B.S. in Environmental Science
The B.S. in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary major that gives students the knowledge and skills they need to understand the complex interactions between the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of the natural world using the Earth Systems Science approach.
This program includes 30 credits of foundational (cognate) math and science courses, 29 credits of core classes that focus on the Earth’s major systems (air, water, soil, life, and solid earth), and a minimum of 14 credits of electives. Students with specific interests can more formally explore them via a concentration (14-15 credits), a minor (generally 16-18 credits), or a double major (generally 30-45 credits) in closely allied fields. This curriculum provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary training that gives students the background that they need to help solve some of society’s most pressing problems.
Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the major Earth systems (atmosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere).
- apply observational, descriptive, technical, analytical, and quantitative skills to an environmental problem.
- demonstrate understanding of how policy intersects with environmental concerns.
Career Outlook
Environmental Science-related occupations are projected to increase by 4 to 6 percent over the next 10 years.
Inquire today:
"It's really exciting that we get to go on field trips almost every week, and see the nature around Potsdam while learning all the names of the rivers and the different brooks. I think nowadays it's super important that as a society we start to gain more awareness about the roots of our issues. So much of it comes back to how we're treating the earth and the environment.”
Environmental Science major
