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4-Year Degree Plan: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Justice at University of Justice
Transferable courses to University of Houston Downtown (UHD) or UH
Admissions Requirements & Eligibility
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen (required for military commission).
Physical Standards: Must meet the baseline fitness requirements for the respective military branch.
Grade Thresholds: All lower-division prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Application Materials: Official transcripts, a completed USJ application and two formal letters of reference (preferably from criminal justice, legal, science instructors or employers).
Interview: A personal interview with program faculty is required to assess professional alignment and communication skills.
Required Prerequisites:
They are also combined with your Degree plan.
* BIOL 1306: Biology for Science Majors I & BIOL 1106: Biology for Science Majors Lab I
* BIOL 1307: Biology for Science Majors II & BIOL 1107: Biology for Science Majors Lab II
* ENGL 1301: First Year Writing I
* ENGL 1302: First Year Writing II
*CHEM 1311: Chemistry I & CHEM 1111: Chemistry I Lab
* CHEM 1312: Chemistry II & CHEM 1112: Chemistry II Lab
* CHEM 2323: Organic Chemistry I & *CHEM 2123: Organic Chemistry I Lab
* PHYS 1301: General Physics I & PHYS 1101: General Physics I Lab
* PHYS 1302: General Physics II & PHYS 1102: General Physics II Lab
* Core: HIST 1377-US History to 1877
BCHS 3304: Biochemistry*
CHEM 2325: Organic Chemistry II & CHEM 2125: Organic Chemistry II Lab
MATH 1342 or MATH 3339 or other Statistics*
Year 1: Foundations of Environmental Science and Justice
Fall Semester (15 credits)
JUST1010: Introduction to Environmental Science and Justice
Description: Explores core principles of environmental science and justice, including sustainability, climate change, and equitable policies.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 1301 - Introduction to Environmental Science (3 cr.)
ENGL 1301: Composition I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: ENGL 1301 - English Composition I (3 cr.)
JUST1100: Environmental Science Lab I
Description: Hands-on experiments in ecological sampling, pollution analysis, and data collection.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 1101 - Environmental Science Lab I (1 cr.)
MATH 1411: Calculus I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: MATH 1411 - Calculus I (4 cr.)
Spring Semester (15 credits)
JUST1220: Foundations of Environmental Justice
Description: Analyzes historical and contemporary movements linking environmental degradation to social inequality.
Transfer to UHD: JUST 1310 - Foundations of Environmental Justice (3 cr.)
ENGL 1302: Composition II
UHD Transfer Equivalent: ENGL 1302 - English Composition II (3 cr.)
BIOL 1406: General Biology I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: BIOL 1406 - General Biology I (4 cr.)
MATH 1412: Calculus II
UHD Transfer Equivalent: MATH 1412 - Calculus II (4 cr.)
Year 2: Core Competencies in Policy and Science
Fall Semester (15 credits)
JUST2010: Environmental Law and Policy
Description: Covers federal and international laws, including the Clean Air Act and climate accords.
Transfer to UHD: POLS 2305 - Environmental Law and Policy (3 cr.)
CHEM 1411: General Chemistry I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: CHEM 1411 - General Chemistry I (4 cr.)
JUST2350: Social Justice Theory
Description: Examines theoretical frameworks for addressing inequities in environmental risks and resource distribution.
Transfer to UHD: SOCI 2305 - Social Justice and Society (3 cr.)
JUST2400: Environmental Data Analysis
Description: Uses statistical tools to analyze environmental datasets and model scenarios.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 2350 - Environmental Statistics and Data Analysis (3 cr.)
Spring Semester (15 credits)
JUST2200: Environmental Chemistry
Description: Studies chemical processes in ecosystems, pollution, and remediation techniques.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 2323 - Environmental Chemistry (3 cr.)
HIST 1301: World History I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: HIST 1301 - World History I (3 cr.)
PHYS 1401: University Physics I
UHD Transfer Equivalent: PHYS 1401 - University Physics I (4 cr.)
Elective (3 cr.): e.g., JUST2700: Environmental Ethics Overview
Transfer to UHD: PHIL 2306 - Environmental Ethics (3 cr.)
Year 3: Specialization in Justice and Sustainability
Fall Semester (15 credits)
JUST3000: Environmental Impact Assessment
Description: Teaches methodologies for evaluating the environmental and social impacts of projects.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 3333 - Environmental Impact Assessment (3 cr.)
JUST3250: Sustainability and Justice
Description: Focuses on green technologies, urban planning, and equitable sustainability practices.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 3355 - Sustainability and Environmental Justice (3 cr.)
JUST3300: Field Methods in Environmental Science
Description: Fieldwork in data collection, GIS mapping, and community engagement.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 3360 - Field Methods in Environmental Science (4 cr.)
Elective (4 cr.): e.g., JUST3500: Climate Change and Global Justice
Transfer to UHD: GEOG 3340 - Climate Change and Global Justice (3 cr.)
Spring Semester (15 credits)
JUST3120: Environmental Ethics and Policy
Description: Explores ethical dilemmas in environmental decision-making and policy design.
Transfer to UHD: PHIL 3330 - Environmental Ethics (3 cr.)
JUST3700: Environmental Justice in Urban Spaces
Description: Analyzes urban development's effects on marginalized communities.
Transfer to UHD: URBAN 3305 - Urban Environmental Justice (3 cr.)
Elective (3 cr.): e.g., JUST3800: Environmental Health and Equity
Transfer to UHD: HLTH 3390 - Environmental Health and Equity (3 cr.)
Elective (4 cr.): e.g., JUST3900: Internship Prep
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 3370 - Internship Preparation (3 cr.)
Year 4: Capstone and Advanced Topics
Fall Semester (15 credits)
JUST4000: Capstone in Environmental Science and Justice
Description: Integrates knowledge in a research project addressing a real-world environmental justice issue.
ENVR 4198: Senior Research Project I (3 credits)
Student Proposal: “Toxic Air Burdens in East Houston: A GIS and Legal Analysis of Enforcement Gaps in TCEQ Regulations”
JUST4100: Global Environmental Justice
Description: Examines transnational environmental challenges and human rights.
**Transfer to UHD:**JUST 4300 - Global Environmental Policy and Justice (3 cr.)
JUST4150: Environmental Advocacy and Communication
Description: Techniques for public speaking, media campaigns, and policy advocacy.
Transfer to UHD: COMM 4305 - Environmental Communication and Advocacy (3 cr.)
Elective (6 cr.): e.g., JUST4200: Internship in Environmental Science and Justice
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 4370 - Internship in Environmental Science (3 cr.)
Spring Semester (15 credits)
HIST 1302: World History II
UHD Transfer Equivalent: HIST 1302 - World History II (3 cr.)
Free Electives (6 cr.): Tailored to career goals (e.g., Law, Urban Planning).
JUST 4491: Environmental Justice Internship (EPA Region 6 & Houston Coalitions)
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Completion of at least 90 undergraduate credits (senior standing)
Course Focus:JUST 4491 bridges academic theory with real-world impact by placing students in EPA Region 6, Air Alliance Houston, or Texas RioGrande Legal Aid as part of their Environmental Justice Program. Students engage in interdisciplinary projects addressing air quality disparities, water contamination, and climate resilience in underserved communities.
Transfer Equivalency: UH or UHD: EPA Region 6 Internship, Air Alliance Houston, or Texas RioGrande Legal Aid – Environmental Justice Program (3 credit)
or
JUST 4345: Environmental Law & Litigation Strategies
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: JUST 3300 (Environmental Law Foundations) or permission of the instructor
Course Focus:JUST 4345 is a senior-level seminar designed for students passionate about advancing environmental justice through legal advocacy. Check University of Houston Law School (cross-registration available for select University of Justice seniors), this course delves into the legal frameworks and strategies essential to environmental justice litigation. Students explore key legal doctrines, including standing, statutory interpretation, and regulatory challenges, with a focus on how these tools can address systemic inequities in environmental policy and enforcement.
Transfer Equivalency to UH: LAW 4345: Environmental Law & Litigation (3 credits) (UH Law School cross-registration, available to select seniors)Course Focus: Standing, regulatory interpretation, and environmental justice litigation strategies.
JUST4500: Senior Project Seminar.
UH Transfer Equivalent: ENVR 4199: Senior Research Project II (3 credits)Capstone presentation to Houston City Council and advocacy groups.
Description: Final presentation and peer review of capstone research.
Transfer to UHD: ENVR 4380 - Senior Research Seminar (3 cr.)
Total Credits: 120
Transfer Notes:
All courses marked with "Transfer to UHD" have equivalents pre-approved for credit transfers. Students should consult with academic advisors at UHD to ensure alignment with their specific degree requirements.
General education courses (e.g., English, History) follow UHD’s core curriculum guidelines.
This plan balances scientific rigor with justice-oriented theory, preparing students for careers in policy, sustainability, or law while ensuring seamless transferability.
Academic Fresh Start
The Academic Fresh Start program at the University of Justice offers a valuable opportunity for returning students to reset their collegiate records by disregarding past academic performance that may hinder their current goals. By electing this provision, candidates benefit from an improved cumulative grade point average (GPA) that exclusively reflects their new academic efforts, an elimination of previous low-performing credits from institutional calculations, and a clean slate that fosters renewed confidence and eligibility for academic standing. While these former credits and grades are excluded from GPA requirements, applicants should be mindful that they cannot use these specific courses to fulfill new program prerequisites, ensuring that their current foundation is built upon fresh, relevant knowledge.