Learning Outcomes

Environmental Sciences Program students will:

• synthesize scientific knowledge and methods across disciplines,
• comprehend and evaluate primary findings in published scientific articles,
• gain experience conducting independent research and/or reviewing scientific areas of interest, and
• effectively communicate scientific findings in written and/or oral form.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in environmental sciences requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including a minimum of 63 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core; some courses required for the major in environmental sciences may be used to satisfy GE CLAS Core requirements.

Students complete requirements in four areas: the science and mathematics foundation, the environmental sciences foundation, environmental sciences field study, and environmental sciences track courses.

The science and mathematics foundation develops fundamental skills and comprehension in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and statistics. The environmental sciences foundation includes an introductory course in environmental science and additional courses that focus on the geomorphic and environmental processes that shape the Earth’s surface, the ecological factors that influence the distribution and abundance of organisms, and a choice of one course that deals with remote sensing techniques or with the use of geographic information technologies. The environmental sciences field study gives students hands-on experience with methods of analysis and interpretation of natural systems/organisms.

Each of the program's four tracks focuses on areas of specialization within environmental sciences:

• biosciences (green) track—biological systems and ecological approaches;
• chemical sciences (yellow) track—environmental systems and chemistry;
• geosciences (brown) track—earth materials and surficial geologic processes; and
• hydrosciences (blue) track—hydrogeology and hydrogeologic systems, and water chemistry.

Students select one course from each of the four tracks in order to develop breadth of understanding and skill in these areas.

Graduates are prepared for careers in conservation, environmental assessment, hazardous waste management, park inspection and compliance, or pollution control and monitoring.

The undergraduate degree program also prepares students for graduate study in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, ecosystem sciences, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental science, environmental sustainability, geoscience, hydrologic sciences, natural resource management, remote sensing and landscape modeling, renewable energy, and urban and regional planning.

The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.