COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Studies program at DePaul University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to help students understand environmental problems from scientific, social, and humanistic perspectives while developing practical solutions for sustainability and conservation.Students begin with foundational science courses such as Biology, Earth System Science, and Ecology, which help them understand how living organisms and natural systems interact. These courses build a strong scientific base for analyzing environmental processes like climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem dynamics.Environmental Conservation focuses on strategies for protecting natural resources and managing ecosystems responsibly, while Environmental Data Analysis develops students’ ability to interpret and evaluate environmental information using quantitative methods. Together, these courses strengthen both scientific understanding and analytical skills.The program also integrates humanities and social sciences to provide a broader perspective on environmental issues. History of Chicago helps students understand how urban development has shaped environmental conditions in a major city, while Philosophy and the Environment encourages critical thinking about ethics, sustainability, and human responsibility toward nature. Issues in Environmental Design examines how planning and design decisions impact environmental quality and sustainability in built environments.Sustainable Development brings together scientific and policy-based approaches to address long-term environmental and social challenges, preparing students to think about solutions that balance ecological health with human needs.Students can choose between two academic tracks: the Standard concentration, which focuses on the interdependence of environmental, social, and economic systems, and the Sustainability concentration, which emphasizes long-term environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.Overall, the program equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in environmental policy, conservation, sustainability planning, and further graduate study.