Environmental Science, BS
Program Description
Environmental Science is the study of human interaction with the environment by seeking sustainable solutions for environmental problems such as water pollution, energy and climate, and ecosystem integrity, environmental scientists help ensure a safe, healthful environment for all living things.
Graduates with a bachelor of science in Environmental Science work in many disciplines, government agencies, and industries. Environmental Science graduates have a wide range of career opportunities including areas such as sustainability, field sampling, hydrology, environmental health, pollution control, environmental toxicology, climate science, ecology, and water quality analysis. While many graduates enter the workforce with a bachelors degree, some students proceed on to graduate school in natural sciences, policy, law, or sustainability studies. Internships in Environmental Science are encouraged where students can gain valuable real-world experience while gaining college credit – a faculty advisor can assist students in identifying internship opportunities locally, regionally, and internationally. In addition to their course work, all students participate in an applied research project in close collaboration with a faculty member to address a meaningful environmental-based problem. These projects, through the excellent preparation they provide our students, are often cited as important factors in successful job searches and entry into graduate programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge & Skills – The Environmental Science graduate will demonstrate: factual and theoretical knowledge of chemistry, biology, earth, and environmental science; cross-disciplinary field & laboratory knowledge and skills; applied analytical skills; communication skills; information retrieval skills; and safe laboratory practices.
- Employability – The Environmental Science graduate will demonstrate readiness for employment in business or industry as an environmental scientist, biological technician, GIS Analyst, physical science technician, pollution control specialist, laboratory chemist environmental specialist or environmental field technician.
- Readiness for Graduate Study – The Environmental Science graduate will demonstrate readiness for graduate study in environmental science, environmental chemistry, environmental toxicology, Environmental management, environmental policy, biochemistry, or other related fields.
- Technical Skills – The Environmental Science graduate will demonstrate proficiency and familiarity with combination of chemical instrumentation and modern computer software for environmental and chemical analysis and for environmental research.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science Core Requirements | ||
| NSCI 103 | Environmental Science | 3 |
| EVRN 131 | Introduction to GIS and GPS | 3 |
| EVRN 211 | Field Data Methods | 1 |
| EVRN 225 | Intermediate GIS | 3 |
| EVRN 311 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| EVRN 315 | Human Impacts on Environment | 4 |
| EVRN 317 | Environmental Health Apps | 4 |
| EVRN 325 | Geospatial Analysis | 3 |
| EVRN 341 | Fate & Transport Environment | 4 |
| EVRN 389 | Environmental Research Methods | 3 |
| EVRN 435 | Environmental Systems | 3 |
| BIOL 131 | General Biology: Cells | 4 |
| BIOL 132 | General Biology: Organisms | 4 |
| BIOL 337 | General Ecology | 3 |
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| GEOL 121 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL 122 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| NRES 199 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| NRES 230 | Introduction to Soil Science | 4 |
| NRES 299 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| NRES 399 | Research Project Design | 1 |
| NRES 499 | Senior Capstone | 1 |
| EVRN 495 | Senior Project | 2 |
| or NRES 497 | Experiential Learning Project | |
| NSCI 116 | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| or GEOG 108 | Phy Geog: Meteorology/Climatol | |
| MATH 112 | Calculus Business/Life Science | 4 |
| or MATH 151 | Calculus I | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Statistics | ||
| Prin of Statistical Methods | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Hydrologic Sys: Sur/Grd Water | ||
| Principles of Watersheds | ||
| Limnology | ||
| Total Hours | 87-88 | |
Complete requirements for at least one of the following approved Minors (other minors may be substituted with advisor approval). Note: Courses taken toward completion of the program/general education requirements can be applied toward this requirement:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Environmental Policy
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Geology
- International Studies
- Marine Freshwater Sciences
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources
- Outdoor Leadership
- Political Science
- Pre-Law
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Society & Environment
- Sustainability
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, and a gpa of 2.00 or higher is required in your General Education Requirements.