Contact Information and FAQs

If you have questions, contact Erin Champion, eachampi@ncsu.edu

You can also visit our Meet the Environmental Sciences Academic Advising Team page.  

Yes and no. A minor can be used as a framework to develop a focal area. Just picking a minor does not guarantee that the minor courses will fulfill the focal area requirements. A focal area is a specific requirement for the Environmental Sciences degree. The focal area is a cohesive body of study that supports an ES student’s academic goals and career interests. When reviewing a minor, a student will ask themselves to identify five courses that develop a cohesive body of study (courses that support and complement each other) and relate to the theme of the focal area.

Ideally, students should declare their focal area in the first semester of their third (junior) year.  Students will work with their advisor to plan the coursework for these degree requirements. 

Students declare their focal area by working with their ES academic advisor and once the course work has been planned, then they will submit an approval form for the department to review. 

Students can complete their External Learning Experience (es 496/498) at any time during their undergraduate degree.  Most students complete this degree requirement the summer between their 2nd and 3rd year.  

Yes!  The external learning experience must be completed with ES 496 or ES 498.  ES 496 and ES 498 are 3 credit hours courses.  Students must register for these courses either during your internship or the semester immediately following your completed internship.  

External Learning Experience/Professional Experience Requirements:

1.    The experience must comprise at least 150 work hours at a single organization.

2.    The experience must be entry-level, professional work in the field of environmental sciences.  

3.    Students must have their internships approved prior to starting work by either the course instructor.

4.    Students cannot earn credit for multiple classes with the same internship.

5.    The experiences can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time.

Advised electives are meant to add an additional breadth to support each student’s focal area.  There are 9 credit hours of advised electives.  Students will work with their advisor to identify their advised electives.  One of these courses must be taken at the 400-level, 3 credit hour course.