As an undergraduate, you are required to complete a Professional Development and Engagement component as part of your degree. This requirement helps you build real-world experience and must total at least 5 credits.
You can complete this requirement through one of the options below:
- NR 220: Natural Resource Ecology & Measurements (Required for Watershed Science Majors)
- ESS 487: Internship
- ESS 495: Independent Study
- ESS 220/221/298: Skills for Undergraduate Participation in Ecological Research
- Department-Approved Study Abroad
These 5-credit experiences are designed to help you expand your learning beyond the classroom, build your professional and technical skills, and actively contribute to solving today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
NR 220: Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements
NR 220 is a four-week summer course at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus. You work alongside your peers and interdisciplinary faculty to understand key ecological and sociocultural patterns and processes that influence ecosystems. This course challenges you to develop an ability to solve contemporary and complex environmental problems.
Schedule:
Week 1
- Discipline-specific course sessions
- Natural resource ecology
- Ecosystem components
Week 2
- Field discipline measurements
Week 3
- Integrate experiential learning across disciplines
- Five community days of study
Prerequisites:
Registrar’s office:
Alternative course policy
- If you are unable to participate in NR 220 due to personal circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue an alternative course or courses.
- Alternatives must involve a focus on research and field methods, teamwork, and skill development through opportunities to learn essential field skills.
- Career development through non-profit organizations or faculty field experiences may be acceptable.
- College credit must be received from an alternative and has to be transferable to CSU. Questions? Contact the Registrar’s Office.
ESS 487: Internship
Supervised work experience in professional settings related to Ecosystem Science and Sustainability.
Overview
- One-credit, 16-week Canvas-based course with professional development modules to complete during the internship and a 4-credit summer internship (180 hours minimum | around six weeks)
- You may intern with any organization that advances work related to the fields of ecosystem science and sustainability. This could be through research, analysis, monitoring, evaluation, public engagement, policy development, education, and/or outreach. WCNR Career Services maintains a WCNR Internships directory, and internships are also posted on CSU Handshake.
- All of the hours for a qualified internship must be completed with the same host organization if the internship placement is being taken to meet the PDE Requirement.
- Professional experience previously completed in a job or internship placement cannot be applied retroactively toward ESS 487 or the PDE Requirement.
Helpful resources
ESS/WR 495: Independent Study
Topical or research-related studies with a faculty member. You must make arrangements with an ESS Faculty Member, agree on the scope of work, and coordinate a timeline for completion before enrolling in ESS/WR 495.
Skills for Undergraduate Participation in Ecological Research, SUPER
SUPER is managed by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and partners with the Natural Resource Ecology Lab. The program prepares you to evaluate, design, and carry out research independently or as part of a team.
Overview
- SUPER is open to all majors at CSU! If you are interested in ecological research, the program will provide the practical skills and active learning experiences to empower you.
- Participation includes attending a 1-credit seminar in the fall semester, during which you will complete a literature review and annotated bibliography and be paired with mentors based on aligned interests and expertise. In the spring, you complete a second 1-credit seminar, which culminates in the presentation of research projects at the Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity showcase. You earn 3 additional credits for conducting research in collaboration with your mentor.
- You are encouraged to participate in SUPER in the fall and continue placement through the spring semester. Please note that the program is designed primarily for sophomores and juniors.
Department-Approved Study Abroad Opportunities
The CSU Education Abroad Office provides comprehensive information on study abroad placements for students. The Department has created a list of recommended programs for students by major and with research or internship-specific opportunities abroad.
Overview
- International study, research, internship, and service experiences are once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing opportunities with academic, personal, and professional benefits. An experience abroad sets you apart from your peers, enhances your studies, and engages you as citizens of the world.
Credit transfer
- You must submit a Transfer Credit Plan for Undergraduate Education Abroad to get pre-approval by the CSU Registrar for the study abroad courses you are interested in taking. After the Registrar’s Office completes its review, you meet with their Advisor to ensure that the academic credit will also count toward your ESS or Watershed Science degree and meet the PDE.