Nov 10, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Civic Leadership and Policy Studies - Climate Change and Environmental Policy Concentration (BA)


Students will:
  1. Civic Engagement: demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders to promote civic participation and social change.
  2. Policy Analysis: analyze and evaluate environmental policies using quantitative and qualitative methods, understanding their implications for various populations and the environment.
  3. Leadership Skills: develop essential leadership skills, including team building and ethical decision-making.
  4. Communication Proficiency: effectively communicate ideas and proposals through written, verbal, and digital formats to diverse audiences.
  5. Interdisciplinary Understanding: integrate knowledge from various disciplines to address complex policy issues related to climate and the environment.
  6. Research Competence: conduct independent research on civic leadership and policy issues, employing appropriate methodologies and ethical standards.
  7. Critical Thinking: demonstrate critical thinking skills by assessing the effectiveness of environmental programs and policies and proposing innovative solutions.
  8. Cultural Competence: understand and appreciate cultural diversity, demonstrating the ability to work inclusively in multicultural environments.

University Requirements:


Civic Leadership and Policy Studies BA Requirements (Shared Core)


MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:


Minimum grade of C- required in all major courses.

Policy Foundations


Experiential Learning


Complete 3 credits from the following:

Capstone Experience


Complete three credits of the following:

Major Electives


Complete six credits of non-required Biden School courses (ENEP, LEAD, SPPA, UAPP) or from the Approved Outside Courses for Biden School Major/Minor Electives.

RELATED WORK:


Coursework may simultaneously satisfy other degree requirements. Minimum grade C- required, unless otherwise specified.

Math


The math requirement must be completed by the time a student has earned 60 credits. Students who transfer into the Biden School with 45 credits or more must complete this requirement within two semesters.

Complete one of the following four options (minimum grade D-):

  • Option One:

  • Credit(s): 3
  • (designed for students who do not intend to continue to the study of mathematics)

  •  

  • Option Two: One of the following:

  • Credit(s): 3
  • (designed for students who do not intend to continue the study of mathematics)

  • Credit(s): 3
  • (designed for students who intend to continue the study of mathematics)

  • Credit(s): 4
  • (designed to prepare students for MATH 241)

  •  

  • Option Three: Successful completion of any 200-level or higher mathematics course except: MATH 201, MATH 202, MATH 205, MATH 251, MATH 252, MATH 253, and MATH 266.

  •  

  • Option Four: Successful performance on a proficiency test in mathematics administered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences (0 credits awarded).

Economics


Take one of the following:

CONCENTRATION: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY


Minimum grade of C- required in all courses.

ELECTIVES:


After the required courses are completed, sufficient elective credits must be taken to meet the minimum credit requirement for the degree. Students are encouraged to take additional electives offered at the Biden School (ENEP, LEAD, SPPA, UAPP) and from the Approved Outside Courses for Biden School Major/Minor Electives.

Credits to Total a Minimum of 120


Last revised for the 2025-2026 Academic Year