Environmental Studies BA - Florida Gulf Coast University

Empowering Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders

The environmental studies major is designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding and dynamic possibilities for jobs related to the critical environmental issues facing our planet.

Request Info

About the Program

The Environmental Studies BA program is meticulously crafted to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environment and its interconnections with society.

This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field and to address the global environmental challenges of our time. Whether students are interested in ecology, education, or water resources, this program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in environmental studies.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

Through integrated interdisciplinary learning experiences based in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the field, and off-campus, students will meet science goals shared by those in the natural sciences and will develop skills and experience in:

The ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information.
The process of science, its application to developing public policy, and the ethical issues of this application.
Effective communication and problem solving in professional settings and situations requiring collaborative teamwork.
A systems perspective on environmental issues that includes the historical, cultural, economic, and ecological considerations.
The ecosystems of Southwest Florida and the ability to apply this local knowledge to other regions of the globe.
The application of the concept of sustainability.

Meet our Faculty & Staff

Environemntal Studies professor

Internships

Develop your scientific knowledge and skills and gain valuable experience in a chosen career through internships with our community partners.

Internships

Concentrations

Ecology and Environmental Assessment Concentration
Environmental Education Concentration
Water Resources Science and Management Concentration

Accreditation
Toggle More Info
Admissions Information
Toggle More Info
Admissions Information for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
If you are not yet an FGCU student, visit the Admissions Office Website
If you are a newly-admitted FGCU student please be sure to sign up for an Eagle View Orientation session. As part of this session you will be meeting with an academic advisor who will assist you in registering for classes for your major.
Admission Deadlines
Visit the Admissions Office Web site for information on admission deadlines of the university.
Program Requirements
Toggle More Info
Program Requirements for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
The General Education Program Website is located at https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
- Attend an orientation session.
- Sign an Advising Agreement document.
In addition to the program requirements, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
- Complete a minimum of 48 of the 120 credits at the upper division (3000 - 4999 level).
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
- Satisfy the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
- Satisfy the Service-Learning requirement.
- Satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement.
- Satisfy the residency requirement: 30 of the last 60 credits must be completed at FGCU.
- Complete the summer course enrollment requirement.
- Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
Program Requirements
1. FGCU General Education Program (https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/)
  To prevent or minimize excess hours, select general education courses that satisfy common prerequisite requirements for your intended major.
2. Common Prerequisites
  For this major, common prerequisite courses with an asterisk (*) require prior knowledge and skills demonstrated through degree acceleration programs (e.g., the College Board's Advanced Placement Program [AP], International Baccalaureate Program [IB], College-Level Examination Program [CLEP], Advanced International Certificate of Education Program [AICE]); dual enrollment; placement exam; or college coursework.
  
  FGCU Course: BSC 1010C General Biology with Lab I (4) or BSC 1010 (3) and BSC 1010L (1) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitutes: BSCX010C or (BSCX010 and BSCX010L)
  
  FGCU Course: BSC 1011 General Biology II (3) and BSC 1011L General Biology II Laboratory (1) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: BSCX011C or (BSCX011 and BSCX011L)
  
  FGCU Course: *CHM 1045 General Chemistry I (3) and CHM 1045L General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: CHMX045C or (CHMX045 and CHMX045L)
  [Prerequisites of MAT 1033 minimum grade of C then MAC 1105 minimum grade of C; or relevant accelerated credit; or placement exam]
  
  FGCU Course: EVR 1001C Intro. Environmental Science (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: EVRX001 or EVRX001C
  
  FGCU Course: *STA 2023 Statistical Methods (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: STAX023
  [Prerequisites of MAT 1033 minimum grade of C; or relevant accelerated credit; or placement exam]
3. Required Courses in the Major (25 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  EVR 2861 Intro to Environmental Policy (3)
  EVR 3002 Overview Environmental Studies (1)
  EVR 3020 Environmental Philosophies (3)
  EVR 3712 Regional Environmental Studies (3)
  EVR 4326 Environmental Studies (capstone) (3)
  EVR 4940 Internship in Environ Studies (3)
  IDS 3300 Foundations of Civic Engagement (3)
  ISC 3154C Environmental Research Design (3)
  PCB 3043C General Ecology (3)
4. Restricted Electives in the Major (6 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  Select 4 credits from the following:
  CHM 1084C Environmental Chemistry (4)
  CHM 1046 General Chemistry II (3) and CHM 1046L General Chemistry II Lab (1)
  
  Select 2 credits from the following:
  BSC 4933 Current Topics in Biology (1)*
  EVR 4920 Current Topics in Environ Studies (1)*
  ISC 4930 Current Top in Intd Nat Scienc (1)*
5. Concentration (15 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  Complete one of the following concentrations
  
  Ecology and Environmental Assessment Concentration
  Complete the following:
  EVR 4043C Environmental GIS (3)
  
  Complete 3 credits from the following research courses:
  EVR 4028 Simulation and Modeling (3)*
  EVR 4910 Sr Proj Rsch Environ Studies (2) and EVR 4911 Sr Prj Present in Envir Studies (1)
  PCB 3460C Ecosystem Monit & Resea Method (3)*
  
  Complete 3 credits from the following:
  OCE 3008C Oceanography (3)*
  PCB 4036C Landscape & Ecosystems Ecology (3)*
  PCB 4303C Limnology (3)*
  PCB 4442C Wetland Ecology (3)*
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following electives:
  BOT 3015C The Lives of Plants and Algae (3)
  BOT 4601C Plant Ecology (3)
  EVR 3081 Science Communication (3)
  EVR 4026 Human Ecology and Systems (3)
  EVR 4028 Simulation and Modeling (3)*
  EVR 4418 Environmental Policy: Wildlife (3)
  EVR 4871 Environmental Policy Process (3)
  EVR 4872 Environmental Policy/Law (3)
  EVR 4905 Ind. Study in Enviro. Studies (1-4)
  EVR 4930 Spec Topics in Environ Studies (1-4)
  EVS 4814C Environmental Toxicology (3)
  EVS 4874C Climate Change Ecology (3)
  GLY 3820C Introduction to Hydrology (3)
  OCE 3008C Oceanography (3)*
  PCB 4304C Freshwater Ecology of Algae (3)
  PCB 3414C Behavioral Ecology (3)
  PCB 3460C Ecosystem Monit & Resea Method (3)*
  PCB 4036C Landscape & Ecosystems Ecology (3)*
  PCB 4303C Limnology (3)*
  PCB 4442C Wetland Ecology (3)*
  ZOO 4272C Ornithology (3)
  
  * The courses taken in one category cannot be used to satisfy another category.
  
  Environmental Education Concentration
  Complete the following:
  EVR 4423 Teach & Learn Outdoors (3)
  EVR 4914 Interpreting the Environment (3)
  EVR 4924 Environmental Education (3)
  
  Complete 3 credits of upper division (3000-4999 level) courses with the prefix BOT or ZOO
  
  Complete 3 credits from the following:
  AMH 3423 Modern Florida (3)
  EVR 4910 Sr Proj Rsch Environ Studies (2) and EVR 4911 Sr Proj Pres in Environ Studies (1)
  OCE 3008C Oceanography (3)*
  PCB 3414C Behavioral Ecology (3)*
  PCB 3460C Ecosystem Monit & Resea Method (3)*
  PCB 4036C Landscape & Ecosystems Ecology (3)*
  PCB 4303C Limnology (3)*
  PCB 4442C Wetland Ecology (3)*
  Any upper division (3000-4999 level) courses with EVR or EVS prefix*
  
  *The courses taken in one category cannot be used to satisfy another category.
  
  Water Resources Science and Management Concentration
  Complete the following:
  EVR 4043C Environmental GIS (3)
  EVR 4211 Water Resources Sci & Policy (3)
  
  Complete 3 credits from the following environmental science courses:
  EVS 4814C Environmental Toxicology (3)*
  GLY 3820C Introduction to Hydrology (3)*
  PCB 4303C Limnology (3)*
  PCB 4442C Wetland Ecology (3)*
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following electives:
  EVR 3081 Science Communication (3)
  EVR 4026 Human Ecology and Systems (3)
  EVR 4028 Simulation and Modeling (3)*
  EVR 4418 Environmental Policy: Wildlife (3)
  EVR 4871 Environmental Policy Process (3)
  EVR 4872 Environmental Policy/Law (3)
  EVR 4905 Ind. Study in Environ Studies (1-4)*
  EVR 4910 Sr Proj Rsch Environ Studies (2) and EVR 4911 Sr Prj Present in Envir Studies (1)
  EVR 4930 Spec Topics in Environ Studies (1-4)*
  EVS 4814C Environmental Toxicology (3)*
  EVS 4874C Climate Change Ecology (3)
  GLY 3820C Introduction to Hydrology (3)*
  PCB 3460C Ecosystem Monit & Resea Method (3)*
  PCB 4303C Limnology (3)*
  PCB 4442C Wetland Ecology (3)*
  *The courses taken in one category cannot be used to satisfy another category
6. Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (3 credits)
  Select at least 3 credits in sustainability coursework (SCGR Attribute)
7. Additional Electives - as needed to reach total credits required for the degree
Total Credits Required: 120
Degree Map
Toggle More Info
Degree Maps are to be used as a general guideline for students. Some students scheduling needs may vary based upon completed courses and transfer credits. Please see your advisor for assistance and verification.
2024-2025 Environmental Studies - Ecology & Enviro Assessment Concentration BA Degree Map

2024-2025 Environmental Studies - Enviro Ed Concentration BA Degree Map

2024-2025 Environmental Studies - Water Resource Science Concentration BA Degree Map

Additional Graduation Requirements include:
- A minimum of 120 credit hours.
- A minimum of 48 of the 120 hours must be at the upper division (3000 - 4999) level.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
- A minimum grade of C for each course used to satisfy the following categories: common prerequisites, required courses in the major, and courses in the concentration.
- Satisfaction of the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
- Satisfaction of the Service Learning requirement (See www.fgcu.edu/connect).
- Satisfaction of the residency requirement: thirty of the last sixty credits must be completed at FGCU.
- Completion of the summer course enrollment requirement.
- Submit an online Application for Graduation via Gulfline by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
Transfer Notes and Acceptable Substitutes

For All Majors: Students are strongly recommended to select required lower division electives that will enhance their General Education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.
Course Description
Toggle More Info
Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search
Course Schedule
Toggle More Info
Getting Started With the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.
*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)
Learning Outcomes
Toggle More Info
Academic Learning Compact

Consistent with its mission and guiding principles, Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement, as supported by a sound teaching-learning process. Within this process, students and instructors share responsibility for learning that is a movement from the simple to the complex, the concrete to the abstract, and the dependent to the independent. The Academic Learning Compact (ALC) initiative supports the teaching-learning process by clearly identifying expected core student learning outcomes in the areas of content/discipline knowledge and skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills; aligning curricula with expectations; and using assessment to guide continuous improvement.

Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Explain basic ecological, natural and social content knowledge related to issues and problems in environmental studies.
2. Apply scientific and systems process thinking to issues and problems that affect environmental systems.
3. Develop an approach to resolving issues and problems at the intersection of environmental and social systems.
Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills are assessed at the program level using pre- and post-tests, content instruments, research proposals and course projects in one or more of the following: EVR 4326 Conservation Strategies, ISC 3120 Scientific Process, EVR 4910/4911 Senior Research/Presentation, and PCB 3043 General Ecology.
Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Organize and effectively communicate in written form, using the language and concepts of environmental science and/or studies in a coherent, clear and unified manner.
2. Organize and effectively communicate in oral and visual formats, using the language and concepts of environmental science and/or studies, in an engaging, clear and coherent manner.
Communication Skills are assessed at the program level through scientific research proposals and course projects in one or more of the following: area studies courses, ISC 3120 Scientific Process and EVR 4910/4911 Senior Research/Presentation.
Critical Thinking Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate arguments and assumptions, and interpret published data relating to environmental studies.
2. Identify, synthesize environmental studies information, analyze and solve ecological and environmental problems so that reasoned inferences can be drawn.
3. Use the scientific process to form hypotheses and to design studies for gathering and analyzing data from which to draw scientifically valid conclusions.
Critical Thinking Skills are assessed at the program level using final course projects in one or more of the following: area studies courses, ISC 3120 Scientific Process and EVR 4910/4911 Senior Research/Presentation.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Assistance
Toggle More Info

Tuition and Fees

Information on Tuition, Fees and estimated total Cost of Attendance is available on the Student Account Services website.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Visit FGCU's Financial Aid Web site for information about grants, additional scholarships, loans, and student employment.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Request Info

Apply Now