Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Program Description
The bachelor of science in environmental science provides scientific coursework in both the natural and social sciences while focusing on the complex relationship among science and public policy. Courses for this online bachelor's degree offer a fundamental understanding of environmental policy and analysis. The courses will also cover environment management issues, such as sustainability, the stewardship of natural resources, pollution management, fish and wildlife management, hazardous materials, and geographic information science (GIS).
This degree program is designed to aid students in developing the skills necessary to pursue various career paths, such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspector, environmental engineer, civil engineer, or urban or regional planner. In addition to the core scientific studies, this bachelor’s degree will help students to improve their critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication skills, which are valuable assets in all industries.
Courses in this online degree are taught by expert practitioners. Many instructors are leaders in the field and hold positions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, the Nature Conservancy, and other prominent government and nongovernment organizations.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a solid foundation in the theory and application of the environmental sciences.
- Implement the scientific method and appropriate tools to investigate and solve problems.
- Apply critical thinking skills in assessing and evaluating problems.
- Communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences.
- Evaluate societal and cultural influences on environmental challenges within their historical context and their impacts on ecosystems, public health, productivity, and social and economic justice.
- Devise solutions to environmental issues that are science-based, ethical, and sustainable.
Degree at a Glance
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General Education Requirements
31
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Major Required
44
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Select one of the following concentrations:
12
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Final Program Requirement
3
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Elective Requirements
30
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Total Semester Hours
120
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (31 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Thinking and Acting Ethically
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Arabic I
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Arabic II
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Art Appreciation
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Survey of Photography
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Film and Literature
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Image Enhancement using Adobe Photoshop®
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French I
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French II
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German I
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German II
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Introduction to Japanese
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Literature of American Encounters, Revolution, and Rebellion
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From Abolition to #MeToo: Literature of the American Civil Rights Movement
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Pivotal Figures in Early British Literature
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British Literature from Wordsworth through the Wasteland
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Leadership in World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern Period
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Literature of the Newly Globalized World: The Individual’s Struggle to Adapt
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Music Appreciation
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Jazz and Rock
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World Music and Cultures
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Introduction to Philosophy
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Critical Thinking
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Introduction to Ethics
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Philosophy of Science
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Introduction to Brazilian Portuguese
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Introduction to the Study of Religion
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Introduction to World Religions
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Russian I
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Spanish I
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Spanish II
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| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Introduction to Anthropology
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World Archaeology
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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
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Human Sexuality
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Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM
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Social Media and Society
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Intercultural Communication
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
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Introduction to Geography
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Practical Food Safety and Awareness
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International Relations I
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Introduction to Political Science
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American Government I
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Introduction to Psychology
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Death and Dying
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Race & Religion
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Hope and Resilience
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Introduction to Sociology
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Social Problems
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American Popular Culture
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Information and Digital Literacy
3 |
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Making Writing Relevant
3 |
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Scientific Writing
3 |
| History (3 semester hours) |
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History of Science
3 |
| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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College Algebra
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Introduction to Statistics
(Preferred)
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| Natural Sciences (4 semester hours) |
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General Biology I with Lab
4 |
| Total Semester Hours 31 |
Major Required (44 semester hours)
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General Biology II with Lab
4 |
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General Chemistry I with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to STEM Disciplines
3 |
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Environmental Economics
3 |
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Statistics
3 |
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Atmospheric Science
3 |
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Water Science
3 |
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Soil Science
3 |
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Introduction to Sustainability
3 |
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General Ecology
3 |
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Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
3 |
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Environmental Ethics
3 |
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Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law
3 |
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Environmental and Ecosystems Management
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 44 |
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a General Concentration, Concentration in Climate Change and Resilience, or Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management.
General Concentration (12 semester hours)
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Concentration Requirements (12 semester hours)
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U.S. Federal Environmental Organization
3 |
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Energy and Resource Sustainability
3 |
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Land Use and Planning
3 |
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Green Infrastructure and Renewable Technologies
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 12 |
Concentration in Climate Change and Resilience (12 semester hours)
The undergraduate Climate Change and Resilience Concentration offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding, addressing climate change, as well as adapting to its risks and impacts on both ecological and human systems. This includes the environmental, economic, and social factors that affect how natural and human systems respond to ongoing changes in climate. Students who choose this concentration gain foundational knowledge that will help them inform the management of resources, support adaptation and mitigation strategies, and foster resilience in vulnerable systems.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of climate science, adaptation, and resilience.
- Compare risk and vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate-related outcomes.
- Assess adaptation strategies across different sectors, with a focus on optimizing resources and supporting long-term benefits.
- Explain policies, regulations, and laws that influence how societies are addressing climate change, including considerations for mitigation and the protection of systems such as water supply.
- Develop interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological, social, cultural, and economic perspectives to advance climate change and resilience concentration goals through effective planning and use of finance and other key supports.
Concentration Requirements (12 semester hours)
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Introduction to Climate Change and Resilience
3 |
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Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
3 |
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Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
3 |
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Climate Change Engagement
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 12 |
Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management (12 semester hours)
Offers an overview of concepts and principles of fish and wildlife resource management. Examines the agencies responsible for resource management and the competencies of professional fish and wildlife managers. Management techniques and methods, public lands management, and the regulations, policies, and politics that influence U.S. fish and wildlife management are also covered.
NOTE: Students wishing to enroll in SCIN311, SCIN314, SCIN401, or SCIN402 for their concentration work MUST also take BIOL134 as a prerequisite. BIOL134 is NOT included in the BS Environmental Science major and is needed for these more specialized courses offered through the Natural Sciences program. This requirement cannot be waived. Please note that students can complete the Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management without taking these specialized courses, but if these courses are desired the additional BIOL134 prerequisite must be completed as part of the student’s elective hours.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- Explain the impact of human activities on the survival and management of fish and wildlife populations.
- Identify the federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- List the competencies needed to become a professional fish or wildlife manager.
- Compare the effectiveness of fish and wildlife management techniques and methods.
- Explain the regulations, policies, and politics that influence the management of fish and wildlife in the U.S.
Concentration Requirements (12 semester hours)
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Select 4 courses from the following:
12 |
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Fish and Wildlife Policies, Programs, and Issues
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Introduction to Wildlife Management
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Population Ecology
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Conservation Biology
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Fishery Biology
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Botany
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Mammalogy
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Ornithology
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| Total Semester Hours 12 |
Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
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Senior Seminar in Environmental Science 3
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 3 |
Elective Requirements (30 semester hours)
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Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major. 30 |
| Total Semester Hours 30 |
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.