Environmental Science, BS

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates study of the living and physical world in order to provide creative solutions to environmental issues facing our planet and its people. The Environmental Science degree prepares students to be scientific thinkers who appreciate the diversity and complexity of the natural world. It prepares them for careers in environmental science, conservation, and ecology by providing rigorous training in the life sciences, ecology, and the associated fields of geology, geography, atmospheric science, and chemistry. Laboratory, field and internship experience are provided to help the student integrate knowledge and skills. A particular emphasis is placed on hands-on training and experiences. Students will become ethical citizens of the world and make valuable contributions to local, regional, national, and international improvements in health, environment and technology.

Professional Geology Concentration

The Professional Geology concentration provides the competencies, skills, and knowledge base required to enter the workforce as a Geologist or pursue Graduate studies in Geology or related Environmental and Earth Science fields. The program exceeds the requirements to become a licensed Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania. Career pathways include wide- ranging opportunities related to water, energy, and mineral resource management, geologic engineering and construction, natural hazards, and environmental fields addressing issues such as water resources and pollution.

Sustainability and Climate Science Concentration

The issues of conservation, sustainability, and climate change are of growing concern. The Sustainability and Climate Science concentration integrates the human, social, ethical, and scientific aspects of environmental issues and includes the rapidly expanding technologic field of Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). Students gain a natural science background sufficient to be conversant on the fundamental scientific issues involved in contemporary environmental problems and to gain social science skills useful to planning and understanding human interactions with the environment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will describe and explain the content knowledge of environmental sciences through its fundamental theories, terminology, and principles with particular emphasis on topics of relevance to understanding and solving environmental problems.
Students will use the scientific method to develop hypotheses, and design and conduct laboratory or field research that addresses the environmentally related question(s) under investigation.
Students will critically review, synthesize, interpret, and assess scientific data using a variety of methods and tools.
Students will access, assess, and use available sources of information (including primary sources and databases) related to environmental sciences.
Students will synthesize information and use written and oral skills to effectively communicate with environmental science professionals and the general public.
Students will be able to recognize social and ethical issues related to the environment.

Curriculum Requirements

Environmental Science (no concentration)

Environmental Science, Professional Geology Concentration

Environmental Science, Sustainability and Climate Science Concentration