www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Programs/environmentalstudies
Professor Neil Tabor, Director
The B.A. in environmental studies provides students with the tools necessary to address society’s environmental problems through careers in government, non-governmental or educational organizations, public policy, business, and related fields. This interdisciplinary program incorporates courses from numerous departments and three schools in the University. The environmental studies major can be tailored to emphasize an area of interest (e.g., environmental biology, sustainability and globalization, environmental policy) and would be complemented by minors or other majors in environmental Earth science, economics, business, environmental science, biology, anthropology, journalism, corporate communications and public affairs, advertising, sociology and many of the disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
The environmental studies core classes provide the student with the appropriate concepts and tools to understand the scope of global, regional and local environmental issues. Elective credit hours are chosen in consultation with an academic adviser, with at least one course from each of the three groups listed below. A senior thesis is required, with a field, research or other practical component taken in a department relevant to the student’s interest (e.g., ANTH 4391 or ANTH 4392 - Independent Study and Research , JOUR 5308 - Honors Thesis , ECO 4398 - Departmental Distinction in Economics or GEOL 4399 - Integrative Research ).
Majors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for study abroad and to seek relevant internships. Internship courses are offered in many departments and can be counted toward the major by petition. Approved SMU Abroad courses can also count as elective courses.