2021-2023 Catalog

Bachelor of Science, Native Environmental Science, Environmental Science Option, Fresh-Entry Alternative

The program of study prepares students to grow as community leaders and scholars in Native Environmental Science. The program is designed to develop skills to uphold treaty and inherent rights, through the protection of the natural world. The place based, experiential, and culturally grounded curriculum, provides a holistic training in Native Environmental Science, both through Indigenous Research and content knowledge. The program engages with multiple ways of knowing, is grounded in Indigenous Knowledge systems and traditional practice in parallel with new technology and tools for inquiry. Students may choose between the Environmental Science Option and the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option.

The Environmental Science Option (ESO) is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of biology or environmental science using the tools of Western science. Students completing this option may also be interested in pursuing graduate studies in environmental science.

This alternative is for students who enter the program at the freshman level and continue through all four years of the program.

Northwest Indian College Requirements

Required (11 Credits)

CMST 101Introduction to Oral Communication

4

Or

CMST 210Interpersonal Communication

4

Or

CMST 220Public Speaking

4

 

CMPS 101Introduction to Computers

3

HMDV 110Introduction to Successful Learning

4

NOTE: CMPS 101 or above; If a computer course coded NE (Non-transfer Elective) is substituted then 3 additional credits of Transfer Electives (coded TE) must be chosen. Students may request waivers for these classes in consultation with their academic and faculty advisors

HMDV 110: Students may request waivers for these classes in consultation with their academic and faculty advisors.

Northwest Indian College Foundational Requirements (35 Credits)

CSOV 101Introduction to Cultural Sovereignty

5

CSOV 102The Languages of Our Ancestors

5

CSOV 120Reclaiming our History

5

CSOV 130Icons of Our Past

5

ECON 250Subsistence Economies

5

EDUC 202Tide has Changed: Educating our Own

5

POLS 225History of Federal Indian Policy

5

CSOV 102: One or more Native language courses totaling at least 5 credits. Consult with an advisor regarding satisfying general education requirements. Requires approval by the Dean of Academics.

General Education Requirements (10 Credits)

ENGL 101English Composition I

5

 

ENGL 102English Composition II

5

Or

ENGL 202Technical Writing

5

Quantitative Skills 5 credit requirement - met in Core Requirements

Humanities Distribution 15 credit requirement - met in Foundational Requirements

Social Science Distribution 15 credit requirement - met in Foundational Requirements

Natural Science Distribution 15 credit requirement - choose courses meeting Prerequisite Requirements

Native Environmental Science Core Requirements (31 Credits)

CSOV 301Indigenous Theory and Methods

5

CSOV 302Indigenous Research

5

MATH 210Biostatistics

5

NESC 110Intro to Native Environmental Scien

1

NESC 310Native Science

5

NESC 499Native Environmental Science Capstone

5

POLS 319FromBegTime: NA Fishing Rights

5

NESC 499: 5 credits of NESC 499 are required, up to 10 credits are allowed through variable credits, which count towards electives.

Environmental Science Option Required Courses (45 Credits)

BIOL 201Cell Biology: Creation, Energy and the Gift of Life

5

BIOL 202Plant Biology: Honoring the Gifts of Plants

5

BIOL 203Animal Biology: Our Relatives

5

BIOL 310Ecology & Web of Interrelatedness

5

CHEM 121General Chemistry I

5

CHEM 122General Chemistry II

5

CHEM 123General Chemistry III

5

 

GEOL 101Introduction to Geology

5

Or

GEOL 111Finding Things Out/Earth Science

5

 

MATH 102College Algebra

5

NOTE: The MATH 102 requirement may also be satisfied by the following higher level math courses: MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 124, MATH 125, or MATH 126.

Electives (48 Credits)

Choose electives in consultation with a faculty advisor. A minimum of 30 elective credits must be at the 300-499 level. A maximum of 10 elective credits may be taken through individualized studies coursework (courses numbered 189, 289, 389, or 489) following the Native Environmental Science individualized studies course guidelines.

Total Credit Hours: 180