Environmental Studies Minor

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The purpose of the environmental studies minor is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the environment, with particular focus on human-environment interactions from scientific, sociological, economic, ethical, and political perspectives. Students who complete the minor will develop a broad understanding of environmental issues, which will prepare them for further advanced study, or for working in an area of environmental concern that requires interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Analyze, explain, and evaluate environmental issues from multiple perspectives including scientific, technical, social, political, economic, and ethical perspectives.
2. Integrate and synthesize knowledge about environmental issues from multiple disciplines.
3. Explain and apply the methodologies and approaches that different disciplines bring to bear on complex environmental problems.
4. Work productively and effectively with students from other disciplines and with other points of view.
5. Confront and grapple with environmental issues of contemporary significance.

Minor Requirements and Curriculum

• At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
• At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
• No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.