A lecture course which presents an introduction to the scientific study of our environment. Topics include basic ecological principles, human population dynamics, environmental health, biological resources, physical resources and pollution, resource economics, and waste. Three lecture hours per week.

Covers specialized topics not covered in the environmental science curriculum

Data Visualization and Analysis equips students with essential skills in data analysis and visualization for effective decision-making. Students learn to transform complex quantitative information into compelling visual narratives using industry-standard software tools. Through hands-on projects, students develop competencies in creating accessible infographics, analyzing spatial patterns, and designing evidence-based communications. Students apply these skills to real-world environmental and social policy challenges, culminating in a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to communicate complex policy information through clear, rigorous, and persuasive visual presentations.These visualization and analysis skills are highly valued across multiple career paths, including policy analysis, environmental management, business analytics, public service, nonprofit leadership, and research institutions

Environmental Law and Policy examines the legal and policy frameworks governing environmental protection and natural resource management in the United States. Through analysis of major environmental legislation, case law, and current policy challenges, students develop competencies in evaluating complex environmental issues from legal, social, and ethical perspectives. Students engage with real-world environmental challenges, synthesizing scientific data and legal precedents to craft evidence-based policy solutions. The course culminates in a professional policy brief that demonstrates students’ ability to analyze environmental regulations, evaluate stakeholder impacts, integrate multiple sources of evidence, and develop actionable policy recommendations. This course emphasizes practical application of policy analysis skills while considering the complex interplay between environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.

Designed to investigate problems and cover topics that are not the primary focus of GEY 141 or GEY 142. Examples of possible topics include Climate Change, Geology of Maine, and Geology of Energy.

The first semester of a two-semester lecture and laboratory course in geology, which serves as the prerequisite for upper level geology courses. The lecture presents a study of the earth and the processes that shape it. The laboratory includes identification of minerals and rocks, and mapping exercises. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week.

This course introduces students to basic concepts and techniques of digital mapping. Topics include location referencing methods, data collection techniques, spatial data models and structure, geodatabase creation and manipulation, basic spatial queries and problem solving with GIS.

Examines relationships between environment and culture. Considers Native American land use as well as the impact on natural resources of colonization, westward expansion, and industrialization. Analyzes conservation and environmental movements. Fills history concentration requirements for United States history.

This course explores how various media from literature and photography to film, television, and digital platforms shapes and reflects our understanding of human and natural environments. Tracing representations from early landscape photography and scientific imagery to wildlife films, environmental media of the 1960s, and today’s activist campaigns and recycling aesthetics, the course examines how visual and narrative forms influence environmental awareness and action. Students will be introduced to core concepts in environmental communication, ecocriticism, and environmental studies, analyzing media’s evolving role in environmental debates.

Three required courses from the course list above: Environmental Science, Environmental Law and Policy, Climate Change and Carbon Cycling

Three electives out of the remaining six courses listed above

Students must take the required courses before taking the elective courses

Total credits: 18-20