Program Overview
The Environmental Policy and Decision Making BS program at Ohio State University's Columbus campus equips students with skills for careers in environmental protection. The program offers foundational courses in environmental science and natural resources, along with specializations in communication and behavior change, environmental and social justice, and policy and governance. Graduates pursue careers as policy analysts, environmental compliance specialists, and regional disaster preparedness coordinators, among others.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Name:
Environmental Policy and Decision Making
Degree:
BS
Campus:
Columbus
School:
Environment and Natural Resources
Overview:
The environmental policy and decision-making major explores the protection of long-term natural resource use and environmental quality through changes in human behavior and policy. This major gives particular consideration to how policies are formulated and implemented and what impact they will have on society, as well as how to best engage individuals and communities to respond to environmental challenges.
Objectives:
The major provides students with opportunities to develop important skills relevant for environmental careers as well as effective citizenship in a world where environmental challenges are growing each day.
Outline:
Course Structure:
The program consists of foundational courses in environment and natural resources, general education requirements, and specialization courses.
Foundational Courses:
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Society and Natural Resources
- Introduction to Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife
- Introduction to Soil Science
Specializations:
- Communication and behavior change
- Environmental and social justice
Faculty:
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Regional disaster preparedness coordinator
- Environment, health and safety specialist
- Policy analyst
- Naturalist and camp director
- AmeriCorps member
- Environmental compliance specialist
- Outreach and organizing manager
Opportunities:
- The School of Environment and Natural Resources Career Services Office assists students with one-on-one counseling, workshops, and career fairs.
- Nearly half of all graduates in the environmental policy and decision-making major study abroad before they graduate.
- All students in this major complete either an internship or a capstone experience.
Outcomes:
- 93% of environmental policy and decision-making graduates find employment or enroll in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.
- About 20% of graduates go directly into graduate or professional school.
- Average salaries range from $56,000 to $87,000.
