University of Denver
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Environmental Science Program at DU is designed to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills to identify, analyze and resolve environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Unlike programs offering degrees in environmental studies, DU's Environmental Science Program is grounded in the physical and natural sciences, providing students with a solid understanding of the physical properties governing the environment. Students learn not only about environmental issues, but how to use science to find solutions to environmental problems.

Students gain essential knowledge of the environmental industry with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from University College, where classes are available on campus and/or online. An environmental studies major enables students to solve problems effectively and make informed decisions. With a focus on environmental studies, students develop skills in reporting, permitting, natural resource management, pollution control, energy and sustainability and waste management.

Sustainability is a concept that is becoming increasingly used as human societies recognize the finite nature of many natural resources and the lingering ill effects of overconsumption, pollution, and poorly planned land uses. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and to do so while maintaining ecological processes, functions, biodiversity, and productivity into the future. An understanding of sustainability includes the scientific basis for sustainable resource use as well as the social and economic implications and/or costs of sustainable practices. Given the state of the global economy, the heavy reliance of both developed and developing nations on increasingly limited supplies of non?renewable energy sources, and the resultant social unrest that is building throughout many parts of the world, understanding the challenges facing society today requires an interdisciplinary perspective of the problems we face in moving toward a sustainable future.

The Wellness minor inspires students to explore and pursue the connection between emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and community wellness. Students can pursue the Wellness minor without being part of the Wellness Living and Learning Community. As an interdisciplinary minor, courses focus on wellness from the individual experience to the global perspective. Emphasis is placed on exploring wellness disparities and researching solutions to these issues. The minor involves opportunities to engage in wellness practices outside of the classroom. Additionally, each wellness minor is individually tailored to meet the academic needs of each student in relation to their major course of study.

The urban studies minor takes an interdisciplinary approach by bringing many different perspectives to the study of urban life. This course work helps shape students’ intellectual understanding of cities and refines their questions about urban life. Students have a diverse array of opportunities to think and learn about cities in an informed, disciplined and integrated way.