Home > Majors and Programs > Environmental Science

  • Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing

    The Environmental Science Program

    • The environmental science program just received a grant from Dominion …. To enhance our teaching of energy- related topics such as solar, biofuels, Marcellus shale, and coal.
       
    • The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and Monastery Run Improvement Wetlands provide students with outdoor laboratories and places on campus to relax in a natural setting.
       
    • Environmental Science students have had internships with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Cornell University, Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Pittsburgh Zoo, and other organizations.
       
    • Our graduates have gone on to graduate school in diverse areas such as marine biology, outdoor recreation, and environmental management.
       

    Students will be able to:

    • Think critically about environmental problems
    • Express themselves clearly in both written work and oral communication
    • Understand and apply scientific principles to environmental problems

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science 

    Environmental Science Major Requirements(60 credits):
    ES 150-152 Earth Systems Science and Lab - 4 credits

    Humanities: Choose at least two: (6 credits)
    EL 111 Green Writing: Literature and the Environment*
    HI 226 Society and the Environment: the American Experience*
    PL 217 Environmental Ethics*

    Social Science: (6 credits)
    PS 390 Environmental Law*
    SO 161 Environmental Administration*
    ES 220 Introduction to GIS 3

    MA 109-110 Calculus I and II* - 8 credits
    CH 101–104 General Chemistry I and II and Labs* - 8 credits
    CH 216, 218 Quantitative Analysis and Lab - 4 credits
    BL 150-153 General Biology I and II and Labs - 8 credits
    BL 232, 233 Ecology and Lab - 4 credits
    PH 111, 113 General Physics I and Lab - 4 credits
    ES 301 Senior Research - 2 credits
    ES 300 and 302 Junior and Senior Seminars - 2 credits
    Advanced Environmental Courses
    (choose 1 lecture/lab) 4 credits
    CH 276, 277 Advanced Environmental Chemistry and Lab
    BL 236, 237 Environmental Disturbances and Lab
    BL 228, 229 Wildlife Biology and Lab
    BL 230 Ornithology

    * Fulfill Core requirements

     Electives: 25 credits

     Those students interested in pursuing graduate degrees should carefully choose electives to meet basic requirements for their chosen program. Students should consult with their academic advisor early in their bachelor’s program.

    Requirements for Minor in Environmental Science**** (15-16 credits):
    ES 150-152 Earth Systems Science and Lab - 4 credits
    BL 232-233 Ecology and Lab*** - 4 credits
    CH 216, 218 Quantitative Analysis and Lab*** - 4 credits
    Choose one course with lab:
    (May not count toward major)
    CH 276 Advanced Environmental Chemistry and Lab*** - 4 credits
    BL 236-237 Environmental Disturbances and Lab*** - 4 credits
    BL 228-229 Wildlife Biology and Lab*** - credits
    BL 230 Ornithology - 3 credits

    *** General Chemistry I and II and/or General Biology I and II are prerequisites for these courses.
    **** Environmental Science and Environmental Chemistry Majors may not minor in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies.

     

    Students should have three years of academic high school math and science courses.