Academic Programs
The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program utilizes an interdisciplinary curriculum that brings together students from various environmentally-focused programs across NC State to showcase how professionals in different disciplines solve some of today’s greatest environmental challenges, with the goal of helping them choose a major that correctly aligns with their academic goals and career aspirations. Our students develop real relationships with faculty who are experts in their field and passionate about student success. They also enjoy academic advising, co-curricular experiences and peer support.
ENVFY Courses
During the first year, ENVFY students study a common STEM curriculum that includes the following courses:
ENV 100: Student Success in Environmental First Year
This course introduces students to college life and prepares them for success at NC State. In this course, you will:
- Gain skills and knowledge necessary to integrate into the NC State community.
- Experience how to approach learning inside and outside the classroom — including what factors might influence your college experience.
- Create a strategic plan for your time at NC State.
- Explore potential internship and career paths.
- Engage in cultural and educational events across campus.
- Learn about campus resources.
ENV 101: Exploring the Environment
This course guides students toward committing to a major. In this course, you will:
- Engage with a breadth of environmental sciences majors, disciplines and careers.
- Examine environmental case studies and work collaboratively to explore and construct outcomes.
- Use data management, reporting and quantitative reasoning to evaluate possible solutions to different case studies.
Program Curriculum
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 101: Exploring the Environment | 2 | Depth Explorations Course. Course choice will depend on desired major. Options include: ES 100, MEA 100, MEA 101/MEA 110, MEA 200/MEA 210, MEA 215, FW 221 or an advised GEP. | 3-4 | |
| Academic Success Course. Course choice will depend on desired major. Options include: ENV 100, ALS 103, COS 100, LSC 103, PRT 150. | 1 | Math Requirement or Economics Elective. Course choice will depend on desired major. Options include: MA 241, EC 201, EC 205, ARE 201, or NR 219. | 3-4 | |
| ENG 101: Academic Writing and Research or COM 112: Interpersonal Communication | 3-4 | ENG 101: Academic Writing and Research or COM 112: Interpersonal Communication | 3-4 | |
| Math Requirement. Course choice will depend on desired major. MA 131 or MA 141 are encouraged for those who qualify and aspire to take additional calculus. | 3-4 | BIO 181: Intro Bio Ecol/Div and Lab or CH 201/202: Chemistry – Quant. Science and Labor or CH 220: Organic Chemistry and Lab. Course choice will depend on desired major. | 4 | |
| CH 101: Chemistry – A Molecular Science | 3 | HES: Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| CH 102: General Chemistry Lab | 1 | |||
| HESF 01: Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |||
| 14-16 | 14-17 |