College of Science

Department of Applied Environmental Science

Environmental Science, Tech & Policy BS Overview

Environmental Science Technology and Policy B.S. students acquire skills spanning the full range of tasks involved in professional environmental science and management, including the following:

Students in the field

Fieldwork

Students learn how to plan and execute field trips that yield useful environmental data. This includes collecting biological samples and water samples, recording wildlife observations, measuring rivers and other landscape features using surveying equipment, delineating habitats, and using GIS and GPS to plan and record the spatial layout of samples and measurements.

Student in the lab

Laboratory analysis

Students go beyond mastering basic laboratory skills, learning to prepare solutions to analyze water, soil, and air samples, and using advanced technologies to analyze biological samples. Students learn to effectively manage and analyze large data sets.

Example map

Geospatial technology

Students learn to use remote sensing data and geographic information systems to combine physical, cultural, and biological data to generate maps and models.

Example Graph

Quantitative analysis

Students apply fundamental mathematical and statistical skills and use the scientific method in the design, application,and interpretation of scientific research.

Students presenting a poster

Communication

Students analyze and synthesize information from a multi-stakeholder perspective to develop alternative scenarios for environmental science problems, and communicate their recommendations in oral and written formats.

Land manager speaking with students

Environmental management and decision making

Students apply the nomenclature, concepts and methodology of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science and economics to understand, describe and predict environmental science processes.