Climate Change, Minor

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion	21 - 23
Highest Mathematics Required	MAT 226
Some online/blended coursework	Required

Purpose Statement

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Having a basic understanding of climate change and the potential impacts of a changing climate is crucial for being an informed citizen and empowering effective social engagement. This includes identifying effective and sustainable strategies to both mitigate and adapt to a changing climate system.

You will study the basic science necessary to understand climate change, including the role that both natural processes and humans have played in shaping Earth’s climate system. You will interact with full-time professors who have expertise in various aspects of climate change ranging from paleoclimatology, future changes in climate, atmospheric sciences, carbon cycling, energy policy, sustainability, and the social and political factors that shape how society understands and responds to climate change. By completing this minor, you will gain a more holistic understanding of the complexity of climate change so that you can be a more informed citizen, effect change through social engagement, and better understand the environmental and social problems that arise from a changing climate system. This minor will better prepare you for a career in research, industry, education, government, or public service.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe how Earth’s climate system has and will change in response to both natural and human factors.
• Identify the basic principles of sustainability and the role of humans in environmental systems.
• Examine the social, political, and/or cultural factors that shape how society understands and responds to climate change.

Minor Requirements

• Take the following 23 - 24 units:

  • ENV 115, ENV 171, ENV 181, ENV 415 (13 units)
  • GSP 362 (3 units)
  • Select from the following (3 - 4 units):
    • GLG 102 and GLG 104L (4 units)
    • GLG 107 (3 units)
  • Select from the following (4 units):
    • ENV 360
    • GSP 365

• Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

• • • Environmental Sciences, BS

Additional Information

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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