Environmental Science/Environmental Science and Sustainability (BS/MS)
Solving the world's most pressing environmental problems requires understanding the scientific aspects of sustainability. Our program in environmental science prepares students to develop innovative solutions to challenges such as climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
With our Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program, Loyola SES students can boost their professional credentials and save time and money by completing an undergraduate degree along with a master of science in environmental science and sustainability degree in as little as five years. The economic and academic benefits are substantial.
CURRICULUM
Environmental Science students complete coursework that includes both a heavy dose of basic science requirements and courses spanning a variety of disciplines pertinent to understanding the context in which environmental challenges reside.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS Requirements | ||
| Core Curriculum | ||
| ENVS 137 | Foundations of Environmental Science I | 3 |
| BIOL 101 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 160 | Chemical Structure and Properties | 3 |
| CHEM 161 | Chemical Structure and Properties Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 102 | General Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 180 | Chemical Reactivity I | 3 |
| CHEM 181 | Chemical Reactivity I Lab | 1 |
| ENVS 200 | Environmental Careers and Professional Skills | 1 |
| ENVS 203 | Environmental Statistics | 3 |
| ENVS 274 | Chemistry of the Natural Environment | 3 |
| ENVS 275 | Chemistry of the Environment Lab | 1 |
| ENVS 280 | Principles of Ecology | 3 |
| ENVS 286S | Principles of Ecology Lab | 1 |
| PLSC 392 | Environmental Politics | 3 |
| Justice and Ethics Choice | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Justice | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Religious Ethics and the Ecological Crisis | ||
| Economics Choice | ||
| ENVS 335 | Ecological Economics | 3 |
| or ECON 328 | Environmental Economics | |
| Engaged Learning Choice | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Science & Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems | ||
| Bird Conservation and Ecology | ||
| Energy and The Environment | ||
| Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Natural History of Belize | ||
| Conservation and Sustainability of Neotropical Ecosystems | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems | ||
| Field Ornithology | ||
| Environmental Research | ||
| Environmental Internship | ||
| Capstone Choice | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Integrative Seminar | ||
| Independent Environmental Research (Capstone) | ||
| Environmental Internship (Capstone) | ||
| Electives | 21 | |
| See designated elective categories below | ||
| MS Requirements | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| ENVS 401 | Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives | 3 |
| ENVS 402 | Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives | 3 |
| Choose One of Four Concentrations | 9-12 | |
| Environmental Law & Policy | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy | ||
| Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy | ||
| Water Law & Policy | ||
| Energy Law & Policy | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced GIS Applications | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Sustainable Assessment and Planning | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts | ||
| Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I | ||
| Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II | ||
| Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting | ||
| Sustainable Business | ||
| Introduction to the Circular Economy | ||
| Ecological Economics | ||
| Design for Circular & Sustainable Business | ||
| Sustainable Business Management | ||
| Electives 1 | 12-15 | |
| Total Hours | 97 | |
- 1
Students choosing the Geographical Information Systems concentration must take an additional elective course to meet the total credit hours for the MS.
BS Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Society, Ethics, and Justice | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Health & Environment | ||
| Environmental Journalism | ||
| Climate and History | ||
| Environmental Justice | ||
| North American Environmental History | ||
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Climate Change and Human Health | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems | ||
| Human Dimensions of Conservation | ||
| Environmental Research (with SES approval) | ||
| Environmental Internship (with SES approval) | ||
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Directed Readings (with SES approval) | ||
| Public Speaking & Critical Thinking | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Environmental Advocacy | ||
| Guerilla Media | ||
| Digital Sustainability | ||
| Nature in Literature | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Environmental Psychology | ||
| Science, Technology, & Society | ||
| Global Inequalities | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| The Sociology and Politics of Food | ||
| Global Health | ||
| Religious Ethics and the Ecological Crisis | ||
| Theology and Ecology | ||
| Policy, Economics, and Resource Management | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Introduction to Public Health | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy | ||
| Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy | ||
| Water Law & Policy | ||
| Energy Law & Policy | ||
| Food Systems Analysis | ||
| Industrial Ecology | ||
| Introduction to the Circular Economy | ||
| Ecological Economics | ||
| Design for Circular & Sustainable Business | ||
| Climate Change and Human Health | ||
| Sustainable Business Management | ||
| Sustainability Management in the Global Context | ||
| Human Dimensions of Conservation | ||
| Conservation Economics | ||
| Ecological Risk Assessment | ||
| Environmental Research (with SES approval) | ||
| Environmental Internship (with SES approval) | ||
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Directed Readings (with SES approval) | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Globalization and Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Managing People and Organizations | ||
| Global Environmental Politics | ||
| Environmental Science Electives | ||
| Select five, at least three of which must be at the 300 level: | 15 | |
| Gender, Health & Environment | ||
| Plants and Civilization | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Biodiversity & Biogeography | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Climate & Climate Change | ||
| Science & Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems | ||
| Bird Conservation and Ecology | ||
| Energy and The Environment | ||
| Hydrology | ||
| Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Introduction to Public Health | ||
| Environmental Health | ||
| Introduction to Epidemiology | ||
| Winter Ecology | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Invasive Species | ||
| Environmental Microbiology | ||
| Sustainable Agriculture | ||
| Agroecosystems | ||
| Food Systems Analysis | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Climate Change and Human Health | ||
| Natural History of Belize | ||
| Conservation and Sustainability of Neotropical Ecosystems | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action | ||
| Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems | ||
| Field Ornithology | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced GIS Applications | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Human Dimensions of Conservation | ||
| Introduction to Global Health | ||
| Principles of Ecotoxicology | ||
| Applied Environmental Statistics | ||
| Ecological Risk Assessment | ||
| Environmental Research (with SES approval) | ||
| Environmental Internship (with SES approval) | ||
| Special Topics (with SES approval) | ||
| Directed Readings (with SES approval) | ||
| The Human Ecological Footprint | ||
| People and Conservation | ||
BIOL, CHEM, PHYS 300-level courses (with SES approval) | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
MS Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Invasive Species | ||
| Sustainable Agriculture | ||
| Agroecosystems | ||
| Food Systems Analysis | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Ecological Economics | ||
| Climate Change and Human Health | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts | ||
| Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I | ||
| Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced GIS Applications | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Conservation Economics | ||
| Principles of Ecotoxicology | ||
| Applied Environmental Statistics | ||
| Ecological Risk Assessment | ||
| Independent Environmental Research (upon approval) | ||
| Special Topics (upon approval) | ||
| Special Topics with Lab (upon approval) | ||
| Directed Readings (upon approval) | ||
| Special Topics (Topic: Metagenomics) | ||
| Limnology Lec/Lab | ||
| Aquatic Insects Lecture & Laboratory | ||
| Biostats & Exp Design Lec/Lab | ||
| Environmental Health | ||
| Public Health Practice and Management | ||
| Introduction to Epidemiology | ||
| Biostatistics for Health and Biological Science | ||
| Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | ||
| Biostatistics I | ||
| Intro to Statistical Computing for Public Health | ||
| Introduction to Global Health | ||
| Biostatistics II | ||
| Intermediate Epidemiology | ||
| Analytical Tools in Public Policy | ||
| Cost Benefit Analysis | ||
| Public Budget and Finance | ||
| Statistical Methods & Analysis for Public Policy I | ||
| Statistical Methods & Analysis Public Policy II | ||
| Political Feasibility Analysis | ||
| Statistical Methods Analysis I | ||
| Statistical Methods of Analysis II | ||
| SAS Program & Applied Statistics | ||
| Statistical Design | ||
| Topics in Biostatistics | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy | ||
| Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy | ||
| Water Law & Policy | ||
| Energy Law & Policy | ||
| Industrial Ecology | ||
| Introduction to the Circular Economy | ||
| Design for Circular & Sustainable Business | ||
| Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting | ||
| Sustainable Business Management | ||
| Sustainability Management in the Global Context | ||
| Human Dimensions of Conservation | ||
| Independent Environmental Research (upon approval) | ||
| Special Topics (upon approval) | ||
| Directed Readings (upon approval) | ||
| Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | ||
| Policy Design and Analysis | ||
| Public Policy Process | ||
| Social Psychological Theory | ||
| Attitude and Attitude Change | ||
| Methods of Program Evaluation | ||
| Qualitative Methods in Social Research | ||
| Knowledge, Power & Expertise | ||
| Sociology & Natural Environment |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Suggested Sequence of Courses - Professional Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| BIOL 101 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 160 | Chemical Structure and Properties | 3 |
| CHEM 161 | Chemical Structure and Properties Laboratory | 1 |
| ENVS 137 | Foundations of Environmental Science I | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 102 | General Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 180 | Chemical Reactivity I | 3 |
| CHEM 181 | Chemical Reactivity I Lab | 1 |
| ENVS 200 | Environmental Careers and Professional Skills | 1 |
| ENVS 203 | Environmental Statistics | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 280 | Principles of Ecology | 3 |
| ENVS 286S | Principles of Ecology Lab | 1 |
| Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| Justice & Ethics Choice | 3 | |
| Society, Ethics, & Justice Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 274 | Chemistry of the Environment | 3 |
| ENVS 275 | Chemistry of the Environment Lab | 1 |
| Environmental Science 300 Level Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVS 335 or ECON 328 |
Ecological Economics or Environmental Economics |
3 |
| PLSC 392 | Environmental Politics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| Engaged Learning Choice | 3 | |
| 400 Level Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| 400 Level Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Capstone Choice | 3 | |
| 400 Level Policy, Economics, & Resource Management Elective | 3 | |
| 400 Level Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year Five | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 402 | Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives | 3 |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | ||
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVS 401 | Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives | 3 |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 79 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses - Research Track
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| BIOL 101 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 160 | Chemical Structure and Properties | 3 |
| CHEM 161 | Chemical Structure and Properties Laboratory | 1 |
| ENVS 137 | Foundations of Environmental Science I | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 102 | General Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 180 | Chemical Reactivity I | 3 |
| CHEM 181 | Chemical Reactivity I Lab | 1 |
| ENVS 200 | Environmental Careers and Professional Skills | 1 |
| ENVS 203 | Environmental Statistics | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 280 | Principles of Ecology | 3 |
| ENVS 286S | Principles of Ecology Lab | 1 |
| Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| Justice & Ethics Choice | 3 | |
| Society, Ethics, & Justice Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 274 | Chemistry of the Environment | 3 |
| ENVS 275 | Chemistry of the Environment Lab | 1 |
| Environmental Science 300 Level Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVS 335 or ECON 328 |
Ecological Economics or Environmental Economics |
3 |
| PLSC 392 | Environmental Politics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| Engaged Learning Choice | 3 | |
| ENVS 402 | Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives | 3 |
| 400 Level Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Capstone Choice | 3 | |
| ENVS 401 | Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives | 3 |
| 400 Level Environmental Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year Five | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENVS 496 | Research | 3-12 |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVS 496 | Research | 3-12 |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| 400 Level Required Concentration Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 85 | |
School of Environmental Sustainability Graduation Requirements
All SES students are required to complete a foreign language requirement and a writing intensive requirement. The SES language requirement can be fulfilled by 1) earning college credit at the 102-level or above; or 2) demonstrating proficiency via the SES foreign language proficiency examination. The SES writing intensive requirement is fulfilled by successfully completing two Loyola WI courses (max of one per semester). Writing intensive courses have a “W” in the section number.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Explain the physical, biological, and chemical structure and function of ecosystems. [BS]
- Examine the causes and consequences of environmental change at local to global scales. [BS]
- Apply scientific knowledge to evaluate policy, management, and other solutions that aim to enhance environmental sustainability. [BS]
- Create an action plan for leading a professional and personal life that promotes environmental sustainability. [BS]
- Deepen your understanding of complex socio-ecological systems and their connection with sustainable development goals. [MS]
- Increase your ability to make accurate and ethical evidence-based decisions from scientific literature. [MS]
- Expand your capacity to communicate environmental science and sustainability issues to the scientific community, professional colleagues, policy makers, and the general public. [MS]
- Demonstrate competence of in-depth knowledge and skills through completion of an original research project and thesis. [MS]
SES Shared Learning Outcomes
All SES majors share the following Program Learning Objectives, in addition to their unique major-specific Program Learning Objectives:
1. Articulate the foundational principles of natural and social sciences and humanities essential to solving environmental problems.
2. Critically evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information relating to environmental topics.
3. Employ knowledge and skills to design and implement solutions that contribute to a just and sustainable world.
4. Exemplify the values of environmental and social justice through actions to care for our common home and one another.