Program Overview

Environmental Science has emerged as one of the fastest growing career fields and its importance becomes ever more apparent with the rapid environmental changes occurring world-wide in the twenty-first century. It is an interdisciplinary science that relies on knowledge and techniques synthesized from the disciplines of Geology, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics. Environmental scientists seek to solve complex human caused environmental problems associated with air and water pollution, natural habitat loss and degradation, and global change and as such their research has the potential to influence the future sustainability of our planet. As these issues grow in importance, the demand for these inter-disciplinary scientists, trained to understand and solve complex environmental problems and their consequences, will only continue to grow. The Environmental Science program at Columbus State University is structured to train scientists to address the existing challenges and those yet realized in the future. Columbus State University's Environmental Sciences program is the only one in Georgia that offers this breadth of background. The program is designed to educate a new generation of interdisciplinary Environmental Scientists who will have the knowledge and experiences need to solve the increasingly complex and multi-faceted environmental issues.

Career Opportunities

Program of Study

¹

The hours applied in the Institutional Priorities; Mathematics & Quantitative Skills; and Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences areas must add to 18 credit hours. 

²

ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both Fine Arts and Humanities, may be taken only once. 

³

At least 4 of the credit hours in this area must be in a lab science course.

¹

Up to 3 can be added from Areas A, B and/or D with advisor approval.

²

Courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be taken for graduate credit.

BS and MS Requirements

Major Requirements

 Program Map

¹

Substitute MATH 1131 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I for MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus if math placement allows.

²

BIOL 1215K Introductory Biology is a prerequisite for BIOL 3217K Ecology.

³

STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics is a coreq for ENVS 3105 Foundations of Environmental Science (Area G).

⁴

ANTH 1105 Cultural Anthropology is a prereq for Culture and the Environment (Area G).

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BIOL 3217K Ecology prereq ESS: BIOL 1215K Introductory Biology, CHEM 1211 Principles of Chemistry I, CHEM 1211L Principles of Chemistry I Lab, CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry II, CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry II Lab, and ENVS 3105 Foundations of Environmental Science.

Additional Notes

All graduate level courses must be B or better (>=B) to count toward the graduate portion of the degree.

Application Requires:

1. Complete application for admission into this joint BS+MS program.
2. Attain junior standing (62+ credits).
3. Complete both:
   1. All courses in Area F, and
   2. At least 15 credits of Area G courses.
4. Achieve minimum institutional GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 calculated on all Area G
5. Submit research proposal
6. Submit a proposed plan of study (by semester)
7. Submit a recommendation letter from a prospective graduate thesis advisor
8. Score 1000+ on the GRE (New GRE combined 290)
9. Apply for MS NS Environmental Science Track

This program map illustrates appropriate coursework for completing a degree within five years, provided that course grades allow for earned credit. Since not all courses are taught every semester, please consult with your advisor to determine when courses can be taken in a different semester or sequence than illustrated.   This map is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract on the part of CSU since degree requirements or course offerings could change.

Admission Requirements

Additional Program Requirements