2018-2019 Residential Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 17, 2024  
2018-2019 Residential Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science



The Environmental Science major, along with Environmental Studies and Sustainability are interdisciplinary programs that draw on information obtained from many areas of knowledge including the sciences, mathematics, philosophy, political science and economics. They are, by nature, global in scope because environmental issues transcend geopolitical boundaries. Both majors stress collaborative study with faculty, internships, and a hands‐on approach while developing a working knowledge of tools specific to the field. The curriculum centers on examining how the natural world functions and the use of information from diverse sources to examine the human impact on our environment.

The study of Environmental Science focuses on developing the skills necessary to be successful in the field of environmental science. Whether you are interested in the science of understanding, monitoring, and managing the environment, working with environmental advocacy organizations, working in the field of environmental and public policy, or working in the emerging discipline of sustainability, examining how organizations, businesses, and communities are addressing the environmental issues of the 21st century‐‐ students are prepared for employment directly after graduation or going into related advanced study and graduate programs.

Students completing the Environmental Science major are prepared for graduate school or employment by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies (e.g. U.S. EPA), private industry, and consulting firms. The Environmental Studies and Sustainability major is intended for students interested in careers related to environmental policy, environmental education (nature centers, parks and recreation), environmental law (pre‐law), and work with non‐profit organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Environmental Sciences program should be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency applying fundamental principles, concepts, and laws to solve real‐world problems.
  • Critically read, abstract, and interpret research.
  • Communicate knowledge in the field orally and in writing, in a clear and effective manner.
  • Write research proposals and reports in the style of the field.
  • Carry out a research project in the field.
  • Synthesize ideas, trends, and policies from other fields as they relate to Environmental Science and Sustainability.

Experiential Component

Environmental Science students undertake an internship experience with recognized institutions (appropriate institutions are local, state and federal agencies, private businesses, consulting firms, and conservation/environmental oriented groups). The internship is immersive by nature. Students experience operation of organization that focuses on the natural environment and quite often civic environment(s).

ES 4910 - Environmental Science and Sustainability Internship (SUS) 
ES 4000 - Senior Thesis (SUS) 

Programs

    MajorMinor

    Courses

      Environmental Science

      All undergraduate courses are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.