University Catalog 2023-2024

Environmental First Year Program

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!

The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program is an undeclared major option. Growing numbers of entering students arrive at NC State with strong interest in the environment and sustainability but undecided about a particular major. The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program provides a framework that raises the visibility of environmental programs at the University and the fertile ground necessary for first-year students to make a smooth transition into an appropriate major.

Students enrolling in this program will complete a two-semester sequence that leads them to environmental degree programs. Completing the first year of study in the ENVFY Program allows students to make better choices about which undergraduate degree they pursue, while not adding time to their degrees.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
ENV 101 Exploring the Environment 1 2
ENV 100 Student Success in Environmental First Year 1
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 2 4
Math Placement 3 3-4
GEP Natural Sciences 4 4
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Elective per consultation with advisor 4
Economics Elective 4 3
CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 3
CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory 1
ES 100
Introduction to Environmental Sciences (or GEP Requirement) 4
or Conservation of Natural Resources
3
HES *** Health & Exercise Studies Course 6 1
 Hours15
 Total Hours30
1

Students will take ENV 101 and ENV 100 their first semester in the program.

2

Must be completed with "C-" or better.

3

Math placement results (MA 131 or MA 141) are encouraged for those who qualify and aspire to take additional calculus. 

4

Course choice will depend on projected major.

Plan Requirements

MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY REQUIREMENTS
Math
MA 121Elements of Calculus3
or MA 131 Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A
or MA 141 Calculus I
Major*
ARE 201Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics3
EC 201Principles of Microeconomics3
or EC 205 Fundamentals of Economics
or NR 219 Natural Resource Markets
ES 100Introduction to Environmental Sciences3
or FW 221 Conservation of Natural Resources
College Requirements
ENV 100Student Success in Environmental First Year1
ENV 101Exploring the Environment2
GEP Courses
GEP Mathematical Sciences6
GEP Natural Sciences7
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research4
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives5
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
Total Hours54
*

Depending on intended major