspectives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. Enroll now and become an agent for positive change.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Info
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to integrate concepts and knowledge about environmental issues from across multiple disciplines and communicate about these in important ways. Basic scientific knowledge about environmental processes is used to inform different social goals. Students develop a set of key competencies in earth systems science, environmental social science, human-natural systems and sustainability science to solve specific environmental problems.

Environmental Studies students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Geography and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the environment and how it relates to human activity, human resource needs and human cognition.
  2. Analyze the interconnections between environmental and human systems and how those play out in particular problem areas.
  3. Evaluate how environmental problems are framed and public attitudes and policies can be harnessed to provide solutions to environmental degradation.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
ENVS 22070NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
ENVS 30105CAREER PATHWAYS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1
ENVS 32091ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SUSTAINABILITY 2
ENVS 42099INTEGRATIVE SENIOR PROJECT (ELR) (WIC) 13
ESCI 21062ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS) 3
Biological Sciences Elective, choose from the following:3-4
BSCI 30274
FORESTRY
BSCI 30275
LOCAL FLORA (ELR)
BSCI 30277
ECONOMIC BOTANY
BSCI 30360
GENERAL ECOLOGY
BSCI 30361
BIOGEOGRAPHY
BSCI 30362
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY OF THE TROPICS
BSCI 30370
CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGY
BSCI 30582
ORNITHOLOGY
BSCI 40170
STREAM BIOLOGY
BSCI 40222
INVASION BIOLOGY
BSCI 40365
FIELD METHODS IN ORNITHOLOGY (ELR)
BSCI 40375
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
BSCI 40525
WILDLIFE RESOURCES (ELR)
BSCI 40558
MAMMALOGY
BSCI 40560
HERPETOLOGY
Earth Science Elective, choose from the following:3
ESCI 33025
WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ESCI 42065
WATERSHED HYDROLOGY
ESCI 42066
PHYSICAL HYDROGEOLOGY
ESCI 44025
GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND DISASTERS
ESCI 44040
EARTH’S ENERGY TRANSITION
Geography Elective, choose from the following:3
GEOG 41051
NATURAL DISASTERS AND SOCIETY
GEOG 41066
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
GEOG 41074
RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 41082
GEOGRAPHY OF SOILS
GEOG 41195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY
Methods Elective, choose from the following:3-4
BSCI 40224
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY
ESCI 42030
REMOTE SENSING
ESCI 42035
DATA ANALYSIS IN THE EARTH SCIENCES
ESCI 42060
EARTH OBSERVING
GEOG 40285
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 41065
DATA ANALYSIS FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 49070
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 49073
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS IN R
GEOG 49230
REMOTE SENSING
SOC 32210
RESEARCHING SOCIETY (ELR) (WIC) 1
Social Sciences Electives, choose from the following:15
ARCS 30421
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVES
ECON 32084
ECONOMICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
ENG 35105
LITERATURE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
ENVS 30000
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS AND ASSESSMENT
ENVS 46092
INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ELR)
ENVS 49195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
FDM 35012
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION
GEOG 31070
POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 32023
FOOD AND PLACE (ELR)
GEOG 41073
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
GEOG 41077
WATER AND SOCIETY
GEOG 41800
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
GEOG 42064
SETTLING THE NORTH AMERICAN ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 45085
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
GEOG 46060
FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
GEOG 46070
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
PACS 35050
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PACS 45060
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
PH 30006
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
PHIL 30025
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY (ELR)
PLST 35001
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR PARALEGALS
POL 30350
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
POL 40440
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICIES
POL 40540
POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT (DIVG)
RPTM 36082
INTERPRETATION OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
RPTM 36083
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
SOC 42560
SOCIOLOGY OF FOOD
SOC 42565
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)3
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)39
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University
  3. Demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
ENVS 22070 NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours13
Semester Two
BSCI 10110 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
ESCI 21062 ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
Geography Elective 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
Biological Sciences Elective 3-4
Methods Elective 3-4
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Semester Five
Earth Science Elective 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
ENVS 30105 CAREER PATHWAYS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1
ENVS 32091 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SUSTAINABILITY 2
Social Sciences Elective 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Social Sciences Elective 3
General Electives 12
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
ENVS 42099 INTEGRATIVE SENIOR PROJECT (ELR) (WIC) 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Environmental Studies - B.A.

Compliance officers

4.6%

about as fast as the average

337,600

number of jobs

$71,100

potential earnings

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary

3.7%

about as fast as the average

7,600

number of jobs

$84,740

potential earnings

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

7.8%

faster than the average

90,900

number of jobs

$73,230

potential earnings

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health

8.4%

much faster than the average

34,700

number of jobs

$46,850

potential earnings

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary

2.2%

slower than the average

2,100

number of jobs

$87,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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