Environmental Science Overview

General Information
The challenge of maintaining and creating a sustainable environment is one of the most pressing problems facing our society and world today. The Environmental Studies Program draws information, ideas and concepts from the natural sciences and social sciences to deal with complex and interdisciplinary environmental issues. The program is based upon the recognition that environmental and resource problems are not just biological, geological, economic, or political but a complex combination of many disciplines. Therefore, this program is structured as an interdisciplinary study of natural and social sciences to combine knowledge across traditional disciplinary lines. This information is essential for an interdisciplinary assessment, analysis and evaluation of environmental problems.

The Environmental Studies Program has three major objectives: (1) to provide a strong environmental studies major within a liberal arts framework for those entering environment-related jobs in industry or the government or preparing for graduate work; (2) to provide cognate backgrounds in environmental studies for science educators and others who may require this major; (3) to provide non-science majors with sufficient background to under­stand advances in technology, environmental implications of new laws and health advances.

Specific Information
In lieu of needed changes in the economy, energy production, business practices, environmental issues and governmental programs and incentives, “Green Jobs” have become a common phase in the job market. People with an interdisciplinary background ranging from science, business, economic, and politics are going to be needed to examine and create solutions to complex issues and problems.

Career Information
As an environmental studies student you will have a wide variety of excellent career opportunities available to you: from environment-related jobs with corporations, government departments at the federal, state, and local level, and environmental organizations. Environmental studies majors also often pursue advanced work in graduate schools.

Special Elements of the Program

Academic Performance
Only required courses with a grade no lower than a C can be applied to fulfill the environmental studies major or minor degree.

Standardized National Assessment Exam

All students majoring in Environmental Studies must participate in a National Assessment Instrument (i.e., MTTC, GRE, MCAT, ACS) prior to graduation (See F below).

Sigma Zeta National Honor Society

Sigma Zeta is a national science and mathematics honor society. It was founded at Shurtleff College, in Alton, Illinois in 1926. Today, more than forty local chapters are active in colleges and universities across the United States. The society encourages and fosters achievement of greater knowledge in the fields of science and mathematics. Outstanding scholastic achievement in the fields is recognized through membership in this society.

Program Offering
The B.S. in Environmental Studies program is primarily a day program; some courses are offered in the evening on a rotating schedule.