The BS in Environmental Science provides students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, a broad background in Earth sciences, as well as the strong analytical, quantitative, and communication skills needed to solve problems related to Earth systems and resources. The acquired knowledge and skills are excellent training for graduate research in a variety of fields (e.g., hydrology, geochemistry, oceanography, environmental geophysics, and atmospheric science) and careers in environmental and geological consulting, environmental law, or governmental advising.

The required courses provide a strong background in basic sciences. Four core courses deal explicitly with important environmental problems and illustrate the relationship between natural processes and human activities. Two skills courses ensure that students develop fundamental skills that will help them on the job market or in graduate school in the area of environmental science. Four technical electives permit a student to specialize in specific aspects of environmental sciences: Geology, Chemistry, Biology or Climate. The program is concluded with a closure experience, which may consist of a research project, thesis, internship, or senior seminar. Two of the courses for the major must be taken as upper-level writing courses, indicated by a “W” after the course number.