Pre-2021 BA and BS
The “Old” Environmental Studies Majors
Beginning summer 2021, Environmental Studies transitioned to a revised degree program. We will no longer offer the BS; this degree has been deleted, and it is not available to students who enter OU in Fall 2021 or later.
Current Majors Can Graduate as Planned
STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE BS ARE ABLE TO COMPLETE THEIR PROGRAMS. YOU CAN GRADUATE WITH THE BS DEGREE—NO COURSES THAT YOU NEED HAVE BEEN DELETED. LIKEWISE, STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE PRE-SUMMER 2021 BA ARE ABLE TO GRADUATE UNDER THE “OLD” BA REQUIREMENTS.
If you declared an Environmental Studies major before summer, 2021, your advisor will help you finish your degree as planned. You will take the same courses (though some might have different numbers than on the pre-2021 checksheet). Note: the list of electives for the pre-2021 majors is slightly different from the list for the revised BA. Be sure to consult the correct list as you plan your schedule.
Completing the Research Requirement
A key element of the BS is the six-hour research requirement (“ERES”). As part of the transition to the revised degree program, we recommend that students fulfill the research requirement by taking ENST 2813, Environmental Studies Cornerstone, in which they will develop a plan for their research, and then ENST 3893, Environmental Studies Research Project.
If you do not wish to choose this option you must identify a topic and a faculty supervisor before you can begin your project. You must then arrange with the Director of Environmental Studies to set up a course number in which you can enroll. You should contact the Director of Environmental Studies as early as possible to discuss how you will complete your research requirement.
Switching to the “New” (2021) Rules
Even if you have begun an Environmental Studies major under the “old” rules, you might be able to switch to the “new” BA. Switching might be to your advantage, depending on your individual circumstances. Please consult with the Environmental Studies advisor to see whether this option is best for you.
Note: students who entered OU before summer, 2021 who wish to declare an Environmental Studies major will follow the rules for the "new" BA. Please consult with the Environmental Studies advisor if you have questions.
Click to view information about the revised Environmental Studies BA. Please contact the Environmental Studies advisor if you have any questions about completing your major.
