Environmental Science, B.A.
The Environmental Science degree provides a soundly integrated and interdisciplinary science background supported by course work in analytical methods and applications, abundant field experience, as well as aspects of the human dimensions of environmental science. This major is an excellent option for students seeking a career path in scientific field work, environmental assessment, resource conservation, and for those intending to continue with graduate studies in environmental sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will demonstrate an integrated understanding of basic environmental sciences and scientific practice.
- A sound understanding of the basic principles of biology, chemistry and the earth sciences and the relationships between them
- The critical thinking skills needed for solving problems in a changing world
- An ability to evaluate and interpret scientific data and to analyze and synthesize information from different sources
- A working knowledge of fundamental environmental field and laboratory techniques
- The writing and speaking skills needed to communicate effectively across disciplines
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the human dimension of environmental stewardship.
- An understanding of basic political processes at the local, national and global levels
- An evolving knowledge of sustainable economic practices
- An ability to integrate and communicate science and social science data with integrity and reason
Program Requirements:
Foundation in Sciences (20-24 credits)
Humans in the Environment (6 credits)
Tools and Applications (19-21 credits)
| ES 304 | Environmental Field Methods | 4 |
| ES 395 | Comm in Environmental Research (WI) | 3 |
| ES 401 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 |
| GIS 110 | Intro to Geographical Infomation Systems | 2 |
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| MA 121 | Differential Calculus | 3 |
| MA 122 | Integral Calculus | 3 |
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| MA 131 | Calculus of Single Variable Functions | 4 |
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| MA 315 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Experiential Learning and Integration (6 credits)
Field experience (3 credits) from one of the following:
| ES 300 | Environmental Field Studies | 3 |
| ES 425 | ES Internship | 1.00 - 3.00 |
| ES 498 | Environmental Research | 3 |
| ES 499 | Senior Thesis | 1.00 - 3.00 |
ES 300: e.g. Winter Ecology in Yellowstone, Alaska Landscape Dynamics, Tropical Ecology, Natural History of Montana
Plus 15 credits of approved environmental electives from a defined focus area, designed in consultation with an Environmental Program advisor:
General course recommendations:
Recommended courses for careers in fisheries or wildlife management:
ES 250, ES 251, ES 252, and ES 253: Field Zoology course topics will rotate among Entomology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, and Mammalogy.
Recommended courses for careers in geomorphology, hydrology, or ground water resources:
Recommended for environmental health:
Recommended courses for certification and careers in GIS:
Recommended courses for careers in toxicology:
Other Program Requirements:
All Environmental Program majors must earn a grade of “C-” or better in all major courses and pass pre-requisted courses with a “C-” or better to advance to subsequent courses.