Environmental Science Minor

Coordinator: Katie Costanzo, PhD

The Environmental Science minor is designed for students who want to focus on organismal biology, natural history, ecology and environmental science. It provides a broad preparation for entry into BS level positions in the environmental sciences and advanced study at the graduate level.

Minors are an important part of the undergraduate curriculum.  If students declare a minor by sophomore year, they can usually complete it in a timely manner.  Students should work with their advisor to determine if it is possible that the minor can be completed by graduation.  

To receive a minor, a student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their major(s) and from other minors, and students must complete more than 50% of the coursework required for the minor at Canisius. Please note that “ancillary/supporting” courses required for a major may still count as distinct courses as long as the remaining coursework still meets the 30 credit-hours required for a major. For more information about minor policies, please see the Declaring Majors and Minors page in the catalog.

Requirements for the Environmental Science Minor

The environmental science minor requires BIO 320 (field ecology with its lab), BIO 360 (Environmental Health), at least one physical science course and its lab, and three additional upper-level classes, at least one of which must include the associated laboratory.

Physical Science courses (must choose 1)

Environmental Biology Electives (Must choose 3, at least 1 with lab)