North Dakota University System ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FORMAL REQUEST STAGE II COVER PAGE

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2 North Dakota University System ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FORMAL REQUEST STAGE II COVER PAGE This form is to accompany each academic request to the System office for State Board of Higher Eduation or Chancellor action. The purpose of the form is to streamline the request process, promote consistency, and foster improved record-keeping. Institution: I. Action requested: Approval of new program, Policy 403.1, "Program Approval", SBHE approval Approval of new prefix Termination of program, Policy , "Program Termination", SBHE approval Place program on inactive status, Policy , "Inactive Programs", Chancellor approval Program title change, Policy 403.4, "Changes in Program Titles", Chancellor approval Corresponding degree title change Approval of new program fee, Policy d Distance education approval, Policy 404.1, "Distance Learning Credit Activities", Chancellor approval New Change Update Notice Organizational change, Policy 307.1, "Institutional Organization-Notice and Approval", SBHE approva New Change Termination Other, Policy, " ", approval Effective Date: II. III Program information (where applicable): NDUS Academic Program Code (this is an abbreviation of the Description; example UGBIO) Program or Organizational Title Old title (if title change) Major Minor 2 nd Major Short Title Description; (10 characters title) Program Prefix Requested Implementation Date (old and new dates cannot overlap) First Valid Term Academic Career (UG, G, L, M) Grading Scheme (UG, G, L, M, Ph) Academic Group; (division, college, school) Academic Organization/Department CIP Code Exact degree/award title (refer to NDUS Procedure 409 for title list): Diploma Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed) Certificate Program Master of Arts (M.A.) Associate of Arts (A.A.) Master of Science (M.S) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) Associate of Science (A.S) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) This title is currently not in Procedure 409 Authorized to Offer Degree Submitted by: Name: Date: For System Office use only: Office / / AAC 01 / / Cabinet / / Chancellor / / Board / / HECN / / CIP code Major code 12/2010 G:\Rebecca\400\Forms-Templates\Stage II Cover.xls

3 New Program Proposal Stage II Valley City State University Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science

4 Valley City State University SBHE Policy 403.1, Program Approval Executive Summary Valley City State University requests approval to offer an undergraduate major in Environmental Science. This request is in accordance with SBHE Policy NEED: With the economic direction of North Dakota moving toward energy and resource extraction, the demand for students trained in environmental science in increasing. The rapid growth of the energy industry means that more environmental scientists will be needed in the state for the foreseeable future. Valley City State University wants to respond to this need by developing a baccalaureate degree in Environmental Science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in environmental science jobs for the next eight years, which is an above-average job growth rate compared to other occupations. Within the state, additional environmental scientists are desired to work for energy and environmental consulting companies, government agencies, and local industries in the disciplines of compliance, regulatory duties, and mitigation. As of the end of November, the job search site, Indeed.com, listed over thirty positions related to environmental science in North Dakota. At least eight of these positions were entry-level jobs that required a bachelor s degree in Environmental Science. An Environmental Science major would prepare students to enter into these jobs. The Science Department at VCSU is one of the fastest growing departments on campus. Since 2011, four new faculty have joined the department, with 2.5 of these being new positions. The most recent programs developed in the Science Department Health Science and Fisheries & Wildlife have both been very successful. The Fisheries and Wildlife major is the third largest major on campus with 69 students currently enrolled. An Environmental Science major would provide another option for students who are interested in many of the environmental topics addressed in the Fisheries and Wildlife major, but who also want to integrate more physical sciences into their studies. RELATIONSHIP TO THE INSTITUTION: The proposed Environmental Science major is an interdisciplinary program that will include coursework from all of the programs within the Science Department, as well as from several other departments on the VCSU campus. This program, while science-based, corresponds with the vision of a liberal arts education that is important to small, student-centered schools, such as VCSU. Many of the required courses and electives for this major are also taught in the Biology, Health Science, and Fisheries and Wildlife majors. However, the physical sciences component of the Environmental Science major (i.e. geology, chemistry, and physics) would ensure that these majors do not overlap. Rather, the proposed major would complement other programs in the Science Department by strengthening the relationship between the physical sciences and the life sciences. COST: The proposed curriculum for this major can be taught by existing faculty, so no new funds will be required for this program. We will utilize recent grants and indirect costs to purchase additional equipment for field and classroom work, and for student research projects. 2

5 The other programs in the Science Department are already well-equipped with instrumentation for field and laboratory work. These resources will be utilized for the Environmental Science major as well. Furthermore, the building that houses the Science Department at VCSU recently underwent an extensive renovation and addition project, resulting additional space and updated facilities. PROGRAM DELIVERY: The major will use a combination of traditional classroom methods, laboratories, field experiences, internships, and modern technology available on the web. VIABILITY: Based of the projected growth of environmental science jobs in the future, we expect enrollment in this program will steadily grow as students gain awareness of career opportunities in this field. The Science Department plans to aggressively market this program and recruit new majors. Enrollment of 30 students by year six is expected. DUPLICATION: Dickinson State University is the only other university in the state to offer a four-year baccalaureate degree in Environmental Science. The Environmental Science program at VCSU will differ from Dickinson State s program by offering a somewhat smaller curriculum that is flexible with regards to electives and other courses that students need to complete to graduate. We have designed a 60 credit composite major that will provide students with the necessary skills and education, while ensuring that they can easily complete their degree in four years. RELATIONSHIP TO THE ROUNDTABLE: This program Sustains the Vision of the Roundtable on Higher Education by addressing each of the cornerstones. The major would support Economic Development by retaining students and graduates in North Dakota with internships and graduate school or employment opportunities. Increased enrollment and improved retention of science majors furthers Funding and Rewards for VCSU. Educational Excellence will be achieved through experiences in the classroom, lab, and field, as well as through undergraduate research and internships. This program will be Flexible and Responsive to prepare students for particular environmental science concentrations that are in demand in the state. Finally, VCSU would provide Access to a high-quality Environmental Science program in a state that has a growing demand for environmental scientists. RECOMMENDATION: (To be completed by the NDUS office) 3

6 Program objectives: The Environmental Science program is designed to provide students with the education and experiences necessary to enter the job force or to further their education in graduate school. One objective of this program is to provide a balanced, yet flexible education for students. To fulfill this objective, we designed the curriculum to consist of a core block of required courses that will provide a strong education in all of the areas of environmental science. Students will be able choose their elective courses, and any additional classes needed to graduate, based on their area of interest within the broad field of environmental science. We expect that this program will attract students who are interested environmental issues as well as those students who appreciate all fields of science, but prefer not to focus on one specific area. Providing students with a strong field background will also be a key component of the major. Many of the classes in the curriculum are strongly field-based, so students will have the opportunity to experience activities in class that could eventually be their job responsibilities. Additionally, we will strongly encourage undergraduate research. Internal research programs, such as Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR), and external research grants and contracts, will allow for numerous research opportunities for majors. Finally, we plan to establish connections with local and regional businesses and agencies to create internship or summer employment opportunities for environmental science majors. These include the energy companies that are currently operating in the western part of the state and nearby businesses, such as John Deere and Montana-Dakota Utilities. All of these variables will result in alumni who are ready to enter into a career upon graduation, or are prepared to begin graduate studies at research universities. Cost and resources: No new funds will be necessary for the program, but existing grants and indirect funds will be used to purchase new equipment for the major. These equipment include soil and water sampling tools to use for soils and hydrology courses, a multi-parameter water quality sonde for use in hydrology and limnology courses, and an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to use in soils class, and for student and faculty research. Additionally, the Science Department has many existing resources that will facilitate the development of this major. The Biology and Fisheries and Wildlife majors have a strong focus on field experience, so we already possess many of the pieces of equipment necessary for the life science courses that are included in the curriculum. In addition, the chemistry major has recently acquired new Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers that can be used for student research. Finally, the recent completion of an extensive renovation and addition project has updated and nearly doubled the size of the science facilities Relationship of the program To the Institution 4

7 This program will accentuate the unique, interdisciplinary nature of the Science Department at VCSU. The main branches of the natural sciences biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics are all contained within the department. An Environmental Science major is a perfect fit for the Science Department because it is an interdisciplinary degree. Students will be able to take geology, biology, chemistry, and physics classes in one building, and with a small group of faculty who are familiar with each other s classes, teaching styles, and research projects. This major, while science-based, will also contribute to VCSU s emphasis on providing a liberal arts education. In addition to the general education coursework that majors will complete outside of the Science Department, several courses from the History, Geography, English, and math programs are also incorporated into the curriculum for the Environmental Science major. Finally, by encouraging students to pursue research projects and internships, VCSU stands to gain connections to businesses, agencies, organizations, and other academic institutions that will draw more attention to the university. This may lead to increased enrollment or funding in the future. To the system North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota both have graduate programs that focus on environmental science and conservation. We have met with Dr. Eakalak Khan, the Program Director of NDSU s Environmental and Conservation Sciences graduate program, and Dr. Soizik Laguette, Chair of UND s Earth System Science and Policy graduate program, to attain feedback regarding the curriculum for the Environmental Science major. They both expressed interest in working together to encourage students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies to explore the programs at UND and NDSU. One of the ways to accomplish this is to promote the scholarships that are available to students through the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). By encouraging Environmental Science majors who are interested in graduate school to apply for EPSCoR scholarships through UND or NDSU, we can provide a direct benefit to the research institutions within the North Dakota University System. A rise in applicants will also increase the competitiveness of these scholarships, which reflects positively on EPSCoR as well as on UND and NDSU. To the region VCSU is surrounded by numerous natural, professional and intellectual resources that will support a Baccalaureate degree in Environmental Science. We will collaborate with local companies and government agencies, such as John Deere, Montana-Dakota Utilities, the North Dakota Department of Health, the North Dakota State Water Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the USGS Northern Prairie Research Center, along with energy companies and environmental consulting agencies working throughout the state, to provide research and internship opportunities in North Dakota. 5

8 The natural resources located within the region, including the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, the North Country Trail, Lake Ashtabula, and numerous state and county parks in the area will provide ample opportunity for class field trips. These areas may also spark ideas for student research projects. NDSU and UND are valuable intellectual resources for the proposed Environmental Science major. Through these institutions, students may be able to access equipment for collecting or analyzing research data. Additionally, they may have the opportunity to apply for summer jobs working for research projects at the universities. This will benefit all involved because VCSU students will gain research experience that will further their education or future careers, and NDSU and UND will be able to advance their research. Relationship to the Roundtable Recommendations Economic development connections Economic Development results from increased enrollment that will stimulate the local economy. More students will lead to more requests for housing and resources, and additional money spent at local businesses. This program will also provide a pool of employees to fill environmental science positions in the private and public sector. The availability of environmental science jobs in North Dakota, as well as the presence of excellent graduate programs at UND and NDSU, will ensure that many of the graduates remain in the state after completing their degrees at VCSU. Education Excellence The addition of this program will give our Science Department a more diverse curriculum that includes additional physical science options. It will enable us to further integrate research and education. The focus of research at our university is on the student. We feel that, rather than being a cog in a professor s research program, students should experience research in a manner that encourages their curiosity and creativity. This approach gives the best education a science student can experience. Flexible and responsive system Because environmental science is a broad field that deals with changing environmental conditions, the demands for environmental scientists trained in a particular concentration shifts over time. We plan to work with local and regional businesses and agencies to keep abreast of changing needs for environmental scientists. These communications will allow faculty to modify topics discussed in their courses so that graduates are better prepared to enter into the job force. Additionally, because VCSU is a small, student-centered, university, faculty can also be more flexible in their teaching to respond the interests of the students. Accessible system 6

9 A high quality Environmental Science major extends our service to students. This program will be accessible to students who are interested in a more interdisciplinary education in science especially those students who prefer small classes and smaller faculty-to-student ratios. This program will also provide access to a broad range of hands-on experiences, including field and laboratory activities, and research and internship opportunities. Funding and rewards Increased enrollment and improved retention of science majors contributes to funding and rewards for VCSU. A larger number of student majors will also allow us to develop additional undergraduate research projects. This, in turn, will lead to additional grant funding, better equipment, and summer salaries for faculty and students. Additionally, by working with local and regional businesses to develop student internships, more students will have the potential to acquire employment that will increase their earnings and financial rewards. In the future, they will, hopefully, take an active role in sustaining and improving the program by offering donations, suggestions, or access to professional contacts. Sustaining the vision The comprehensive and flexible nature of this program will strengthen the Science Department in its efforts to provide high quality education for our students, and it will also contribute to the increase in undergraduate research options at VCSU. Providing a baccalaureate level Environmental Science major will sustain the vision of VCSU. 7

10 Program Requirements The Environmental Science major will be a composite major with a total of 60 credits. Several of the courses will be on a two year rotation. Two new classes will be developed for this major, with one of the courses being a new addition to the VCSU catalog. This course is denoted with an XX as the last two digits in the course number. General Education 39 hrs Biol 150 General Biology I 4 Chem 121 General Chemistry I 5 Engl 125 Intro to Professional Writing 3 Math 165 Calculus I 3 Hist 267 Environmental History 3 Required courses 44 hrs Biol 151 General Biology II 4 Biol 360 Environmental Law & Regulations 3 Biol 375 Conservation Biology 4 Biol 440 Biostatistics & Environmental Design 4 Biol 455 Introduction to GIS 4 Chem 122 General Chemistry II 5 Geol 100 Introduction to Earth Science 4 Geol 300 Environmental Earth Science 4 Geol 315 Soil Science and Survey 4 Geol 3XX Hydrology 4 Phys 161 Intro to College Physics I 4 Directed Electives 16 hrs (Student s choice of future career determines which electives should be taken. Advisors play an important role in informing students) Biol 310 Microbiology 4 Biol 311 Botany 4 Biol 410 Field Ecology 4 Biol 439 Human Dimensions in Fish & Wildlife 3 Biol 470 Limnology 3 Chem 330 Quantitative Analysis I 4 Chem 331 Quantitative Analysis II 4 Chem 341 Organic Chemistry I 5 Chem 342 Organic Chemistry II 5 Engl 410 Technical & Scientific Writing 3 Geog 111 Survey of Geography 2 Geol 106 Earth Through Time 4 Phys 162 Intro to College Physics II 4 8

11 Others 21 hrs (for 120 credits) For a Bachelor of Science degree the student meets with their advisor to determine additional classes that they will need to complete to reach a total of 120 credits for graduation. These credits are a free choice for students. Advisors will inform students about classes that will be helpful in their chosen career path or fit with their interest. Alternatively, the student can add a minor to their degree. For a Bachelor of Arts Degree the student must complete a sixteen credit hour block of courses from Spanish, Art, Music, English, Theatre, Photography, or History. Program Assessment /Evaluation The new program will be reviewed according to the guidelines set up for the Assessment of Student Learning at Valley City State University. In addition, the new program will be evaluated based on enrollment and graduation rate of the program. Evaluation will also be based on the success rate of students entering graduate and professional schools, and students obtaining jobs related to environmental science. These numbers will be collected every year and compared with previous years. Student evaluation and faculty evaluation will continue to be administered each term for every course, according to the Science Department policy at VCSU. Students will be asked for their input to improve the program 9