BS-ENVS - Bachelor of Science with a Major in Environmental Science

Are you interested in studying the planet you call home and beyond? Do you want broad interdisciplinary training that ranges from deep earth molecules to ecosystem interactions? Do you want to experience settings from ocean to alpine and have a degree with application in all sectors of society? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in Environmental Science is in your future. The School of Arts and Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science. This degree provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding, analyzing, and managing our environment. You can currently choose on one of six concentrations: Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geology, Marine Science, Natural Science, or Sustainability, Policy & Management.

The concentration in chemistry is designed to provide knowledge and laboratory skills relevant to the study of chemistry as it pertains to understanding the environment. Environmental science students pursuing careers in a variety of fields can benefit directly from the application of chemistry to Earth systems problems as well as from the analytical thinking inherent to chemistry. This program directly prepares students for graduate programs and employment in biogeochemistry, chemical oceanography, agricultural & soil chemistry, environmental analysis, environmental chemistry, and environmental (chemical/life sciences) engineering among others.

The environmental studies concentration focuses on critical policy, communication and economic elements of managing the sociosphere – Earth interface. This concentration trains students to implement applied scientific solutions through communication and education. Applied public management and economics of sustainability science are core pillars of this concentration. However, students are highly encouraged to explore in psychology, history, writing & literature, and ethics because these disciplines highlight core elements to human perspectives in environmental management.

The concentration in geology for the B.S. in Environmental Science degree is designed to provide geology knowledge as well as field & laboratory skills as preparation for a variety of geoscience careers. Advanced undergraduate training in geology is highly useful to environmental science professionals because it provides a background in the structure and function of the Earth which is the ultimate baseline for all environmental science sub-disciplines. Students interested in pursuing careers in the energy sector, earth materials & economic minerals industries, and environmental consulting fields are particularly encouraged to explore this concentration. Additionally, students hoping for careers in water resources or hydrogeology should pursue this concentration.

The marine sciences concentration is designed to provide ocean systems knowledge and laboratory skills to supplement the major area of study. It will build upon the foundational courses within the Environmental Sciences major to prepare students for careers focused within Marine Science. For example: Marine engineering, Marine-based environmental consulting, graduate work in the field of Marine Sciences, Marine Geology, etc.

The natural science concentration focuses on understanding fundamental physical, chemical and biological interactions that drive the Earth System. This concentration trains students to apply the fundamentals of Earth System function to management of ecosystems and natural resources. Students also learn the principles and applied science use for environmental remediation and restoration of degraded environments.

The sustainability policy and management concentration is designed to provide training in policy, communication, public management knowledge necessary for application of core environmental science principles necessary to drive sustainability solutions. It will build upon the foundational courses within the Environmental Sciences major to prepare students for careers focused on developing sustainability policy and managing sustainability solutions at public / private organizations. Students interested in pursuing sustainability careers in the energy sector, earth materials & economic minerals industries, forest products, and marine/coastal resources are particularly encouraged to explore this minor.

In the wetlands ecology concentration, students will learn the mechanistic drivers of wetland ecosystems as well as the key elements of identifying, managing, and restoring wetland ecosystems. Wetlands play a critical role in natural and human environments by mitigating floods, improving water quality, and providing habitat for wildlife. There is a growing need for scientists to manage, conserve, and restore wetlands across non-profit, private, and government sectors. This concentration prepares students with a knowledge base on wetland ecosystems as well as how to monitor, manage, restore, and delineate wetlands through classroom and field-based experience. Additionally, the concentration has all of coursework necessary to begin preliminary steps toward licensure as a Professional Wetland Scientist.

The spatial analytics concentration equips students with the skills to utilize spatial technologies for addressing environmental problems. With the increasing availability of free satellite data and affordable, high-performance drones, environmental scientists can tackle issues from a broader perspective and at a fraction of traditional costs. This concentration emphasizes proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), enabling students to analyze and visualize spatial data effectively.

In addition to the above program of study, students must also complete all collegewide Graduation Requirements.

NOTE:  Students may apply a total of 8 hours of internship and/or research credit (as listed in the possible electives of the chosen concentration) towards their degree in any combination. Students should note that Financial Aid restrictions may apply.