Undergraduate Major
The Environmental Science and Policy program is a unique interdisciplinary program that incorporates courses and faculty knowledge from departments and colleges across the university. Students in this program may focus their degree on one of the three concentrations seen below. These concentrations are supported with coursework in the physical and natural sciences, statistics, policy and ethics. Students in their senior year will also complete a research project or an internship with various government agencies or private companies.
Degree Options
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy on the St. Petersburg campus with concentrations in Environmental Analysis, Environmental Policy and Sustainability, or Environmental Science.
View more information about options on the USF Tampa campus.
Environmental Science and Policy at USF St. Petersburg
The Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Science and Policy emphasizes the understanding of interrelationships between social phenomena and the natural (i.e., biological-physical-chemical) environment. It is intended to: (1) increase student awareness of these interconnections in their everyday lives; (2) introduce students to a variety of social science perspectives (including politics and policies), along with hard environmental science perspectives, that help students make sense of these connections; (3) identify the contributions of each of these perspectives to our understanding of environmental problems; (4) discuss how natural resource management and environmental policy reflect these perspectives; and (5) produce graduates who promote sustainability in all facets of human enterprise.
As a waterfront campus located on Tampa Bay and close to the Gulf of Mexico, the area provides a living laboratory for research and classes. The close proximity to these natural resources gives students hands-on experience as they prepare for a variety of career options in the environmental science and policy field and often find jobs in the Tampa Bay area. Career opportunities with local government organizations and agencies include the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the USF College of Marine Science.
Requirements for the Major in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLICY
Always refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for degree requirements. Students will typically begin progress toward the major by taking at least one course from the major core, as these often serve as prerequisites for the electives. Students are urged to consult with their advisors to create the most beneficial set of courses.
Questions?
For questions about this program, contact an Academic Advisor.