This is a 180-credit undergraduate program at the end of which you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (ENSC). 

The degree requirements consist of these main areas:

1. Baccalaureate core: 48 credits plus a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) of at least 3 credits
2. Environmental sciences major
   • Basic science and math: 53 – 55 credits
   • Environmental sciences core: 27 – 34 credits
   • Specialization area: 27 credits or more
   • Experiential learning: 3 credits or more
3. Electives: as needed to meet the 180-credit minimum to graduate

Total: 180 credits (including at least 60 upper-division credits)

Course topics in the environmental sciences major include:

• Natural resources and community values
• Environmental law
• Man's impact on climate
• Sustainable ecosystems
• Urban forestry
• Technology, energy and risk
• Climatology
• Fish and wildlife conservation
• Ecology
• Watershed management
• Water science and policy
• Environmental geology

For more information about the environmental sciences major, please visit Oregon State’s official General Catalog. For additional information about the baccalaureate core, please visit our bacc core details page.

Want to know how the ENSC degree compares to the online degrees in fisheries and wildlife sciences or natural resources?  Check out this degree comparison.

Transfer credit

Some of the degree requirements can be transferred from other colleges and universities. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement. Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance into OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through the Single Course Search tool provided by OSU's Office of Admissions.

Add a minor

Oregon State Ecampus students have the ability to add a minor to their degree program. Oregon State offers a diverse selection of minors online. For example, combine environmental sciences and a business minor or environmental sciences plus a U.S. history minor to create an even more powerful resume fit for today's job market. 

 

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A focus on the hard sciences - be ready for math

Environmental sciences degree focuses on the “hard” sciences and on hands-on field research so there is much more traditional science coursework. In order to succeed in the degree program, students must pass and be proficient in fundamental mathematics all the way up to calculus. We encourage students to get their math requirements done prior to starting this program.

Biology requirement

This is a bachelor of science degree program that requires biology courses. Oregon State currently does not offer the required biology online and Ecampus students must make arrangements to complete this portion of the degree elsewhere. This could be at an accredited university near you or at a community college.