Environmental Studies

Advising guide: PSU transfer Environmental Science

compass and microscope

Planning to major in Environmental SCIENCE at Portland State University?

Environmental science is a field that integrates biological and physical sciences and uses scientific practices to investigate environmental systems, problems, and solutions.

Take these courses at Portland Community College!
  • Prerequisites: Reading (RD 115), writing (WR 115), math (MTH 20). MTH 65 is currently required for ESR 200. Beginning in Fall 2027, MTH 110 will be required for ESR 200.
  • Environmental Studies (ESR): ESR 150, 200, 201, and 202 are required for the Env. Science major.
    • Equivalent to PSU ESM 150 (ESR 150), ESM 220 (ESR 200), ESM 221 (ESR 202), ESM 222 (ESR 201)
    • ESR 150 & 200 are the required orientation and introductory lab science course. ESR 150 is a co-requisite for ESR 200. Offered Fall (RC) and Spring (SE). ESR 200 is required for ESR 201, 202, 204.
    • ESR 201: Science and Policy course offered winter term at Rock Creek.
    • ESR 202: Applied Problem Solving course offered spring term at Rock Creek.
    • ESR 204: Environmental Restoration is offered spring term at Rock Creek (satisfies biology req.)
  • Biology (BI): Take two of these courses: BI 141 (Forest biology), BI 142 (Marine biology), BI 143 (Freshwater biology) or ESR 204. OR take all three of these courses: BI 221Z, 221Z, 223Z
  • Writing (WR): WR 121 is required, *WR 227 substitutes for WR 327 at PSU.
  • Math (MTH): MTH 111 is required
  • Statistics: *MTH 243 and 244 together can substitute for ESM 340 at PSU
  • Chemistry (CH): CH 151 recommended, CH 221Z/227Z and 222Z/228Z substitute for ESM 230 and 231 at PSU.
  • Geography (GEO): *GEO 170 substitutes for GEOG 380, *GEO 265 and 266 substitute for GEOG 488.
For the Science track:
  • Math (MTH): MTH 112Z or MTH 251Z (Calculus)
  • Chemistry (CH): A third chemistry course is required, *CH 223Z/229Z substitutes for ESM 315 at PSU
  • One physical science: A 200-level Geology or Physics course, such as G/ESR 264: Hydrology
For the Management track:
  • Math: MTH 112Z and Physical Geography: GEO 110 and Economics: EC 201

*These PCC classes do NOT count as upper division courses, even when they substitute for upper division courses.

Note: All courses used to satisfy the Environmental Science major requirements must be graded C- or above or P. The PSU bachelor’s degree in environmental science requires a minimum of 62 division (300-400 level) credits.

These courses may change over time. Reach out to a PSU advisor and be sure to check transfer guides for updates: pcc.edu/university-transfer