How to Start the ENVS Major

Helpful information for beginning ENVS majors

Undergrads restore riparian zone

Are there any courses that must be taken in a student’s first term?

By the end of sophomore year ideally, but not imperatively, one will have completed:

  • Lower division Written Communication for CORE (see your DARS audit or catalog for list of applicable classes)
  • Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • A math class (see MATH MATTERS below)
  • A biology sequence (refer to the ENVS curriculum page for list of the courses that apply to the ENVS science requirements) with lab(s)
  • A chemistry or physics course (refer to the ENVS curriculum page for list of the courses that apply to the ENVS science requirements)
  • An earth science sequence (refer to the ENVS curriculum page for list of the courses that apply to the ENVS science requirements) with lab(s)
  • Some CORE Content Areas
  • Some or all MAPS deficiencies if you have any (see your DARS audit to determine if you have a deficiency and what classes apply)
  • It is likely that scheduling constraints will control the order that these classes are taken.
  • Science sequences may not be “mixed and matched.” For example, one may not combine General Biology 1 with Human Approach 2, or Introduction to Geology with Weather and the Atmosphere.

How do I choose which classes to take for the introductory science sequences and the lower division economics requirements?

How to choose a biology sequence

  • Read the course descriptions in the CU Catalog.
  • If one is interested in ecology, conservation biology, biogeochemistry, plants, animals or health professions, then take general biology and the associated labs.
    • The EBIO major and minor require this sequence.
  • General Biology is more versatile and opens more science opportunities in the future.
  • Biology: A Human Approach is the more popular biology sequence among ENVS majors.

How to choose a CHEM or PHYS course:

  • Read the course descriptions.
  • Most ENVS students take Environmental Chemistry.
    • It is offered only in the fall semester.
  • ENVS majors considering a science focus should take General Chemistry or Physics.
  • Most science majors require Physics 1 and 2 and General Chemistry 1 and 2.
  • Note that most graduate schools have general chemistry and biology as prerequisites. Biology: A Human Approach and Environmental Chemistry are not accepted.

How to choose an earth science sequence:

  • Read the course descriptions.
  • There are popular minors in all three departments, and double majors with GEOL and GEOG.
    • GEOG is the most popular minor and double major among ENVS students.
  • Think about the prerequisite courses that are required for your specialization.

What do I take for math?

Math Matters:

  • Students with weak math skills are encouraged to take College Algebra.
  • ENVS requires statistics or Calculus I. Not all statistics classes that fulfill the ENVS requirement will also fulfill the CORE requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
  • Students who intend to take Calculus, but are not prepared, need to take Pre-calculus.
  • Statistics courses are encouraged for students interested in field work after graduation.

What CORE areas can be fulfilled by the ENVS major?

See Core Curriculum