What is Environmental Science?
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science prepares students to address environmental challenges facing the world today. Environmental Science students develop the depth of scientific understanding, interdisciplinary perspectives, and creative problem-solving skills needed to design and bring about solutions to these problems at local, regional, and global scales. Through community-based projects ranging from wetlands restoration and conservation planning to analyses of regional air and water pollution, students gain practical experience and make a positive difference while they are still in school.
Like all Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (IAS) degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science focuses on five core learning objectives: collaboration and shared leadership; critical and creative thinking; diversity and equity; interdisciplinary research and inquiry; and writing and communication. These learning objectives are developed and documented through the IAS degree portfolio process, a process that begins with the school core course and concludes with the Portfolio Capstone. IAS emphasizes these learning objectives because they allow students to hone their abilities in writing, speaking, quantitative reasoning and information literacy. These skills position students to participate in workplace and civic leadership in a democratic society, to enrich their personal lives and their communities and to appreciate and care for the natural environment. Here is more information about career possibilities or pursuing graduate school.
Students majoring in Environmental Science choose one of the following two pathways:
Research Librarian
Rob Estes
Please contact the Environmental Science Faculty Coordinator if you have any questions, concerns or ideas about the Environmental Science major. To declare the Environmental Science major, please contact the First Year and Pre-major Program.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for Environmental Science students include management, planning, advocacy, communications, and policy making related to natural science research, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Students are also prepared for graduate education in a range of natural and environmental science fields.