College Catalog: 2013-2014

The environmental challenges of the 21st century require individuals who understand environmental and scientific complexities and can implement a multi-disciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving at local, regional and global scales.  Led by a dynamic group of faculty whose expertise and research interests span a wide range of critical environmental topics (chemical pollution measurement and impacts, paleoecology, forest ecosystems, wetland ecology, avian ecology, conservation biology, environmental impact assessment, climate change, and alternative energy systems), the Environmental Science major at Ramapo College provides students with a strong foundation in basic sciences, followed by a specially designed set of advanced courses that help students acquire extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in advanced geology, environmental chemistry, field ecology and research, and climate change.  The entire curriculum is heavily experiential in nature, with strong laboratory and field work components in nearly every course, and with ample training in the skills that are essential for launching successful careers in the sciences (research design, statistics, technical writing, critical thinking, computer applications, and oral presentations).

In addition to gaining extensive, hands-on laboratory and field experience, much of which takes place in the adjacent scenic Highlands region, students are encouraged to conduct independent research projects with environmental science faculty, and to participate in Coop Education and fellowship opportunities with organizations such as the Weis Ecology Center, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, the Ramapo-directed and staffed New Jersey Meadowlands Environmental Center (NJMEC), and with environmental consulting firms in the region.  Graduates enter a wide range of careers, including environmental testing, ecological field research, environmental consulting and impact assessment, environmental education, alternative energy, environmental planning, and with local, state and federal government agencies.  The major is structured so that students may continue their studies at the graduate level in a variety of environmentally-related areas.  Environmental Science students planning a career in education can also complete the Earth Science track.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (six courses):  three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing (formerly College English), and Readings in the Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MINOR

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Theoretical and Applied Science Website
Faculty Profiles