Environmental Science, Minor
Are you passionate about protecting Earth for future generations? Acquire the knowledge and understanding needed to help solve some of the world's biggest challenges and communicate those solutions to others.
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Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Environmental Science minor description
In the environmental science minor program, you gain a fundamental understanding of how the natural world functions as a system, how changes in this system influence organisms and humans, and how humans impact this system.
An understanding of human-environment interactions gained through this minor augments your major field of study. The curriculum is designed for you to explore your interests from a variety of majors; you can choose from categories of scientific coursework and skill-based curricula that offer applied experiences.
Why earn an environmental science minor at ASU?
ASU's environmental science minor blends environmental science with ethics, policy and applied technical skills in a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum. You can explore coursework in spatial analysis, environmental impact assessment, research methods, conservation and ecology. You gain applied skills valued in public and private sector careers while communicating solutions to climate change, resource management and environmental sustainability.
You have the opportunity to connect with fellow students through the ASU West Valley Community Garden and EARTH Club.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 15 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in environmental science consists of 15 credit hours of coursework, of which 12 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Credit hours may not be shared between major and minor requirements. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the minor must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. |
||
|
ENV 201 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
IAS 407 Environmental Philosophy and Policy
(SUST)
or
PHI 407 Environmental Philosophy and Policy
(SUST)
or
IAS 409 Eco-Community Ethics
or
PHI 409 Eco-Community Ethics
or
PHI 310 Environmental Ethics
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Global/Ecosystem Focus: Organismal Focus:
Upper Division
PLB Elective
Skills in Environmental Science: Elective options are grouped together by thematic tracks. Students may choose electives from multiple tracks.
9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 9 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS and BA environmental science; BS and BA environmental science (environmental justice)
Other Enrollment Requirements: The first course in this minor, ENV 201, has prerequisites of BIO 181 General Biology I, BIO 182 General Biology II and CHM 116 General Chemistry II.
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this environmental science minor prepares you for
Graduates have the foundational knowledge they need to apply environmental concepts and awareness to their future careers.
Many career fields have environmental applications, including:
- academic research
- business
- economics
- entrepreneurship
- health
Career opportunities are many, including positions in:
- environmental policy agencies
- federal and state agencies
- municipality planning offices
- nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations
- private consulting firms
Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
mnsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
