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BS in Environmental Studies

Home : Academics : Department of Science, Technology, and Mathematics : BS in Environmental Studies

 

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Learn environmental science, explore and conserve our world with an Environmental Studies degree

You love the outdoors. There's something about being in nature that makes you come alive. As an Environmental Studies major, you'll learn about ecology, natural history, environmental economics, environmental law and policy, sustainability, and creation care within the context of current trends in research, public interest, and employment growth. In addition to exploring scientific theory and practice, knowledge of the natural world, and legal issues, the Environmental Studies curriculum integrates the creation care elements of stewardship, ethics, and wilderness spirituality into the existing environmental dialogue.

The Major that takes you outside

Environmental Studies majors spend a considerable amount of time both in the classroom and outdoors, exploring the ecological processes that govern life on Earth, learning to identify plants and animals in the field, gaining expertise with field methods and GIS mapping techniques, discussing the economic, legal, and sociological aspects of environmental issues, examining various aspects of sustainability, and helping others realize the practical and spiritual importance of caring for the natural world.

The goal of this program is to create an engaging, relevant, multi-disciplinary program of study that prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in environmental consulting, environmental services, environmental education, and research arenas as well as for graduate degree programs in a variety of related fields. Our students have the opportunity to participate in domestic travel to a variety of environments, from the Appalachian Mountains to Death Valley.

Is the Environmental Studies Major right for you?

You might consider the Environmental Studies major if you enjoy being outside and have a passion for learning more about the natural world we live in, want to educate others about environmental issues and the benefits of environmental stewardship, or plan to pursue any career with an environmental focus.

 

Amber Goss - Environmental Studies Major

 

"When we were riding from Monterey to a beach campground three or so hours up the highway. For most of the drive was the rocky blue ocean and cow pastures with mountains in the background." - Jonathan LeClair

"Spending nearly 2 weeks camping and exploring was an absolutely amazing experience. I don’t know that I would ever have an opportunity like this where I could explore so much of California and be able to take so much away without this class." - Madelyn Edwards

Monica Keever (foreground) aims her camera phone for a group shot at Death Valley National Park.

Exploring Death Valley.

"The falls in Yosemite were absolutely stunning, and something I’ll never forget the sight of." - Broadwell Taylor

"One of my favorite places on the trip was the top of Moro Rock at Sequoia National Park. After nearly 400 steps, we made it to the top of the stairway, to the top of the rock. The whole climb up it was extremely foggy, but once we reached the top the fog cleared. It was at this moment that I felt God’s presence." - Madelyn Edwards

“The idea that the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world, started from a seed in a pine cone the size of an egg, truly shows how God works in nature." - Samantha Calcutt

Samantha Calcutt enjoys the breathtaking view at the top of Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park.

"The sea lions, the otters, the elephant seals, the whales, seas turtles, and sting rays were all unreal. California is so full of such different and diverse life! Everywhere we looked, there was a change in the ecology and in the environment around us." - Monica Keever

"I have always grown up going to the beach on the east coast with the fine, powdery sand beneath my feet. However, when we arrived at the Bay, I was honestly in awe. The sand was now rough and rocky and full of unique shells and rocks everywhere." - Monica Keever

The group experienced weather extremes from the heat of Death Valley to the snow at Yosemite.

"During the 2019 Wild West Biology trip with Dr. Mohr, and Dr. Hovis, I was able to experience and engage in God’s beautiful creation all around me through a variety of different locations." - Hannah Wilson

 

This program opens the door to many career possibilities including:

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Ecologist
  • Zookeeper
  • Park Ranger/Naturalist
  • Fish and Game Warden/Officer
  • City/Regional/Environmental Planner
  • Land and Water Conservation/Management
  • Environmental Impact Analyst
  • Forest Ranger/Official
  • Natural Resource Specialist
  • Public Interest Lobbyist
  • Science Teacher

 

 

 

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