Frequently Asked Questions
What is Environmental Science and Sustainability?
The combination of Environmental Science and Sustainability provides a multi-disciplinary lens through which to understand and address complex environmental issues. Environmental Science focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological processes that shape the natural world and drive interactions between humans and the environment. Environmental sustainability challenges us to manage natural resources in a balanced way, supporting both human and environmental well-being now and into the future. Successful sustainability requires a strong foundation in natural sciences coupled with an understand of human needs and decision making.
What type of students study Environmental Science and Sustainability?
Students who …
- Want to contribute to solving complex environmental challenges and advance sustainability.
- Enjoy multi-disciplinary, systems thinking.
- Are interested in the natural sciences, including the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the environment.
- Seek to combine the natural sciences with social sciences.
- Want to prepare for graduate study.
What do Environmental Science and Sustainability majors study?
Environmental Science and Sustainability students take foundation courses in:
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Biology / Ecology
- Geospatial analysis
- Environment, Natural Resources, and Society
- Natural Resource and Environmental Policy
They then take a range of courses exploring:
- Sustainability and Human-Environment Systems
- Environmental Management and Sustainability Techniques
What type of jobs do graduates get?
- Natural resource managers
- Environmental consultants
- Field ecologist
- Sustainability specialist