Program: Environmental Science, B.S. - University of Houston Clear Lake

Jul 23, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Environmental Science, Environmental Biology Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

Environmental Science, Environmental Geology Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

Environmental Science, Physical Geology Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

Environmental Science, Environmental Technology Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

The plan in Environmental Science leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This plan seeks, through an interdisciplinary approach, to prepare students for opportunities in the private sector and in governmental agencies where environmental issues are being addressed. Graduates of the plan will also be prepared to pursue further academic training in Environmental Science.

Students must specialize in one of the following areas:

Environmental Biology
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Geology
Physical Geology
Environmental Technology

University Core Requirements (42 hours)

Communication (6 hours)

Choose TWO courses from the UHCL core approved list.

Mathematics (3 hours)

MATH 2413 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Additional Information

Three (3) hours will count toward the Core Mathematics - 20 and one (1) hour will count toward the Core Component Area Option - 90.

Life and Physical Sciences (6 hours)

CHEM 1311 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 1312 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3

Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 hours)

Choose ONE course from the UHCL core approved list.

Creative Arts (3 hours)

Choose ONE course from the UHCL core approved list.

American History (6 hours)

Choose TWO courses from the UHCL core approved list.

Government/Political Science (6 hours)

Choose TWO course from the UHCL core approved list.

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)

Choose ONE course from the UHCL core approved list.

Component Area Option (6 hours)

CHEM 1111 - Laboratory for General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 1112 - Laboratory for General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 1
COMM 1315 - Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 1100 - Learning Frameworks Credit Hours: 1

Major Requirements (25 hours)

The following courses must be completed with the grade of “C-” or better:

Major Requirements

WRIT 3315 - Advanced Technical Writing Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 1311 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 1111 - Laboratory for General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 1312 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 1112 - Laboratory for General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 2323 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 2123 - Laboratory for Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 1
ENSC 3331 - Environmental Biology Credit Hours: 3
ENSC 3332 - Environmental Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
ENSC 3333 - Environmental Geology Credit Hours: 3
ENSC 4332 - Advanced Environmental Science Credit Hours: 3
MATH 2413 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
STAT 3308 - Computational Statistics Credit Hours: 3

Research or Practical Experience

Select one of the following courses:

Requires faculty approval.

ENSC 4315 - Environmental Science Practicum Credit Hours: 3
ENSC 4379 - Internship in Environmental Science Credit Hours: 3
ENSC 4389 - Independent Study in Environmental Science Credit Hours: 3

Specialization Requirements (52 hours)

Specialization requirements and approved upper-level electives must total 52 hours and must be completed with a grade of “C-“or better. Specialization electives are junior/senior level or related classes and must be selected from the list of approved electives for each specialization. Other electives may be selected in consultation with a faculty mentor and shall be completed with grades of “C-” or better.

In all cases, prerequisites for each course must be satisfied. A maximum of six hours of Environmental Management (ENVR) courses may be included.