The PPLS track focuses on developing understanding and problem-solving skills relevant to the interaction between human and natural systems.
"What makes PPLS unique is learning to effect the environment through policy, planning, and influencing human behavior." —Prof. Kristen Nelson
A Faculty Perspective
A Student's Perspective
Students study concepts, issues, and problem solving approaches that address the policy, legal, economic, political, planning, and social aspects of environment and natural resource management. This study includes ethics and conflict management, and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach for examining problems and developing effective and innovative solutions. Problems considered include sustainable land use planning, resource conservation and management, law, and environmental protection at a range of political levels and spatial scales.
Students will learn how to integrate knowledge from the physical, biological, and social sciences in order to develop policy and planning alternatives and appropriate strategies to provide solutions to complex problems. Students can also develop a specialized background in environmental law, policy analysis, planning, and conflict management.
Sample Four-Year Plan
The sample plan below shows you one of several possible ways to complete this degree. Use Graduation Planner to make your customized plan, and work with your academic adviser to ensure that you are on track to graduate on time.
First Year
First Year
Fall Semester |
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ESPM 1001 Freshmen Orientation to Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management (1 credit) (15 credits total) |
Spring Semester |
ESPM 2021 Environmental Sciences: Integrated Problem Solving (3 credits) (15 credits total) |
Second Year
Second Year
Fall Semester |
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ESPM 3251 Natural Resources in Sustainable International Development (3 credits) (16 credits total) |
Spring Semester |
ESPM 3012 Statistical Methods for Environmental Scientists and Managers (4 credits) (14 credits total) |
Summer Semester |
FNRM 2101 Identifying Forest Plants (1 credit) (2 credits total) |
Third Year
Third Year
Fall Semester |
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ESPM 3000 Seminar on Current Issues for ESPM (1 credit) (15 credits total) |
Spring Semester |
ESPM 3202W Environmental Conflict Management, Leadership, and Planning (3 credits) (15 credits total) |
Fourth Year
Fourth Year
Fall Semester |
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ESPM 4041W - Problem Solving for Environmental Change (4 credits) (14 credits total) |
Spring Semester |
Elective (4 credits) (14 credits total) |