Environmental Science, BS

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the BS: Environmental Science degree is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the natural processes that create and shape our environment, as well as knowledge of the human impact on the environment. Students will become informed, critical thinkers capable of scientifically evaluating complex issues involving the environment. Student development occurs through a course of study that emphasizes interdisciplinary, field-based research projects that have societal relevance. Students also gain authentic disciplinary experience through thesis research and/or internships that are supervised by faculty and/or industry mentors.

Program Information

Many careers for those with BS: Environmental Science degrees are available in the area of natural resources study and management. Those with a background in environmental sciences are needed in many state and federal agencies as well as in private industry and consulting firms. The degree prepares students for entry-level positions in many of these areas and provides excellent background for the graduate training required for entry into and success in graduate programs in many science areas.

Graduate Outcomes

Program graduates will:

• Demonstrate knowledge about the natural processes that create and shape our environment.
• Acquire skills and methods necessary to collect, analyze, and present data relevant to their field of study.
• Develop the ability to conduct research both independently and in a team.
• Be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and the community.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts central to his/her field of study, including scientific and quantitative skills.

Assessment

The graduate outcomes for the BS: Environmental Science degree are assessed through the graduate/exit survey, employer survey, alumni survey, feedback from internship supervisors, review of collected student-generated exhibits over time, and program self-study and/or reports from external reviews. The assessment plan for the BS: Environmental Science degree is available from the Environmental Science department.