Frequently Asked Questions
As the EVS Program continues to grow, the Program Office has compiled this page as a portal to answer some of your most frequent questions. If you have an idea for something that should be added to this page, please let us know.
- What is the “EVS Program?”
- What is the difference between the EVS Program and the B.A. in Sustainability Studies (B.A.S.S) degree?
- How can I apply to the EVS Program?
- How can I declare myself as an EVS major?
- How many students does the EVS Program admit each year?
- How competitive is the EVS Program?
- What does EVS look for in an applicant?
- What is the “Math Readiness Requirement?”
- Are there other options to explore environmental science at UT?
- Can I double major in EVS and another major?
- Can I minor in EVS?
- What types of classes would I be taking as an EVS major?
- In what college will I be enrolled as an incoming student?
- What if I am already enrolled in a different college, such as Engineering or Business, but I’m interested in pursuing EVS?
- Can I take EVS courses without being admitted to the EVS Program?
What is the “EVS Program”?
The EVS Program is the name given collectively to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degrees offered by the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Jackson School of Geosciences. In other words, everyone pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science UT Austin is participating in the EVS Program.
What is the difference between the EVS Program and the B.A. in Sustainability Studies (B.A.S.S) degree?
Starting on the 2016-2018 catalog, the UT College of Liberal Arts began offering the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies (B.A.S.S.). While both the EVS Program and the B.A.S.S. offer students the ability to study the environment from an interdisciplinary perspective, key differences exist between the programs:
| EVS Program | B.A.S.S. | |
| Application: | Competitive admission; internal transfer applications accepted each spring. | Open admission, no application at this time. |
| Degree type: | Bachelor of Science | Bachelor of Arts |
| STEM requirements: | Major-level calculus, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and ecology. | Basic University Core requirements, non-major-level math and science will count. |
| Emphasis areas: | Tracks available in: -Geology -Geography -Biology Students are housed in the college that offers their track. | Thematic concentrations available: -Trajectories in Sustainability -Sustainable Choice in a Diverse World -Natural Resource Management Students are housed in the College of Liberal Arts. |
| Hands-on experience: | EVS 311: Intro Field Seminar EVS 121: Intro to Research in Environmental Science EVS 271 & 371: Two-semester Capstone Research Experience EVS 141 & 151: Professional Development and Scientific Communication Seminars | Research Design Experiential Learning (field-based or internship course) Capstone Experience |
| Good fit for: | Students interested in the interdisciplinary science underlying the environment, and who want a strong technical training in field and research science to solve environmental problems. | Students who are interested in the intersection of geography, earth science, and social justice as related to sustainability and environmental issues, but are less interested in the hard sciences. |
How can I apply to the EVS Program?
Students not already enrolled at UT Austin can apply to the EVS Program by selecting “environmental science” as their desired major at the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the Jackson School of Geosciences. Applications from all internal transfer students (those already enrolled at UT Austin) are accepted and evaluated each spring semester. Detailed information about applications to EVS is available here.
How can I declare myself as an EVS major?
The EVS Program is a restricted degree , so you can only declare yourself after applying and being admitted to the program.
How many students does the EVS Program admit each year?
Because of the hands-on nature of our coursework, EVS classes have to stay small. This means that they are a fantastic way to explore environmental science, but it also means that we have to limit our enrollment. Since each EVS course can hold a maximum of 25 students, and since we are only equipped to manage two sections of each required course per year, we can only accommodate approximately 50 students each year.
How competitive is the EVS Program?
Since it is a small program at a large university, and since interest in the subject matter is high, the EVS Program is extremely competitive.
What does EVS look for in an applicant?
Freshmen and external transfer applicants are evaluated through the university’s Office of Admissions, and therefore are evaluated according to the official application review factors (available here). Internal transfer applicants are also asked about any field or lab experience, as well as about their interest and commitment to environmental science.
What is the “Math Readiness Requirement”?
To be considered for admission to the Environmental Science major as an incoming freshman or external transfer student, you must meet the calculus readiness requirement. You can show calculus readiness by submitting one of the following by the admissions deadline: A SAT Math score of 620 or above (on exams taken after March 2016; a score of 600 or above is considered for exams taken prior to March 2016); an ACT Math score of 26 or above; an AB or BC Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Test score of 3 or higher; an International Baccalaureate (IB) HL or SL Mathematics score of 4 or higher; or, an official college or university transcript showing credit for a college-level Calculus I (or higher) course with a grade of “C” or higher.
Are there other options to explore environmental science at UT?
Yes! While the EVS Program is the only way to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, the subject is a huge one, and lots of different schools at UT have programs that explore the scientific aspects of the environment.
Can I double major in EVS and another major?
The EVS Program is an extremely rigorous Bachelor of Science degree program, requiring 126 credit house of coursework, including the traditional studies in calculus, chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as thematic science classes and intensive field and lab work. Therefore, unless you intend to complete the double major with another related course of scientific study, a double major will likely not be possible within a standard time frame.
Can I minor in EVS?
No. If you are interested in adding a sustainability element to your current course of study, you may be more interested in the Bridging Disciplines Program. The 19-hour program functions a lot like a minor, and may be the best way to explore the issues while continuing on your current course of study.
What types of classes would I be taking as an EVS major?
EVS coursework is both interdisciplinary and hands-on in nature. This means you can expects to take lots of classes in a variety of disciplines, and you can expect to get your hands dirty. A full discussion of the EVS curriculum is available here.
In what college will I be enrolled as an incoming student?
Incoming freshmen and transfers who have been admitted to the EVS Program will be able to begin their coursework in any of the participating colleges – Natual Sciences, Liberal Arts, or the Jackson School. Student currently enrolled at UT and admitted to the EVS Program can remain in their college of residence until they determine what “track” of the EVS Program they will pursue.
What if I am already enrolled in a different college, such as Engineering or Business, but I’m interested in pursuing EVS?
We recommend you do not transfer colleges until you have applied and been formally admitted to the EVS Program. If you need to transfer prior to applying to EVS, consult your academic advisor to discuss your options.
Can I take EVS courses without being admitted to the EVS Program?
Not usually. Because these courses are required for those pursuing an EVS major, we have to make sure that all admitted EVS students are accommodated. That said, there are occasionally open seats in EVS courses for students who are interested in pursuing the major but who are not yet admitted. In those rare cases, we let academic advisors know and they can point you towards additional information.
We hope you found this helpful. Feel free to contact us at evs@esi.utexas.edu if you have suggestions for additional topics!
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