Finishing the Environmental Studies degree as a second major is not impossible to do in 2 years. In fact, most of our students don't start the degree until their third year. Transferring from another school should not be a problem in most cases.
However, it does require careful planning, and we are here to help you do that.
Step 1: Getting in Touch with the Environmental Studies Advisor
Students who are considering either the Environmental Studies Major or Minor and are transferring from another school should contact the Environmental Studies Advisor as soon as possible to discuss a plan to satisfy all course requirements on time. That email is on the left-hand column, or you can just drop by their office when you're in the building.
Step 2: Transferring Courses
Students should consult this webpage to find out more about how to transfer courses from outside Rutgers. Some courses taken at colleges and universities in New Jersey will transfer automatically.
Many courses will transfer and count toward the Environmental Studies degree, including:
- courses from 4-year institutions
- courses from 2-year institutions
- Rutgers Study Abroad program
- Other courses on case-by-case basis
Once transferred courses show up on your transcript, in Degree Navigator, etc, you may need to meet with the Undergraduate Advisor in Environmental Studies in order to know which courses will count for which degree requirements.
Step 3: Words of Advice for Transfer Students
As a transfer student, you don't have as much time as you might like. To make the most out of Rutgers, take the following advice seriously:
- Meet with an advisor early
- Develop relationships with your professors by:
- visiting office hours
- asking good questions in class, and
- finding out what other opportunities are available through your department.
- Make sure to get on department mailing lists
- take part in student groups
- attend departmental events.
The relationships you develop with professors not only enhance your experience as a student; they allow your professors to write informed letters of recommendation when the time comes for you to hit the job market or apply to graduate school.