Development of a B.S. Degree Program in Environmental Science

Abstract

Increasing national and international concern over environmental quality and an awareness of the large social and economic costs of environmental problems have led to burgeoning job opportunities for technically trained individuals who can cope with complex problems involving environmental quality assessment and control. Individuals with a broad understanding of environmental problems combined with specific technical skills are in high demand for employment with governmental agencies, industry, and private consulting firms. It is the purpose of this curriculum to train professionals who can meet the challenges posed by environmental management in the next century. The first 2 yr of the program concentrate on the development of essential skills in basic and applied sciences and mathematics. For this reason it is possible for students to declare entry into the program as late as their junior year and still complete the program in 4 yr. The curriculum contains considerably more mathematics and physical sciences than many previous environmental science programs that have had a reputation as nontechnical curricula. A recommended internship between junior and senior years is coordinated with private sector and government employers. All seniors participate in a senior seminar, which provides orientation to opportunities in environmental sciences and training in communication skills. Students in this program major in environmental science with one of three options: waste management, aquatic resources, or land resources. Courses for the freshman and sophomore years are common across all options. In the junior and senior years, some courses are common to all options, but the majority are option-specific.