.svg){kind=logo}
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
The bachelor of science in environmental science provides scientific coursework in both the natural and social sciences while focusing on the complex relationship among science and public policy. Courses for this online bachelor's degree offer a fundamental understanding of environmental policy and analysis. The courses will also cover environment management issues, such as sustainability, the stewardship of natural resources, pollution management, fish and wildlife management, hazardous materials, and geographic information science (GIS).
This degree program is designed to aid students in developing the skills necessary to pursue various career paths, such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspector, environmental engineer, civil engineer, or urban or regional planner. In addition to the core scientific studies, this bachelor’s degree will help students to improve their critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication skills, which are valuable assets in all industries.
Courses in this online degree are taught by expert practitioners. Many instructors are leaders in the field and hold positions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, the Nature Conservancy, and other prominent government and nongovernment organizations.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a solid foundation in the theory and application of the environmental sciences.
- Implement the scientific method and appropriate tools to investigate and solve problems.
- Apply critical thinking skills in assessing and evaluating problems.
- Communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences.
- Evaluate societal and cultural influences on environmental challenges within their historical context and their impacts on ecosystems, public health, productivity, and social and economic justice.
- Devise solutions to environmental issues that are science-based, ethical, and sustainable.
Degree at a Glance
|
General Education Requirements
30
|
|
Major Required
44
|
|
Select one of the following concentrations:
12
|
|
Final Program Requirement
3
|
|
Elective Requirements
31
|
|
Total Semester Hours
120
|
Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
| History (3 semester hours) |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
|
Select 1 course from the following:
3
|
|
Total Semester Hours
30
|
Major Required (44 semester hours)
|
Total Semester Hours
44
|
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a General Concentration or Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management.
General Concentration (12 semester hours)
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Objectives
Concentration Requirements (12 semester hours)
|
Total Semester Hours
12
|
Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management (12 semester hours)
Offers an overview of concepts and principles of fish and wildlife resource management. Examines the agencies responsible for resource management and the competencies of professional fish and wildlife managers. Management techniques and methods, public lands management, and the regulations, policies, and politics that influence U.S. fish and wildlife management are also covered.
NOTE: Students wishing to enroll in SCIN311, SCIN314, SCIN401, or SCIN402 for their concentration work MUST also take BIOL134 as a prerequisite. BIOL134 is NOT included in the BS Environmental Science major and is needed for these more specialized courses offered through the Natural Sciences program. This requirement cannot be waived. Please note that students can complete the Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management without taking these specialized courses, but if these courses are desired the additional BIOL134 prerequisite must be completed as part of the student’s elective hours.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- Explain the impact of human activities on the survival and management of fish and wildlife populations.
- Identify the federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- List the competencies needed to become a professional fish or wildlife manager.
- Compare the effectiveness of fish and wildlife management techniques and methods.
- Explain the regulations, policies, and politics that influence the management of fish and wildlife in the U.S.
Concentration Requirements (12 semester hours)
|
Select 4 courses from the following:
12
|
|
Total Semester Hours
12
|
Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
|
Total Semester Hours
3
|
Elective Requirements (31 semester hours)
|
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
31
|
|
Total Semester Hours
31
|
-
All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
-
All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
-
Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.