Environmental Science
The future of humans, society and the Earth is going to hinge on the appropriate use of natural resources, innovative ideas, and conservation. These are the focal areas of environmental science. With a major or minor in environmental science, students can be at the forefront of these issues.
This major prepares and enables students to understand the fundamental concepts in ecology, conservation, natural history, green technology and wildlife identification and management, all areas with future growth in the job market, and to use those concepts to solve the multitude of environmental problems and make substantive change for the betterment of our world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will learn about the history of environmental concerns, biomes and species interactions with each other and their environment. Students will also study population dynamics, toxicology, energy sources, land use management and other related topics.
For the environmental science major, students will choose between two concentrations:
Wildlife/Conservation – In this track, students will examine wildlife as a natural resource, through conservation, ecology and management. They will experience hands-on opportunities, analysis of wildlife and natural resource problems and understanding basic ecological concepts associated with wildlife. In addition, they will study habitat management practices, identification of wildlife species, analysis of policies, laws and regulations, and use and management of natural resources.
Chemistry – In this track, students will use the fundamental principles of chemistry to gain an understanding of the source, fate and reactivity of compounds in natural and polluted environments. They will study environmental implications of energy utilization and the chemistry of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They will also discuss environmental issues including climate change, air pollution, stratosphere ozone depletion, pollution and treatment of water sources and the utilization of insecticides and herbicides.