Environmental Resource Management Major
Dr. Robert Shannon
rshannon@psu.edu
814-865-6942
Environmental Resource Management (ERM) is a flexible environmental science major designed for students who want to make a difference by applying a scientific approach to resolving today’s environmental issues. ERM students are taught how to analyze, manage, and protect the world’s natural resources while experiencing both field and lab-based learning. Successful ERM students are interested in the science of environmental protection, conservation and the sustainability of our natural resources.
Why Choose This Major?
The ERM program educates its students in fundamental environmental subjects including air, water & soils. The ERM major also educates its students in the management aspect of environmental science, which includes courses in both economics and law. Students in the major specialize in one or several focus areas tailored to their own interest. These focus areas range from environmental soil science, GIS, water resources, environmental engineering, environmental economics and most everything in between. Having one or several focus areas incorporated into the student’s academic program enhances the student’s marketability and knowledge base upon graduation.
Career Opportunities
The Environmental Resource Management major prepares students to enter into several different environmental fields upon graduation. Students in the major can enter into private environmental consulting, the public, private or non-profit sector, or into one of the many government agencies that hire environmental professionals. ERM graduates can look forward to a variety of exciting career opportunities, including, but not limited to; ecosystem restoration, contaminated site remediation, soil, air and water quality improvement, natural resource conservation and other environmentally-related careers. Some examples of companies and organizations that have hired ERM graduates in the past include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), County Conservation Districts, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Course Scheduling Tips
Students are responsible for developing and implementing their academic plan in conjunction with an ERM advisor. Students should also take an active role in planning their course work in order to meet all requirements and to graduate in a timely manner. Keep track of your progress by reviewing your Degree Audit on eLion (https://elion.oas.psu.edu/) and updating your ERM checksheet (page 11 of ERM handbook http://erm.cas.psu.edu/PDFs/StHbook.pdf ) each semester.
ERM 151: Students should take ERM 151 (Careers and Issues in Environmental Resource Management) the first fall semester they are at the University Park campus-it will give exposure to the ERM program, career paths, and important PSU resources.
Required courses only offered in the fall semester at UP: ERM 151, ERM 411, ERM 431, ERM 435, BIOL 110, ASM 327, GEOSC 303.
Required courses only offered in the spring semester at UP: ERM 300, BIOL 220W, E RRE 201, ERM 430, ERM 433, ERM 413W.
While course scheduling during past years is generally a reliable indicator of future offerings, changes are often made from one year to the next. Verify course availability with the department or program offering the course.
Mathematics: MATH 110 and 111 are the standard math courses for ERM students, but MATH 140 and 141 are required if you intend to minor in Environmental Engineering. This math sequence is also required for admission into the Environmental Engineering minor.
Physics: Most students take PHYS 250, but PHYS 211 is required if you intend to minor in Environmental Engineering or if your area of specialization is in the physical sciences or engineering. Students interested in graduate study should consider a 2-semester sequence in Physics (e.g., PHYS 211 and 212 or PHYS 250 and 251).
ERM 300: Students must satisfactorily complete ERM 151; MATH 111 or 141; CHEM 111, 112, 202; BIOL 220W; and STAT 240 before registering for ERM 300. This course is a required prerequisite for ERM 412 and ERM 450.
ERM 495 (Internship): Practical professional experience is a valuable asset when seeking a permanent job after graduation. All students should consider getting ERM-related experience either through summer jobs or internships. To receive academic credit for an internship, you must register for ERM 495 (1-12 credits) during the summer, fall or spring semesters. Up to 6 credits of ERM 495 can be used to meet the specialization requirement.
ERM 496 (Independent Studies): ERM 496 provides opportunities for students to achieve a greater depth of knowledge in a particular topic, carry out research, or explore problems or issues not covered in existing courses. It is the responsibility of the student to identify an area or subject and to make arrangements with a faculty member to sponsor the study.
Ecology Selections
BIOL 415 Ecotoxicology (3)
BIOL 446 Physiological Ecology (3)
BIOL 448 Ecology of Plant Reproduction (3)
BIOL 450W Experimental Field Biology (5)
BIOL 482 Coastal Biology (4)
BIOL 499A Tropical Field Ecology (3)
ENT 420 Introduction to Population Dynamics (3)
ENT 425 Freshwater Entomology (3)
ERM 430 Air Pollution Impact to Terrestrial Ecosystems (3)
ERM 431 Environmental Toxicology (3)
ERM 435 Limnology (3)
ERM 450 Wetland Conservation (3)
HORT 445 Plant Ecology (3)
SOILS 412W Soil Ecology (3)
WFS 422 Ecology of Fishes (3)
WFS 430 Conservation Biology (3)
WFS 446 Wildlife and Fisheries Population Dynamics (3)
Communications Selections
AEE 360 Leadership Development for Small Groups (3)
AEE 440 Communications Methods and Media (3)
CAS 211 Informative Speaking (3)
CAS 213 Persuasive Speaking (3)
CAS 214W Speech Writing (3)
CAS 215 Argumentation (3)
CAS 250 Small Group Communication (3)
CAS 352 Organizational Communication (3)
Recommended Academic Plan for University Park (PDF)
Recommended Academic Plan for Commonwealth Campuses (PDF)