University of Southern California
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Environmental Studies program offers a thoughtfully designed interdisciplinary curriculum which emphasizes the complex nature of environmental problems. Semester long surveys of biology, earth science and chemistry provide the background course work in environmental science, whereas social science courses focus on environmental problems, ranging from political, legal, economic and international perspectives.

The Environmental Science and Health (ENSH) degrees combine the interdisciplinary courses on sustainability described above and some of the environmental social science content with traditional biology and chemistry content to provide options for students preparing for one of the health professions with an undergraduate emphasis on environmental sustainability. The BS in environmental science and health incorporates recommended preparation for medical schools. The BA in environmental science and health may be appropriate for students preparing for other graduate or professional training as well as students pursuing double majors. The environmental studies courses common to both majors emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems. Some of the major courses are team-taught by faculty with complementary backgrounds in science and policy. A number of opportunities are provided for field studies from the urban Los Angeles environment to marine protected areas on the coasts of the California Channel Islands. More intensive field study opportunities include "Problems Without Passports" courses with international components.

The Environmental Engineering program in the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USC comprises a unique team of faculty members who work collaboratively in research areas highly relevant to the dynamic field of environmental engineering. Our faculty addresses water, air, and energy challenges that face urban and natural environments.

This minor is intended to provide background for students who plan careers in business with companies who recognize the necessity to respond to environmental change as scientists understand it. Students who complete the minor will gain insight that will facilitate discussions with both scientists in the field and professionals in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

class presents an overview of the issues related to water and soil sustainability including soil development and management, the hydrologic cycle, the cycling of nutrients through both soil and water, soil and water pollution, and food security related to soil and water issues.

The 20-unit minor in urban sustainable planning focuses on the application of public policy, urban planning and public management to the analysis and solution of urban problems. It draws upon the interdisciplinary faculty and programs of the Price School of Public Policy and includes foundational courses that introduce students to the nature of urban phenomena and the analysis and solution of urban problems. The minor also introduces students to the professional and academic fields of either urban planning and development or public policy and public management. In addition, based on their specific interests, students have the opportunity to explore in greater depth three areas and approaches of urban problem-solving. This minor is appropriate for students interested in expanding their understanding of the fields of urban planning and public policy and management as potential professional careers as well as increasing their comprehension of the analysis and solution of urban problems.

The innovative Minor in GIS and Sustainability Science provides an interdisciplinary foundation for individuals to address environmental sustainability, among the most pressing challenges of our time. With an understanding of concepts of spatial sciences, including geographic information science, cartographic principles, spatial data acquisition and analysis, and techniques of programming and customization, students will be capable of analyzing and utilizing geospatial information linked with human and natural systems to understand how humans create stress on ecosystems and make informed decisions about how to alleviate stress or restore damaged ecosystems.

Environmental Studies Minor: https://catalogue.usc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=10612&returnto=3699
Environmental Chemistry and Sustainability Minor: https://catalogue.usc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=10546&returnto=3699