It is possible to major in Environmental Studies at OU through a mechanism known as a Planned Program

The Planned Program is a way for a student to work individually with an advisor to create a tailor-made major. This program is approved by the University of Oklahoma and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students seeking unique training or a broader educational experience may complete a Planned Program in lieu of an existing major. The Planned Program must be a coherent set of courses exploring some theme or topic. A written proposal should state the purpose of the program and the specific courses to be included. Because the planned program substitutes for the major only, all other degree requirements of the college must be met. The student and the faculty member who will serve as the student’s adviser must sign the proposed program. It must be submitted to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for approval and for designation of the appropriate degree to be awarded upon the successful completion of the program.

Professor Deborah W. Dalton, the director of the IPE program, will be your advisor and will work with you individually to develop a Planned Program major that focuses on environmental studies. We have developed a template that will help you prepare your written proposal and a plan of study. However, the whole point of the Planned Program is for the student to be able to develop a degree program that is tailored to his or her specific interests and background. Accordingly, we have created a very flexible template:

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
14 Courses, minimum 42 credit hours
(50% of major courses must consist of upper division hours)

Core - 5 Courses
1. IPE 1013
2. Basic Biological Science - One course chosen from an approved list
3. Basic Physical Science - One course chosen from an approved list
4. Research Methods - One course chosen from an approved list
5. Capstone - May choose from any Arts and Sciences capstones or independent study approved by PACGEO

Breadth – 9 Courses
3 courses each from approved lists of Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences courses.

MAJOR SUPPORT
6 Courses, minimum 18 credit hours
The student and advisor work together to identify at least two categories of interest and develop a list of possible courses for each category from which the student may choose.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to fulfilling the University-wide General Education requirements and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements, free electives will be chosen to bring the total hours applicable for major credit to 124, including 48 upper division hours.

 Click here to see an example of the major and major support course lists.

If you have questions or think you may want to major in environmental studies through the Planned Program, please contact the director of the program: Professor Deborah W. Dalton, 556 Monnet Hall. Phone: 325-3828, email: dalton@ou.edu.