Jun 06, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Environmental Studies Minor


Visit the Environment and Sustainabilitly academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Environment and Sustainabillity department for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Environmental Studies minor should complete the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Natural Sciences Core: three classes (7 credits)


Students must complete one set of three GEO or GLY; all must be from the same department. 

Field Ecology: one course (3 credits)


Environmental Internship (usually 3 credits)


Total Credits Required for Minor: 31


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This chart should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


  • Students must attain a 2.330 GPA in the minor for degree conferral.  All classes completed for the minor will be used to calculate the minor GPA.
  • All transfer courses officially articulated to UB courses used in the Environmental Studies major will be accepted to meet minor requirements.

Transfer Credit Policy

At least 50 percent of coursework toward the minor must be completed at UB.

Learning Outcomes


Students who complete this minor will:

  • Comprehend the fundamental concepts of ecology and environmental science.
  • Explain the interconnections between natural systems and human activities.
  • Integrate knowledge from various disciplines including biology, chemistry, geology, and social sciences to address environmental issues.
  • Recognize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex environmental problems.
  • Analyze environmental policies and their impacts on society and the environment.
  • Understand ethical considerations and debates surrounding environmental issues and sustainability.
  • Utilize scientific methods to gather, analyze, and interpret environmental data.
  • Gain practical experience through fieldwork and laboratory exercises.
  • Use modern tools and technologies for environmental monitoring and analysis.