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What is Environmental Science?

We have only one world to live on - the third planet from the sun. By many measures, we are doing a very poor job of keeping it habitable for future generations. Environmental Science addresses crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. The concerns dealt with in this major revolve around use of key resources and human impacts on our world. Some specific matters that environmental scientists address include ecosystem function and protection, land-use planning, waste management, water quality, recycling, decontamination, revegetation of disturbed sites, and agriculture's impacts on the environment.

This interdisciplinary program, leading to a B.S. in environmental science, is offered through the department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences. The environmental science curriculum is multidisciplinary and strongly science and technology oriented. The basic sciences and computational skills are at the core of each of the major's four options, but specific requirements make each option unique. The curriculum prepares one for immediate entry into environmental careers, as well as for graduate specializations.

The environmental job market is quite strong, with a shortage of well-qualified individuals in the field.