College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences

Study environmental issues and develop the skills to create a more sustainable world

Our interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences integrates biology, chemistry and related courses, prepares students to study current environmental issues using critical thinking skills along with the scientific method to devise solutions to regional and global challenges. With tracks in Environmental Biology and Ecosystems, and Environmental Chemistry and Analysis, students can explore current world topics, such as, sustainable development, global climate change, renewable energy sources, resource management, waste to energy, and others. In their senior year, students will help solve a real-world problem during their internship, and they will conduct an in-depth research project with a faculty mentor.

Upon graduation from our program, our students will be able to:

• Participate effectively in practical, experience-based learning, through conferences, field experiences, workshops and independent research projects
• Gain ability to work as a research team member and be able to use advanced equipment for environmental analysis
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of environmental modeling, environmental monitoring techniques, and risk assessment
• Synthesize current and historic information to better understand and communicate environmental issues
• Work with environmental and sustainability management tools, such as ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, environmental impact assessments (EIA), cost benefit analyses (CBA), and life cycle analyses (LCA)
• Evaluate the ethical, social, civic, cultural and political dimensions as they relate to environmental issues
• Produce written and oral reports in the style most commonly used in scientific literature