Freshwater Sciences B.S.

Location(s): Tahlequah

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OSHRE Program Code: 177
CIP Code: 030101
Major Code: 7050

Freshwater Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree focused on understanding freshwater ecosystems (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries) and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats (wetlands, bogs, fens, riparian forests, and grasslands). Students pursuing this degree explore the freshwater systems through a variety of sciences and also learn about regulation of water.

Student Learning Outcomes

Be knowledgeable about the various sciences, technologies, and management issues related to freshwater in order to facilitate interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems related to freshwater.
Perform standard water monitoring tests and basic site assessment.
Demonstrate skills required for communicating and working with natural scientists, engineers, social scientists, managers, business leaders, policy makers, and the general public.
Be cognizant of the economics of freshwater in our region.
Be knowledgeable about the regulations pertaining to water.

General Education Requirements - 47 hours

While NSU requires a minimum of 46 hours of academic work in general education during the freshman and sophomore years, some majors may require other specific general education courses as program prerequisites or program requirements. These prerequisites raise the general education requirement for this major to 47 hours. For students transferring with the Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree from a public institution in Oklahoma, all general education requirements will be satisfied except where program prerequisites are needed. Students should consult advisors and the program’s plan of study for further information. Students are required to complete general education requirements by the time they have completed 90 semester hours of college work. See General Education Requirements for more information.

Freshwater Sciences General Education Requirements

The following are course prerequisites that may be completed as part of the General Education requirements.

Freshwater Sciences Required Courses - 40 hours

Courses in the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C.

Major Electives - 13 hours

In consultation with your advisor and faculty mentor, choose 13 hours from:

Total Degree Hours- 120 hours

General Education Requirements- 47 hours

Major Total - 53 hours

Minor - 18 hours

A minor is required for the Freshwater Sciences major.

Open Electives- 2 hours

Additional Degree Information - Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions

In addition to general education and program requirements stated above, additional hours may be needed to satisfy all minimum degree requirements listed below.

English Proficiency: Components I and II of English proficiency should be met with grades of “C” or better prior to the completion of 60 credit hours.
A minimum of 120 hours is required althout several science and health profession majors require more. PE activity hours cannot be counted toward the total degree credit hours. Prior learning credit (CLEP, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc) is limited to 30 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours in residence (from NSU) is required for graduation. Hours in residence exclude zero-level courses and prior learning credit such as CLEP, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc.
A minimum of 40 hours of 3000/4000 level courses is required for graduation.
A minimum of 60 hours from a 4-year school is required for graduation excluding zero level and PE activity courses.
At least fifty percent of the major requirements must be upper division courses (3000 and 4000 level).
At least 18 hours or fifty percent of the major, whichever is greater, must be satisfactorily completed at NSU.
The minimum number of credit hours required in the Liberal Arts and Sciences varies based on the type of degree. B.S. degrees require at least 55 hours and B.S.Ed., B.S.M.L.S., B.S.N., and B.S.S.L.P. degrees require at least 40 hours. Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) courses are identified in catalog course descriptions.

For additional information, see Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .