Earth and Environmental Science - Bachelor of Arts (37+ Credits)
The Earth and Environmental Science major prepares individuals for graduate-level training in environmental sciences, or for entry-level employment in a broad and growing spectrum of environmental careers. Students who complete this major will gain scientific literacy and both broad and deep knowledge of biology, earth sciences, or health within the context of the complex environmental challenges facing humanity today. An Integrated Science Track designed specifically for future Middle School, Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education teachers allows students to meet teacher licensure requirements for Middle School General Science and leads to comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and the science associated with them. Students wishing to focus on Middle School Mathematics should declare the Mathematics major. A focus on research and field experience in all tracks provides students with first-hand research experiences and helps them develop the essential thinking skills necessary for understanding and studying the environment from multiple perspectives. Student research may involve civic engagement and contribute to the understanding of local urban ecosystems. Immersion in the field will lead to transformative thinking about humans and their complex relations with their environment. The major will lead to the development of a sense of place and a sense of social responsibility informed by a deep understanding of nature, the history of life and humanity, and the complexities of human-environment interactions.
Learning Goals
- Develop Critical Thinking and Inquiry Skills
- Develop Scientific Literacy
- Understand the Application of Science to Issues of Social Concern
- Understand from Multiple Perspectives (including a historical perspective) the Breadth of Human Diversity
- Prepare for Future Careers and Learning
Program Tracks
The Earth and Environmental Science major provides students with the opportunity, working with their advisors and science faculty members, to develop concentrations in biology and earth science. A separate track exists for students who want to pursue the growing field of environmental health. Education majors, including Middle School (separate sub-track), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education Majors, also have a separate track of study. All students will work closely with advisors to choose courses (science, foundation, free elective) that contribute to a comprehensive program of study.
I. Required Core (26 Credits):
Choose ONE:
Choose ONE:
Required:
II. Electives (9-12+ Credits):
Choose 4 courses from CPHYS, CBIOL, CNSCI with at least 1 at 3000 level or above (Education majors MUST take
CNSCI 4550 Directed Research Capstone: Science for 3 of the 12 credits).
III. Research/Field (6 Credits):
NOT required of Education Majors (except for
CNSCI 4550, which MUST be taken under Category II by education majors).
Choose ONE:
IV. Internship (6 Credits):
NOT required of Education Majors, or students who move from an education licensure program into an education minor. Non-Education Majors must take
CNSCI 4100 for 6 credits.
Optional Health Track (9 Credits):
Students in this track may replace the 3 courses above in section III with the two courses below plus 1 additional CHLTH course.
| CBIOL 2502 | Essentials of Health | 3 |
| CHLTH 4410 | Health and the Environment | 3 |
| CHLTH xxxx | (Additional Health Course) | 3 |
Marine Studies Consortium (MSC)
This consortium is an association of 17 Massachusetts higher education and research institutions. MSC courses offer unique learning opportunities in marine and aquatic sciences, environmental policy, and environmental management. The courses are potential choices for Environmental Science majors, as well as Education majors. The Biology of Fishes course, offered at the New England Aquarium, may be the only ichthyology course in the world where students use the resources of a major aquarium at every class meeting. Other courses, such as the Biology of Whales and Water Resources Management, are offered nowhere else in New England at the undergraduate level. Courses, which include an additional consortium tuition fee, are held during the evenings on the campuses of our member institutions. MSC course descriptions can be found in the course descriptions section of this catalog. Students wishing to take MSC courses should contact David Morimoto, Department Chair, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 617.349.8226, or morimoto@lesley.edu. For additional information and offerings, visit the consortium’s website at https://www.marinestudiesconsortium.org/.