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Mar 03, 2025
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[DRAFT] Course Catalog 2025-2026 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Environmental Science Major
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The major consists of a minimum of 10.5 full courses (or the equivalent). Many students will need to take 11.5 full courses to fulfill the quantitative/research methods requirement.
Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.
 View the catalog page for the environmental studies and sciences program.
The environmental science major has an open curriculum to prepare the next generation of environmental scientists, professionals, and leaders with the breadth and depth required to tackle the complex socio-ecological issues of tomorrow in a changing climate.
Students who major in environmental science may not also major in environmental studies.
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Learning Goals
Students who complete the environmental science major will be able to: - demonstrate a holistic understanding of complex systems, human-environment interactions, sustainable development goals, and a broad range of environmental issues by integrating information from multiple disciplinary perspectives;
- develop foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry, and geosciences to build scientific literacy as they pertain to earth system functioning and environmental problem-solving;
- explain the science of modern climate change in the context of Earth’s history, describe its impacts, and understand possible adaptation, mitigation, and resilience options;
- deploy the scientific method, gain skills in data analysis and interpretation of quantitative information, and develop computational skills;
- understand the transdisciplinary nature of environmental problems, solutions, and related policy interventions from social, political, economic, and ethical perspectives;
- build expertise in their area of interest through individually tailored pathways to build depth of interdisciplinary knowledge in a particular area of environmental science and make meaningful contributions towards solutions to complex interdisciplinary environmental problems; and
- demonstrate effective communication, leadership, and community engagement capacities with a variety of stakeholders.
Transfer of Credit Toward the Major
Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate Credit
EVSS 101 , an interdisciplinary course that emphasizes a social science perspective, is strongly recommended for all environmental science majors. However, majors or intended majors with AP credits who wish to be exempted from taking EVSS 101 at Oberlin College may do so if they meet the following conditions: Detailed Major Requirements
Environmental Science Major Course Lists
Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSMA) Elective Courses
Return to the summary of requirements. Notes: - At least one NSMA elective and/or NSMA laboratory elective course must be at the 200-level or above.
- At least one NSMA elective and/or NSMA laboratory elective course must be at the 300-level or above.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSMA) Laboratory Elective Courses
Return to the summary of requirements. Notes: - At least one NSMA elective and/or NSMA laboratory elective course must be at the 200-level or above.
- At least one NSMA elective and/or NSMA laboratory elective course must be at the 300-level or above.
Quantitative/Research Methods Elective Courses
Return to the summary of requirements. Note: The course that fulfills the quantitative/research methods requirement may concurrently count as an elective of the corresponding category, resulting in the student needing only 10.5 full courses to complete the major. |
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