The Environmental Sciences Major
The basic Environmental Sciences major in the College of Arts and Sciences
provides students with a modern environmental science degree in the context of a
liberal arts college. It is tailored for students who want an interdisciplinary
science degree that is centered around environmental issues. It emphasizes basic
approaches to understanding the environment and environmental problems. Students
completing this major will have the analytical skills and technical background
necessary to compete in the job market for environmental science, or to continue
with advanced studies in a graduate degree program. This major emphasizes flexible
course choices at the upper level, guided by co-advisors from different departments
who work with each student individually.
During the first two years, the major draws on a core curriculum
of basic science courses in biology, chemistry, and
mathematics.
This core is designed so that students can easily flow between
other science majors, such as Biology,
Geology and Chemistry.
At the upper division level, students work closely with faculty
advisors to develop a set of science courses that will meet their
particular needs and career goals.
Learning through experience and advising are integral parts of
this major. For experiencing environmental research first hand,
an independent research project or honor thesis is completed in
the senior year. Co-advisors help with research and also with
choices of courses and career plans. Many students find research
projects and summer grants through the Helix Program
At the upper division level, students can be general in their
choice of courses or three areas of concentration allow
students to specialize their training.
Environmental Biology - Ecological and molecular
analysis of endangered populations, conservation biology, conservation
genetics, and ecology.
Environmental Geology - Earth science, geomorphology,
and the analysis of ground water.
Environmental Chemistry - Analytical methods for measuring
and monitoring air, ground, and water pollutants.
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