B.S.in Environmental Sciences
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Sciences is for students planning careers or advanced studies in the natural sciences. If you want to help forge new scientific or technological solutions to climate change and other challenges, this is the path for you. The B.S. degree requires 17-18 courses.
Co-Requisites & Gateway Course
Co-Requisites
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Biology: BIO 201L or 202L or 203L
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Calculus: (MATH 111L and 112L) or MATH 122L
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Chemistry: CHEM 101DL and (CHEM 201DL or 210DL)
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Physics: PHYS 121L, 141L or 151L or 161L
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Statistics: STAT 101 or 102 or 111 or 130 or 199 or BIO 304
Note: No more than 2 AP credits can be used to satisfy co-requisites in the major/minor. AP credit may not be used to satisfy the statistics co-requisite.
AP credit may not be used to satisfy the biology co-requisite (ENV BS)
Gateway Course
ENVIRON 201 Integrating Environmental Sciences and Policy - 1.0 credit, (STS), (NS), (SS)
Interaction between the natural and the social systems as they relate to the environment. Focus on ecological and earth system cycles, processes, and fundamental relationships. The environmental impact of human-induced change at the local, regional, and global levels. The role of technology and the policy process in determining how environmental problems evolve and are addressed. Use of ethical analysis to evaluate environmental tradeoffs. Use of case studies to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives on environmental problems and to address issues of environmental justice.
Core Courses - 5 Courses
Choose 5 courses, at least one from each category:
Note: 1 of these 5 courses can also count as a Focus Area course.
Environmental Health
- ENVIRON 308A/309A Oceans in Human and Environmental Health (Marine Lab) (F)
- ENVIRON 321A Coastal Watershed Science and Policy (Marine Lab) (Sp)
- ENVIRON 360 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 373LA Sensory Physiology of Marine Animals (Marine Lab) (F, Sp)
- ENVIRON 501 Environmental Toxicology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 537 Environmental Health (Sp)
- ENVIRON 560 Environmental Health Pollution Chemistry & Toxicology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 637S Population and Environmental Dynamics Affecting Health (Sp)
- ENVIRON 524 Water Quality and Health
- ENVIRON 774 /GLHLTH 537 One Health: From Philosophy to Practice
Ecology
- ENVIRON 205 Marine Megafauna
- ENVIRON 210D Conserving the Variety of Life (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 270A Conservation Biology and Policy (Su 2, Marine Lab)
- ENVIRON 273LA Marine Ecology (Marine Lab, F, Sp, Su)
- ENVIRON 310 Forest Measurements (Field Studies (Fall 2026) - Can be used for Ecology or Tools/Skills but not both)
- ENVIRON 311 Dendrology (Fall 2026) - Can be used for Ecology or Tools/Skills but not both)
- ENVIRON 375LA or 375A Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles (Marine Lab, Sp, Su)
- ENVIRON 376A or 376LA Marine Mammals (Marine Lab, Su, F)
- ENVIRON 454 Rainforest Engineering (Fall 2026) Can be used for Ecology or Tools/Skills but not both)
- BIOLOGY 490S Solving Problems with Ecology & Evolution
- ENVIRON 319A Aquaculture and the Environment (Marine Lab, Fa)
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ENVIRON 505 Functional Ecology of Plants (Fall 2026)
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ENVIRON 517 Tropical Ecology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 542 Environmental Aquatic Chemistry (Fall 2026) - can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
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ENVIRON 550 Land Use Principles/Policy (Fall 2026)
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ENVIRON 567 Spatial Ecology (Fall 2026)
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ENVIRON 617 Restoration Ecology
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ENVIRON 646 Urban Ecology (occasional)
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BIOLOGY 344L Plant Diversity (Spring 2026)
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MARSCI 202 Marine Biology & Ecology (Fall 2026)
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BIOLOGY 263 Biological Responses to Climate Change (Fall 2026)
Environmental Physical Sciences
- ENVIRON 239 Our Changing Atmosphere (Sp)
- ENVIRON 280LA Sound in the Sea: Intro to Bioacoustics (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 370A Physical Oceanography (Marine Lab) (Sp)
- ENVIRON 445A Climate Change in the Marine Environment (occasional)
- ENVIRON 542L Environmental Aquatic Chemistry (F)
- ECS 202 Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (F)
- ECS 323 Landscape Hydrology (Sp)
- ECS 355 Global Warming
- ECS 404S Geology of the Tropical Marine Environment (Sp)
- CEE 461 / ENVIRON 542 Environmental Aquatic Chemistry
- ECS 210 Exploring Earth Sciences
- ENVIRON 220 Water Science
- ENVIRON 231 Energy & the Environment
- ENVIRON 641 Energy Technology & Impact on the Environment
- ECS 401 Geology of North Carolina
- ECS 323 Landscape Hydrology
- ECS 550 Climate & Society
Environmental Social Sciences
- ENVIRON 209 Food, Farming & Feminism
- ENVIRON 212 US Environmental Policy (Sp)
- ENVIRON 214S Environmental Ethics (occasional)
- ENVIRON 265 Environmental Law and Policy (F, occasional)
- ENVIRON 270A Conservation Biology and Policy (Marine Lab) (Su2)
- ENVIRON 286A Marine Policy Analysis (Marine Lab) (F)
- ENVIRON 305SA Social Impact Analysis (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 345 Environmental Politics in the US
- ENVIRON 348 Global Environmental Politics
- ENVIRON 363 Environmental Economics and Policy (Sp)
- ENVIRON 390S Environment in Literature, Law & Science
- ENVIRON 506 Environmental Justice: Theory & Practice (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 520 Resource & Environmental Economics I (Fall 2026) - can be used in Social Science area or Tools/Skills, but not both)
- ENVIRON 521 Resource & Environmental Economics II (Fall 2026) - an be used in Social Science area or Tools/Skills, but not both)
- ENVIRON 533A Marine Fisheries Policy (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 551DA Conservation and Development (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 569 Should I Eat Fish (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 579 Collective Action (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 572 Economic Evaluation Of Sustainable Development (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 579 Collective Action (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 590 Collective Action (Fall 2026)
- MARSCI 505A Social Impact Analysis & Indigenous Resource Mgmt. (Marine Lab (Sp)
- PUBPOL 201A Environmental Policy in Europe
- ETHICS 301 Business & Human Rights
- CULANTH 360S Global Apple: Life & Death and the Digital Revolution
Environmental Tools / Skills
- ENVIRON 226S or 226SK Field Methods in Earth & Environmental Science (Fall 2026) - can be used in Physical Sciences or Tools and skills, but not both.
- ENVIRON 310 Forest Measurements (Fall 2026) - can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
- ENVIRON 311 Dendrology (Fall 2026) can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
- ENVIRON 318A Offshore Renewable Energy & Wildlife Conservation (Marine Lab, F)
- ENVIRON 335A Drones in Biology, Ecology, and Conservation (Marine Lab) (Sp & Su)
- ENVIRON 361LS Terrestrial Field Ecology (F)
- ENVIRON 362LS Aquatic Field Ecology (F)
- ENVIRON 369LA Biological Oceanography (Marine Lab) (Sp)
- ENVIRON 305SA Social Impact Analysis (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 315S Environmental Issues & Documentary Arts
- ENVIRON 454 Rainforest Engineering (Fall 2026) - can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
- ENVIRON 514 Environmental Machine Learning (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 520 Resource & Environmental Economics I (Fall 2026) Can be used for Tools/Skills or Social Sciences but not both.
- ENVIRON 521 Resource & Environmental Economics II (Fall 2026) Can be used for Tools/Skills or Social Sciences but not both.
- ENVIRON 542 Environmental Aquatic Chemistry (Fall 2026) - can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
- ENVIRON 559 Fundamentals of Geospatial Analysis (F, Sp) (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 567 Spatial Ecology (Fall 2026) can be used in Ecology or Tools/Skills, but not both
- ENVIRON 569 Should I Eat Fish? (Fall 2026) - Can be used for tools/skills or social sciences but not both.
- CEE 462 Biological Principals in Environmental Engineering
(F) Typically offered fall semester
(Sp) Typically offered spring semester
(Su) Typically offered during the summer
(Marine Lab) taught at 糖心传媒 Marine Lab
Focus Area - 3 Courses
糖心传媒s will focus on one area for depth of expertise in consultation with their major advisor. At least three courses must contribute to this focus, with 1 being at the 500 level or above. Courses listed as Core can be used to fulfill this requirement.
糖心传媒s are encouraged to pursue a Research Independent Study as part of the focus requirement (Only one unit of Independent Research Study will count towards the focused area).
Focus Essay
糖心传媒s should submit advisor-approved focus essays in their senior year, a week after the Spring Registration period ends in November. If students subsequently change plans during Add/Drop in their final semester, a revised essay will have to be submitted. .
The focus essay should prepare an argument that ties together courses taken previously that relate to the area, the three chosen courses to be taken to further their depth, and any relevant experience. 糖心传媒s are encouraged to deliberately consider how they structure their focus area from the outset, and not simply tie together disparate courses after the fact in the essay.
Courses in Other Departments
Relevant courses from other departments can be used to fulfill the focus area requirement. 糖心传媒s should carefully consider, in consultation with their academic advisors, as to how each course adds depth in their chosen focus area and articulate this in the focus essay. If you have any questions about courses fulfilling your focus area, please reach out to the DUS.
Capstone Experience
Select 1 of the following:
ENVIRON 495
Project-based course that examines current environmental issues from both the NS, SS, and Humanities. 糖心传媒s in the BS and AB majors will work together to further their knowledge and skills in solving environmental problems.
ENVIRON 545 Climate Design & ENVIRON 590 CLIMATE DESIGN II
Apply design thinking principles to address the most pressing climate change challenges and develop innovations in sustainability. 糖心传媒s will work with industry professionals or Duke faculty members to develop innovative climate solutions. To satisfy the capstone requirement, students must register for both semesters. If students take both semesters, Climate Design I can be applied to satisfy a Focus area or the Environmental Tools area.
Graduation with Distinction (GWD)
One semester (two semesters recommended) of Independent Research culminating in a written honors thesis
Graduation with Distinction requirements, deadlines and application
Major Worksheet
S/U Policy
S/U Policy
- If a student already applied 2 AP credits to satisfy co requirements, they cannot take a 3rd core course S/U.
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If a student has applied 1 AP credit toward the major, they can only take one course S/U
- A maximum of 2 co-req courses can be taken S/U with permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. 糖心传媒s should recognize that courses taken on an S/U basis may not be looked upon favorably by graduate, medical, law or other programs to which students may apply in the future.
Study Abroad Policy
- Study abroad courses may count toward the major, but only one course can be used to satisfy a Core Course (in the B.S.). You may also apply one study abroad course to your Focus area. You must follow Study Abroad Transfer Credit protocol outlined by Trinity through the . Please supply a syllabus for the requested course.
A.B. in Environmental Sciences & Policy
The Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) in Environmental Sciences and Policy prepares students to be science-literate decision makers. 糖心传媒s seeking a strong foundation for careers in policy, business, law, human health, education or public service are well served by this curriculum. The A.B. degree requires 14-15 courses.
Co-Requisites & Gateway Course
Co-Requisites
- Biology: BIO 201L or 202L or 203L
- Calculus: (MATH 105L and 106L) or MATH 111L or MATH 122L
- Chemistry: CHEM 101DL or 110DL
- Economics: ECON 101 or ENVIRON 155 or POLICSCI 145
- Statistics: STAT 101 or 102 or 111 or 130 or 199 or BIO 304 or SOC 333
Note: No more than 2 AP credits can be used to satisfy co-requisites in the major/minor. AP credit may not be used to satisfy the statistics co-requisite.
Gateway Course
ENVIRON 201 Integrating Environmental Sciences and Policy - 1.0 credit, (STS), (NS), (SS)
Interaction between the natural and the social systems as they relate to the environment. Focus on ecological and earth system cycles, processes, and fundamental relationships. The environmental impact of human-induced change at the local, regional, and global levels. The role of technology and the policy process in determining how environmental problems evolve and are addressed. Use of ethical analysis to evaluate environmental tradeoffs. Use of case studies to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives on environmental problems and to address issues of environmental justice.
Topical Areas - 3 Courses
3 courses, one from each category
Environmental Humanities
- ENVIRON 209S (Food, Farming and Feminism) (F)
- ENVIRON 214S (Ethical Challenges in Environmental Conservation) (F or Sp alternate)
- ENVIRON 276 Denial, Faith & Reason
- ENVIRON 295 Inventing the Environment (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 315S Environmental Issues and Documentary Arts (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 385S Environment in Literature, Law & Science (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 506 Environmental Justice: Theory & Practice (Fall 2026) can be used as Environmental Humanities or Policy but not both)
- PHIL 215 Applied and Environmental Ethics (Occasional)
- CULANTH 360S Global Apple: Life & Death and the Digital Revolution
- CULANTH 419S Global Environmentalism and the Politics of Nature (F occasional)
- HISTORY 345 (North American Environmental History) (Sp)
Environmental Sciences
- ENVIRON 205 Marine Megafauna (Sp)
- ENVIRON 210D Conserving the Variety of Life on Earth (Fall 2026))
- ENVIRON 220 Water Sciences (F)
- ENVIRON 226S Field Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 231 Energy and Environment (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 273LA Marine Ecology (Marine Lab (F/Sp)
- ENVIRON 301 Climate Change & Global Health (Sp)
- ENVIRON 310 Dendrology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 311 Forest Measurements (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 318A Offshore Renewable Energy & Wildlife Conservation (Marine Lab, F)
- ENVIRON 319A Aquaculture and the Environment (Marine Lab, F)
- ENVIRON 359 Introduction to GIS (also 559) (Sp)
- ENVIRON 360 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 368 Introduction to Weather and Climate (Sp)
- ENVIRON 369LA Biological Oceanography (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 373LA Sensory Physiology of Marine Animals (Marine Lab, F)
- ENVIRON 375A/LA Biology & Conservation of Sea Turtles (Marine Lab, Sp/Su)
- ENVIRON 454 Rainforest Engineering (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 501 Environmental Toxicology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 505 Functional Ecology of Plants (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 514 Environmental Machine Learning (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 517 Tropical Ecology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 542L Environmental Aquatic Chemistry (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 550 Land Use Principles/Policy (may be used for Environmental Sciences or Environmental Policy, but not both)
- ENVIRON 559 Fundamentals of Geospatial Analysis (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 567 Spatial Ecology (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 588 Intro to Solar Project Development
- ECS 202 Atmospheric and Ocean Dynamics (F)
- CEE 461/ ENVIRON 542 Environmental Aquatic Chemistry
- ECS 210 Exploring Earth Sciences
- MARSCI 270A Conservation Biology & Policy (Marine Lab, Su)
- BIOLOGY 344 Plant Diversity
- ENVIRON 617 (Restoration Ecology) (Sp)
- ENVIRON 774 / GLHLTH 537 One Health: From Philosophy to Practice
- BIOLOGY 263 Biological Responses to Climate Change (Fall 2026)
Environmental Policy
- ENVIRON 212 US Environmental Policy (Sp)
- ENVIRON 216S Environment and Conflict (Occasional)
- ENVIRON 265 Environmental Law and Policy (F)
- ENVIRON 286A Marine Policy Analysis (Marine Lab) (F)
- ENVIRON 305SA Social Impact Analysis (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 321A Coastal Watershed Science & Policy (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 305SA Social Impact Analysis (Marine Lab, Sp)
- ENVIRON 316 Applied Environmental Policy Analysis
- ENVIRON 505A Social Impact Analysis & Indigenous Resource Mgmt. (Marine Lab (Sp)
- ENVIRON 506 Environmental Justice Theory & Practice (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 520 Resource & Environmental Economics I (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 521 Resource & Environmental Economics II (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 550 Land Use Principles/Policy
- ENVIRON 569 Should I Eat Fish? (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 572 Economic Evaluation for Sustainable Development (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 577 Applied Environmental Politics
- ENVIRON 579 Collective Action (Fall 2026)
- ENVIRON 588 Intro to Solar Project Development (Fall 2026)
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ENVIRON 590 Special Topics - Coal and Just. Energy Transitions (Fall 2026)
Focus Area - 3 Courses
糖心传媒s will choose a focus area in consultation with their major advisor. Three courses fulfill this requirement, with at least one being at the 500 level or above. 糖心传媒s will choose between natural sciences and social sciences to develop the skills, knowledge, and capacity to evaluate environmental issues from a perspective of depth. For example, students may choose to study energy and will take 3 natural science courses in this area. Focus courses should be distinct from the three courses in your Topical area.
Focus Essay
糖心传媒s should submit advisor-approved focus essays in their senior year, a week after the Spring Registration period ends in November. If students subsequently change plans during Add/Drop in their final semester, a revised essay will have to be submitted.
The focus essay should prepare an argument that ties together courses taken previously that relate to the area, the 3 chosen courses to be taken to further their depth, and any relevant experience. l 糖心传媒s are encouraged to deliberately consider how they structure their focus area from the outset, and not simply tie together disparate courses after the fact in the essay.
Courses in Other Departments
Relevant courses from other departments can be used to fulfill the focus area requirement. 糖心传媒s should carefully consider, in consultation with their academic advisors, as to how each course adds depth in their chosen focus area and articulate this in the focus essay. If you have any questions about courses fulfilling your focus area, please reach out to the DUS.
Capstone Experience
Choose 1 of the following:
ENVIRON 495
Project-based course that examines current environmental issues from both the NS, SS, and Humanities. 糖心传媒s in the BS and AB majors will work together to further their knowledge and skills in solving environmental problems.
ENVIRON 545 CLIMATE DESIGN & ENVIRON 590 CLIMATE DESIGN II
Apply design thinking principles to address the most pressing climate change challenges and develop innovations in sustainability. 糖心传媒s will work with industry professionals or Duke faculty members to develop innovative climate solutions. To satisfy the capstone requirement, students must register for both semesters. If students take both semesters, Climate Design I can be applied to satisfy a Focus area or the Environmental Policy area.
Graduation with Distinction (GWD)
One semester (two semesters recommended) of Independent Research culminating in a written honors thesis
Graduation with Distinction requirements, deadlines and application
Field Experience or Internship
Could include a semester at the Marine Lab, Study Abroad that includes field work/field course, Duke 糖心传媒, Stanback Internship, NSF REU programs relevant to student鈥檚 major, or research independent study not used elsewhere in the major. Complete the UG Summer Field Experience or Internship Report for approval of your internship/experience.
*Approval of substitute courses taken at other universities must be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department offering the course. Please note that some of these courses are prerequisite to some upper-level courses in this major.
Major Worksheet
S/U Policy
S/U Policy
- If a student already applied 2 AP credits to satisfy co requirements, they cannot take a 3rd core course S/U.
- If a student has applied 1 AP credit toward the major, they can only take one course S/U
- A maximum of 2 co-req courses can be taken S/U with permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. 糖心传媒s should recognize that courses taken on an S/U basis may not be looked upon favorably by graduate, medical, law or other programs to which students may apply in the future
Study Abroad Policy
- Study abroad courses may count toward the major, but only one course can be used to satisfy a Topical Area requirement (in the A.B.). You may also apply one study abroad course to your focus area. You must follow Study Abroad Transfer Credit protocol outlined by Trinity through the .
Minor in Environmental Sciences & Policy
The minor in Environmental Sciences and Policy allows students to demonstrate an environmental science knowledge in addition to their own major. The minor consists of five courses.
Core Courses - 1 Course
ENVIRON 201 Integrating Environmental Sciences and Policy - 1.0 credit, (STS), (NS), (SS)
Interaction between the natural and the social systems as they relate to the environment. Focus on ecological and earth system cycles, processes, and fundamental relationships. The environmental impact of human-induced change at the local, regional, and global levels. The role of technology and the policy process in determining how environmental problems evolve and are addressed. Use of ethical analysis to evaluate environmental tradeoffs. Use of case studies to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives on environmental problems and to address issues of environmental justice.
Electives - 4 Courses
The remaining four courses are selected from the 200-level and above ENVIRON or ECS courses. One approved substitution of a course in another department may be included.
Study Abroad Policy
Study abroad transfer credits may not be applied toward the minor.
01 / 04
Q+A with Natalie Lewis
Natalie Lewis, an Environmental Sciences major and Marine Medicine Scholar, shares insights into why she chose to major in ENV, what she has learned, her favorite experience and advice for students considering the major or the Scholars in Marine Medicine program.
02 / 04
Q+A with Sam Schulteis
Sam Schulteis, an Environmental Sciences & Policy major also pursuing a Certificate in Sustainability 糖心传媒ment, recently shared insights into why she chose to major in ENV, why she added the certificate, and advice for students considering the major or certificate.
03 / 04
Why Study Environmental Sciences?
William Pan, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Environmental Sciences & Policy program, answered some questions about the skills students earn from ENV courses as well as the advantages of the major.
04 / 04
糖心传媒 Spotlight
Olivia Votava is an Environmental Sciences and Linguistics double major. Olivia spent two semesters at the Duke Marine Lab and is researching how parasites affect multiple ecosystem functions simultaneously. She has especially enjoyed the computer modeling courses offered by the Nicholas School.
Program Hallmarks
- Field-Oriented Courses 鈥 B.S. and A.B. majors alike can take part in field courses to Mexico, Singapore and other locations. Many students also spend a semester or more studying and doing research at our world-renowned coastal campus, the 糖心传媒 Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C. Closer to home, many of our Durham-based courses include field trips to local sites.
- Small class sizes 鈥 You will enjoy frequent interaction with professors, and a tight-knit community that shares your passion for the environment
- Stanback Fellowship Program 鈥 Gain real-world experience through a summer fellowship
Your Future
A degree in Environmental Sciences or Environmental Sciences and Policy prepares students for careers as sustainability directors, natural or social scientists, energy analysts, environmental lawyers, policymakers, conservation specialists, ecotoxicologists, medical doctors and veterinarians, and in many other fields.
You鈥檒l find our alums working at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, the National Institute of Environmental Health, and the Department of Justice. You鈥檒l also find them at law firms, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations, private consulting firms, hospitals and global health institutions; and in state, local and national governments, as well as other industries or sectors.
Duke Marine Lab: Open to All Majors
糖心传媒s from all disciplines鈥攏ot just marine science鈥攃an study at the 糖心传媒 Marine Lab (DUML) for a summer or a semester. The Marine Lab experience emphasizes small classes, intensive research experiences, immersion in field work and the opportunity to sample other maritime environments through travel courses.
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