Political Science

Designing an Academic Plan: Sequence of Courses and General Education Requirements

An academic plan for a major in Environmental Policy and Planning is prepared for each student and will vary, depending upon student interests, needs, and specialization within the major. The courses listed below, and the sequence in which they are listed, represent the faculty's recommendation for the general array of courses taken by all students in the program. Of particular importance is that lower-division prerequisites be completed before enrollment in more advanced upper-division courses. Students should pay particular attention to required courses included on their academic plans that are offered only in alternate years.

As part of the general education requirements of the University, all majors will be completing 27 credits of work, 9 credits or 3 courses each in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. We encourage Environmental Policy and Planning majors to discuss their preferences for general education courses, as well as other electives, with the program faculty. In general, we recommend that students become thoroughly acquainted with the major ideas, findings, and methods of inquiry in each domain of knowledge. We especially encourage majors to take introductory courses in the social sciences beyond those required as lower-division prerequisites (e.g., in sociology, psychology, and political science). We also urge that all students take courses in the history of Western civilization, American history, social and political philosophy, English literature, and the natural sciences, particularly environmental sciences.

Recommended Academic Plan (using a sample of a possible electives):