Curriculum Highlights

Two exemplary field experiences that are included in our curriculum are:

A summer program at CSU’s Mountain Campus, our majestic retreat and outdoor laboratory located in the spectacular mountains west of Fort Collins.

A one-week field practicum prior to the Fall semester exploring Colorado’s ecosystems and visiting the state’s numerous management projects and natural areas.

Curriculum Checklists

The Department offers two undergraduate degree programs and a minor program of study.  Learn more about these programs on our Undergraduate Degree Tracks page.  Below you will find our curriculum checklists and supporting documents with degree elective options.

Ecosystem Science and Sustainability – Bachelor of Science

Ecosystem Science and Sustainability – Major Elective List

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Students enrolled prior to Fall of 2022

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Bachelor of Science

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Technical Elective List

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Students enrolled Fall of 2022 or after

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Watershed Data Concentration

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Watershed Science Concentration

Watershed Science and Sustainability – Watershed Sustainability Concentration

Watershed Science and Sustainability Technical Elective List – All Concentrations

Watershed Science Minor

Watershed Science – Minor

Honors Scholars

Are you an Honors Scholar?  Honors Scholars (Track 1 or Track 2) have modified requirements in our degree programs and follow separate checklists.  You can refer to your degree progress audit in Ramweb to view these requirements, as well as speak to your advisor directly.  (Please visit the CSU University Honors Program for information on how to apply to be an Honors Scholar.)

Departmental Professional Development and Engagement

All Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and Watershed Science and Sustainability majors in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (ESS) are required to complete a Professional Development and Engagement requirement in their degree program.

Ecosystem Science and Sustainability students must complete one of four options as outlined in the ESS curriculum and on the ESS Professional Development and Engagement webpage.

Watershed Science and Sustainability students must enroll in NR 220 Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements.*

*Those Watershed Science and Sustainability students participating in specialized research programs, certain study abroad programs, or other eligible experiential learning placements may submit a request for substitution for NR 220 to pursue other research or professional development opportunities away from the CSU Mountain Campus.

Accelerated Master’s Program in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability

The Professional Science Masters in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (PSM-ESS) leverages world-leading greenhouse gas, climate change, water resource, and food-systems expertise from across Colorado State University (CSU) and helps students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference. The aim of the PSM-ESS program is to prepare young professionals to enter the field to put solutions into practice. The CSU PSS-ESS AMP allows undergraduates in certain CSU bachelor’s degree programs to begin studies in the PSM-ESS program while they are still undergraduates.

Starting the PSM-ESS program while still completing an undergraduate degree can save time and money! Up to 9 credits of 500-level graduate course work can be counted to both a bachelor’s degree and the PSM-ESS while paying undergraduate tuition rates.

Check out the Accelerated Professional Science Masters in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability page for more information about the program and application process!

Course Equivalency Credit and Challenge Exams

ESS Course Offerings

The following courses are taught by Ecosystem Science and Sustainability faculty. Refer to the CSU General Catalog for additional information and course descriptions.