Environmental Science and Policy Department

Environmental Science and Policy Programs

Choices Along the Way

Recognizing the need for broadly trained individuals, the program offers two concentrations, or "emphases", from which students can choose based on personal interest and career goals: Science and Policy, and three minors: Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, and Environmental Studies.

The Science emphasis provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the natural sciences. Students are taught how to detect potential environmental problems using physical, chemical, and biological techniques, how to identify the underlying causes, and how to advance scientifically valid solutions. Students are prepared to work for environmental labs, consulting firms, natural resources and regulatory agencies, as well as research organizations.

The Policy Emphasis is directed toward the implementation of solutions. Students are taught to recognize that science-based solutions can only be implemented within the complicated arena of political, economic, and legal realities. Students are taught how to develop and evaluate cost-effective policy alternatives, to generate public and political support for resource utilization practices that lower humanity's impact on the planet, to enact legislation, and to devise mechanisms that invite or ensure compliance. The public policy track prepares students to work in environmental law, politics, advocacy, regulatory compliance, and environmental planning.

Experience beyond the required areas may come from the election of additional coursework in biology or chemistry, as well as choices in economics, political science, geographic information systems, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Students will be held to the requirements of the catalog of the year in which they declare their major. Following are the requirements for the most recent catalog.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Science Emphasis

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy Emphasis

Environmental Science Minors