Prospective Majors

Exploring the Major

It is best to explore our major as early as possible because, like any science, a sequence of prerequisite course work is needed to move to advanced work in Environmental Sciences. Exploration can begin by taking one or more of our lower division courses (1000–2000 level) or reviewing our advising materials. One lower division course (non-core) can be counted toward the major if it is taken prior to major declaration. Both the B.A. and the B.S. degree require courses in ‘related sciences’ (other science and mathematics classes). Students who anticipate electing the B.S. option are encouraged to begin their coursework in related sciences during the first year.

Much more information about upcoming courses, advising, and careers can be found in the Major’s Newsletter , which is updated every semester prior to advising week. A listing of all Environmental Sciences courses, as well as course offerings for upcoming semesters, can be found here.  Our faculty are all interested in talking with students, so please consult any of your course instructors or any of our faculty for advice regarding course selection or other academic issues.

Declaring the Major

There are no required prerequisites that need to be taken before declaring the Environmental Sciences major. You may declare the major at any time, and we strongly encourage you to declare the major as soon as possible so that we can assure that you receive appropriate advising guidance from Department faculty.

The first decision a prospective major needs to make is whether to enroll in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program. Both degrees provide an excellent basis for post-graduate education. The B.A. also serves as a foundation for graduate work in professional programs such as law, planning, or business. The B.S. is more appropriate for students who anticipate a career as a research scientist, or who suspect they might pursue graduate education in disciplinary fields, environmental engineering, or environmental science positions in the private sector.

The main differences between the two degrees involve the number of credit hours for the major and the required hours of related science and math.

How To Declare The Major (B.A. OR B.S.) In Environmental Sciences
(Including The Concentration In Environmental And Biological Conservation)

Submit your major declaration using the Declare a Major or Minor form on the College website:
https://college.as.virginia.edu/declaration-major-and-minor-form-and-instructions

Once you have submitted your declaration, you can expect an email response from us with additional instructions to set up an appointment with a faculty member.

Having trouble using the form?  Email CollegeForms@virginia.edu with as much information as possible about your specific problem.

Haven’t heard back from us? Thank you for your patience!  If your declaration is still in progress but you haven’t received an email from us within 5 business days, please email Bob Davis (red3u@virginia.edu), including your full name, computing ID, and the major/minor you are trying to declare. 

Majors Seminar

Effective Fall, 2026, EVSC 4002 is required for all majors (B.A. and B.S.).  It is now a graded course, and the one credit counts toward the major requirements.

Advanced Placement Credit

Three credit hours toward EVSC 1010, Introduction to Environmental Sciences, will be granted for achieving a 4 or 5 on the Environmental Sciences Advanced Placement Course exam.

AP credits may also be applied toward the related math and science requirements. Although the University does not grant laboratory credit for AP courses, the Department waives the lab requirement for courses for which AP credit is granted, based upon review of the syllabus and course materials for the laboratory portion of the course.

Second Writing Requirement 

The Second Writing Requirement (SWR) is a "Literacy" component of the College's General Education requirements.  The SWR requires an writing assignment or a series of assignments that meet a minimum page/word threshold.  The SWR must be passed with a grade of at least C minus.

Scientific technical writing is typically structured and standardized and markedly differs from creative writing.  Solid technical writing skill can be an important asset to a job or graduate school success. 

Although there are numerous options with the College to complete the SWR, we encourage you to consider meeting this requirement within the Environmental Sciences Department. The courses below fulfill the SWR and those credits will simultaneously count toward your major.

EVSC 4170:  Spatial Ecology

EVSC 4340:  Human Biometeorology

Furthermore, some of our 5000-level classes also meet the SWR, but they cannot be pre-approved because they are graduate level courses.  However, a simple petition can be filed to have the SWR fulfilled.  Here is a link to the petition form:

 https://college.as.virginia.edu/second-writing-requirement-form-and-instructions 

These classes also fulfill the SWR:

EVAT 5300: Introduction to Climatology

EVGE 5820: Geomorphology

Credits from Other Departments or Schools

Please see the separate page on Transfer Credits

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/index.php.