This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The minor in environmental studies provides an overview of the field that offers an intrinsically interesting way for many students to organize elective course work while gaining knowledge important to life in the contemporary world. This program is structured to provide a multidisciplinary introduction to biophysical and social factors that affect the quality of life through the study of the scientific knowledge, policy considerations and ethical issues that constitute environmental issues. When combined with the appropriate major, an environmental studies minor can be useful to students planning careers in any area concerned with environmental processes and problems. The minor also may prepare students for study at the graduate level in concentrations such as ecology and environmental systems.

The minor in environmental studies consists of 21 credits. Required courses are listed. Electives to complete the minor may be selected from ENVS-listed courses and from courses in related departments. Consult the environmental studies program coordinator or adviser for course approvals. At least one course must be taken from the natural sciences and one course from the social sciences. Of the 21 credits, 15 must be outside the student’s major department. Twelve credits must be at the 300 level or higher.

Required courses for the minor

Course Title Hours
Required courses
ENVS/POLI 311Politics of the Environment3
ENVS 321Cartography3
STAT 210Basic Practice of Statistics3
or STAT 208 Statistical Thinking
or STAT 212 Concepts of Statistics
or SCMA 301 Business Statistics I
Electives
Approved ENVS or related courses 112
Total Hours21
1

Consult the program academic adviser for course approvals.