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Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Minor 

Environmental Science

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary major integrating study in complementary fields to promote understanding of the relationship between the living and non-living components of the world. Important concepts from biology, chemistry, geology, physics, economics, geography, sociology and political science are integrated to explore these connections. BGSU’s environmental science major places special emphasis on interactions between humans and nature and the environmental conflicts which arise from competing uses of resources and how they affect the natural world.

Quality classroom experiences

Our environmental science program at BGSU places priority on the natural sciences and the natural world. Students develop the skills needed to investigate, document, and solve environmental problems. Course work in the social sciences and humanities provides additional tools that enable our students to understand the interrelationships that characterize sensitive environmental issues.

Students choose from several programmatic areas to develop specialized expertise. These areas include sustainable management, environmental restoration, watershed management, geospatial analysis and environmental education and interpretation.

BGSU has one of the oldest environmental science programs in the U.S., which started shortly before the first Earth Day. The program turned 50 in 2019.

 

Career - what can you do with an environmental science degree?

Modern society needs a steady supply of well-trained, knowledgeable environmental scientists with broad-based, interdisciplinary science training and strong problem-solving skills. Students completing the environmental science major have a wide range of excellent career opportunities. Graduates are prepared for positions in fields such as natural-resource management, wildlife protection and preservation, biological and chemical quality monitoring, watershed management, geospatial systems analysis, conservation biology, environmental remediation, energy systems design and sustainable management. Opportunities exist in business as consultants, in industry and government as managers and technicians, and in non-profit organizations as technical specialists working on current threats to environmental integrity.

Career paths

  • Natural-resource management
  • Wildlife protection and preservation
  • Biological and chemical quality monitoring
  • Watershed management
  • Geospatial systems analysis
  • Conservation biology
  • Environmental remediation
  • Energy systems design
  • Sustainable management

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Since its creation, the environmental science program has been career, experiential and service-learning oriented.

Internships

Students may select a study abroad semester to provide an environmental experience within a different culture. Internships in the host country are part of the international opportunity.

Curriculum

Environmental science is broadly interdisciplinary. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of regional, national and global environmental problems and how to develop and implement solutions. Environmental science majors complete foundational courses in the natural sciences, mathematics and specialized environmental courses. Having a knowledge base that links scientific understanding with social science skills provides our graduates unusual abilities to be effective as environmental decision makers.

Required courses

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Sample courses

  • Environmental Problems
  • Geospatial Science
  • General Botany
  • Hydrology

Updated: 08/07/2024 03:29PM