The Environmental Communication minor is a collaborative effort between the School of Communication and the School of Environmental Sustainability. This 18 credit minor equips students with a deeper understanding of the role of communication in effectively advocating for environmental sustainability.

The minor is enriched with access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Lakeshore and Water Tower campuses. At Lakeshore, the facilities of the School of Environmental Sustainability are designed to minimize energy use, reduce waste, and conserve water.  At Water Tower, the School of Communication offers students on-site multi-media production facilities, labs, and specialized equipment.

The skills student acquire from this minor will prepare them for future work in environmental advocacy across diverse platforms. 

CURRICULUM

Only three courses may count toward an SoC or SES major and the Environmental Communication minor. Please consult your academic advisor with any questions.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Environmental Courses
Select two of the following:		6
ENVS 218	Biodiversity & Biogeography
ENVS 224	Climate & Climate Change
ENVS 273	Energy and The Environment
ENVS 283	Environmental Sustainability 2
Communication Courses
Select two of the following:		6
COMM 130	Intro to Audio Production
COMM 135	Intro to Video Production
or COMM 145	Video for Journalists
COMM 210	Principles of Public Relations
COMM 213	Digital Foundations
COMM 236	Persuasive Presentations
COMM 260	Environmental Journalism (spring only) 1
COMM 275	Web Design and Usability
COMM 309	Designing Media for Social Change
or COMM 322	Guerilla Media
COMM 282	Media Law
or COMM 362	Multimedia Journalism Research Methods
Elective Options
Select one each from Lists A and B:		6
List A:
COMM 227	Social Justice & Communication
COMM 306	Environmental Advocacy
COMM 307	Communication & Social Movements
COMM 379	Digital Sustainability
List B:
ENVS 204	Gender, Health & Environment
ENVS 207	Plants and Civilization
ENVS 218	Biodiversity & Biogeography
ENVS 226	Science & Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems
ENVS 273	Energy and The Environment
ENVS 279	Climate and History 1
ENVS 283	Environmental Sustainability 2
ENVS 284	Environmental Justice
ENVS 297	North American Environmental History 1
ENVS 310	Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy
ENVS 311	Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy
ENVS 312	Water Law & Policy
ENVS 313	Energy Law & Policy
ENVS 338	Climate Change and Human Health
ENVS 350A	Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water 2
ENVS 350B	Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas 2
ENVS 350C	Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action 2
ENVS 350F	Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems 2
Total Hours		18

¹

Writing Intensive

²

Satisfies Engaged Learning requirement.

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.

Plan of Study Grid

Sophomore
Fall		Hours
ENVS Required Course #1		3
	Hours	3
Spring
ENVS Required Course #2		3
	Hours	3
Junior
Fall
COMM Required Course #1		3
	Hours	3
Spring
COMM Required Course #2		3
	Hours	3
Senior
Fall
ENVS Option #1		3
	Hours	3
Spring
COMM Option #1		3
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	18

Undergraduate Policies and Procedures

Please see Undergraduate Policies and Procedures for academic policies that supersede those of academic units within the University.

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

• Understand the role that communication plays in upholding, changing, or transforming the dominant social and cultural understandings of the environment. 
• Effectively use various communication strategies and technologies to advocate for environmental sustainability. 
• Use communication skills to critique, change, and create environmental campaigns and projects.
• Serve the needs of diverse groups, communities and organizations which strive for equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.