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Environmental Science (BS)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Major Credits Required: 67 Credits

The Environmental Science major prepares students for advanced studies or careers in the private and public sectors as environmental scientists. Students selecting this major take a rigorous series of lower-division courses in chemistry, physics, biology, earth system science, and mathematics as a foundation for advanced courses in environmental science. In addition, students take upper-division courses in biology and chemistry, providing breadth of perspective for examining environmental issues. Upper-division coursework in communication and environmental ethics provides additional understanding, skills, and perspective for approaching environmental issues. Environmental Science majors also have opportunities to choose from a range of field-based practicum, internship, and career experiences with environmental science companies or institutions.

To complete the bachelor's degree, students must complete a minimum total of 120 credits with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who major in environmental science will:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the factual base, processes, and relationships that constitute a working foundation in the environmental sciences.

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, economic, political, and legal framework in which environmental issues are enmeshed.

  3. Critically analyze and formulate possible solutions to complex environmental issues that include consideration of social, economic, and political as well as scientific issues.

  4. Access, comprehend, and communicate information to and from the many audiences required by a practitioner in field of environmental science.

  5. Develop a working knowledge of techniques used to gather and analyze information in environmental studies, including project design, sampling, measurement, geographic image interpretation, hazardous materials concerns, statistical and graphical analysis, and other computational skills.

  6. Demonstrate an understanding of divergent ethical views of environmental issues, distinguish them from scientific or legal viewpoints, formulate their own environmental ethic, and articulate it to the others.

  7. Be well-prepared for graduate studies in a related discipline or for entry-level positions in the discipline.