{"id":12405,"date":"2017-06-15T09:45:40","date_gmt":"2017-06-15T13:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/fer\/?page_id=12405"},"modified":"2026-04-09T09:28:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:28:10","slug":"environmental-sciences-degree","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/fer\/undergraduate\/environmental-sciences-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental Sciences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
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What is Environmental Sciences?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the need for understanding issues such as mitigating and adapting to environmental challenges, advancing sustainability and predicting outcomes of environmental policies continues to increase, so does the need for environmental experts across industries. Our Environmental Sciences program prepares students to become these experts through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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This STEM major (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) starts with major-specific courses such as Sustainability, Energy and the Environment and Analysis of Environmental Issues. Students then customize their degree <\/strong>by choosing an existing minor or designing their own 15-credit hour focal area that prepares them to bring an understanding of the environment to whatever career they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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This program provides opportunities for students to rigorously explore complex, interdisciplinary environmental issues by combining courses throughout NC State.<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

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Popular Focal Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Design your own, such as: <\/strong>Global Health, Water Resources, Environmental Justice and Policy, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Science Communication, Renewable Energy Assessment, Sustainable Design\/Landscape Architecture, Conservation Ecology, Environmental Education, Sustainable Practices for Business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick from minor-based areas, such as:<\/strong> Anthropology, Applied Ecology, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Entomology, Environmental Education, Forest Management, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Political Science, Soil Science, Spanish, Meteorology or Microbiology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

External Learning Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As part of the external learning experience requirement, many students participate in hands-on internships<\/strong>, such as managing and analyzing food loss in hospitality, retail and institutions; working on habitat restoration; supporting public health agencies; and developing habitat management plans for solar farms. RTI International, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and a wide range of government agencies are located within 20 minutes of NC State\u2019s campus, providing easy access for students to gain valuable experiences while in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental Sciences Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n