Academic Programs Catalog

The Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies is available as an elective to all students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. Students completing the minor will gain knowledge and skills essential for understanding the biological and physical environment that is inhabited and influenced by humans; managing complex interactions between humans and natural systems; and understanding how policy-making impacts and shapes environmental and sustainability outcomes. The College of Natural Science is the primary administrative unit for the minor with support from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering, and College of Social Science.

Students who have declared the intent to complete the minor or who have declared a major preference for a bachelor’s degree program in one of the above listed colleges may elect to live in residence and participate in the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE). Students who elect this option will be housed in Bailey Hall in the Brody Neighborhood. This integrated living-learning program allows for students from multiple colleges and disciplines to develop a sense of community and promotes a team approach to managing complex problems.

With prior written approval from the RISE Coordinator who administers a course in the minor, another course may be substituted for a course from the list of approved courses. Before a student requests a substitution, the student should consult with their academic advisor to ensure that the substitution will not adversely affect the requirements for their degree program.

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:

The interdepartmental graduate Specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior is available for students who are enrolled in master's degree programs at Michigan State University whose course of study involves ecology, evolution, and behavior. The College of Natural Science administers the specialization.

The interdepartmental graduate Specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior is designed to:

1. provide an opportunity for master’s students to obtain a comprehensive and contemporary academic experience in the field of ecology, evolution, and behavior.
2. help graduate students with an interest in ecology, evolution, and behavior to become sensitive to their professional obligations and responsibilities.
3. develop an intellectual environment which will foster the growth of research and teaching in the area of ecology,  evolution, and behavior.

A student who is enrolled in a master's degree program who wishes to complete the requirements for the interdepartmental Graduate Specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior should have a minimum grade–point average of 3.00 and have grades of 3.0 or higher in quantitative science courses.

Requirements for the Interdepartmental Graduate Specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

During the first year of study toward a master's degree, the student and the major professor select a guidance committee that will assist in planning the student's program of study for both the degree and the specialization. At least one member of   the student's guidance committee shall be a member of the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior faculty. 

The specialization consists of the completion of the ecology, evolution, and behavior required core courses listed below. Credits that are used to meet the requirements for the specialization may also be counted toward the requirements for the student's major at the discretion of the department.

Required Core Courses

1. One 3-credit course in ecology at the 800-900 level from a list of approved courses available from the office of the ecology, evolution, and behavior program.
2. One 3-credit course in evolution at the 800-900 level from a list of approved courses available from the office of the ecology, evolution, and behavior program.
3. Both of the following quantitative methods courses (6 credits):
   IBIO   830   Statistical Methods in Ecology and Evolution I                                               3
   IBIO   831   Statistical Methods in Ecology and Evolution II                                              3

The College of Natural Science, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering, and the College of Veterinary Medicine administer the Graduate Specialization in Environmental Toxicology. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the primary administrative unit. For additional information, refer to the Graduate Specialization in Environmental Toxicology statement in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this catalog.