2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog *As of 06/01/2024 
    
    Dec 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog *As of 06/01/2024

Environmental Science - Environmental Chemistry, B.S.


Departmental Requirements

Environmental Sciences majors Environmental Chemistry track must complete 120 semester hours: 42 semester hours in general education courses, 29 semester of hours in program core courses, 43 semester hours in program supportive courses and 6 semester hours in electives.  Students are required to take independent study and/or undergraduate research in their junior or senior year. Most faculty are actively involved in research projects with undergraduate students. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in both lecture and laboratory component to progress to the next course in the sequence.

Objectives

The program in Environmental Sciences has been developed to:

  1. Create in the student abilities of critical and reflective thought relating to the many aspects of environmental concerns.
  2. Train students to use the interdisciplinary approach involving the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Sciences and Economics.
  3. Provide students with the academic curricula necessary to develop a strong understanding and knowledge of the environment.
  4. Impart students with laboratory techniques and skills required to conduct scientific investigation.
  5. Train students, through example, mentoring and personal experience, to develop chemical, biological, physical and social skills, and to conduct environmental research.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Environmental Sciences prepares students for employment in both newly evolving and conventional scientific fields related to Environmental Sciences. It also prepares students to pursue graduate and professional degrees in the Environmental Sciences, Toxicology, and related fields. Graduates are employed as Water Treatment Plant Managers, Air Pollution Supervisors, Marine Biologists, Energy & Environment Specialists, Environmental Chemists/Biologists, Oceanographers, Soil Conservationists and Fisheries Scientists among many other fields. The program offers two options.

Environmental Science - Environmental Chemistry Option

Students must complete 120 semester hours: 42 semester hours in general education courses, 29 semester of hours in program core courses, 43 semester hours in program supportive courses and 6 semester hours in program electives. Students are required, to take independent study and undergraduate research in their junior or senior year. Most faculty are actively involved in research projects with undergraduate students. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in both lecture and laboratory component to progress to the next course in the sequence.

Required Courses


General Education Requirements


All Environmental Science majors with Chemistry option are expected to complete a common body of academic course work (42 cr.). The General Education Requirements are designed to promote the development of a comprehensive educational base which will effectively support a student’s choice of a major concentration. Fundamental courses, MATH 099  and MATH 109  do not meet the General Education Requirement for a degree in biology, chemistry or environmental sciences, and do not apply toward graduation requirements. However, students placed in MATH 099  or MATH 109  should take these courses to prepare them for the required MATH 110  and higher level Math courses.

Students in the Honors program should take honors courses designated by HONORS. All students are encouraged to take a couple of courses online or during summer and winter sessions to develop skills that will support lifelong learning. Discuss the details with your advisor.

General Education Requirements are distributed as follows:

Curriculum Area I - Arts and Humanities: Credits 9


Curriculum Area II - Social and Behavioral Sciences: Credits 6


Students must select one course from each of two disciplines.

Curriculum Area III - Biological and Physical Sciences: Credits 8


Curriculum Area IV - Mathematics: Credits 6


Curriculum Area V - English Composition: Credits 9


Curriculum Area VI - Emerging Issues: Credits 4


Total Required for General Education: Credits 42


1Students must pass ENGL 101  and ENGL 102  with grade of “C” or above before taking ENGL 203 .

2Honors students should take honors courses.

Program Requirements


Program Electives: Credits 6


(Choose any course from the following electives or any other 300/ 400 level courses)

A grade of “C” or better is required in each of the Program Elective Requirements.

Free Electives: Credits 0


Total Required: Credits 120


1CSDP 121  or BUED 212  may be substituted for CSDP 220  , and take an additional credit.

Curriculum Guide for Environmental Sciences Chemistry Option