Program Overview

Environmental Science Program

The Environmental Science Program provides students with an in-depth understanding of natural systems and how humans interact with the environment. It prepares students for careers and graduate studies in environmental science and provides the academic basis to analyze environmental problems from several perspectives.

About the Program

The Environmental Science major offers students the flexibility of choosing from two emphasis areas: Natural Science or Humanity and Environment. Each option prepares students for a particular career track. To meet these goals, the Environmental Science Program offers a diversified selection of courses in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Supporting courses in biology, chemistry, and geology are an important part of this curriculum, providing additional skills and knowledge required of environmental scientists.

Majors & Minors

• Major - B.S Environmental Science, Humanity and Environment Option
• Major - B.S Environmental Science, Natural Science Option
  • This option prepares students for graduate studies or employment in areas such as environmental education centers or government agencies.
• Minor - Environmental Education
• Minor - Environmental Science
• Clubs Related to the Major:
  • Environmental Awareness Club
  • Biology Club
  • Chemistry Club

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science may choose from a number of growing career possibilities. The Natural Science option prepares students for graduate studies or employment in areas such as environmental education centers or government agencies. The Humanity and Environment option is designed for liberal arts students with an interest in communicating information about the environment, useful for careers in environmental law, environmental journalism, environmental education, and local, state, or federal government.

Undergraduate Research

All Environmental Science students conduct a research project as part of their Senior Capstone requirement and present their results at the SMSU Undergraduate Research Conference. A Research Methods course guides Environmental Majors through the development of a project idea, preparation of an extensive literature review, and writing of a research proposal, followed by the Capstone course in which students analyze their data and complete their projects.

Facilities & Resources

The program is housed in the Science & Math and Science & Technology buildings, including newly renovated laboratories that give the Environmental Science program state-of-the-art facilities. The labs contain solutions preparation areas, instruments for cellular and molecular studies, and controlled environmental chambers. Additional resources include a Greenhouse, a Museum of Natural History, a Planetarium, a well-equipped soils lab, and extensive teaching and research collections. A 40-acre Wildlife Area is used for field-based courses and research projects. Civic engagement opportunities are available through the Redwood River Mentoring and Monitoring Project, and internships with local government agencies. The Geographic Information Center (GIS Center) contains state-of-the-art computer analysis and mapping equipment, with GIS knowledge being a skill increasingly desired by employers.

Redwood River Monitoring Project

This project was initially made possible through grants and has been continued with funding from various sources, including the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. It involves monitoring and outreach, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental monitoring and community engagement.