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Environmental Science

The Ohio State University
Columbus , United States
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Bachelors
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English
About Program

Program Overview

Environmental Science Program

The Environmental Science program at Ohio State is a field-based major focused on understanding pressing local and international environmental problems and training students with the hands-on skills needed to go directly into the workforce and solve these issues.


Degree and Campus

  • Degree: BS
  • Campus: Columbus
  • School: Environment and Natural Resources

Program Overview

Environmental issues, including resource scarcity, climate change, and water quality, are at the forefront of world issues today. Environmental scientists investigate and seek out natural solutions to environmental problems.


Curriculum

The curriculum includes several foundational courses in environment and natural resources as well as general education requirements such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, the humanities, etc. The following foundational courses provide an initial exposure to an array of issues that impact natural resources, focusing on physical and natural sciences as well as the social sciences:


  • Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Society and Natural Resources
  • Introduction to Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife
  • Introduction to Soil Science

Specializations

Students can choose from several specializations:


  • Ecosystem Restoration: Students study how ecosystems function in order to preserve, create, and restore them. The curriculum prepares students to engage in restoration projects ranging from the remediation of polluted ecosystems to the creation of new ecosystems.
  • Environmental Molecular Science: This option is for students who have an interest in both biological and physical sciences and a desire to provide solutions to the worlds environmental challenges. The curriculum provides students with a multidisciplinary education in biochemistry, environmental science, geochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology.
  • Soil Resources and Environmental Sustainability: This specialization offers a highly interdisciplinary curriculum. Soil scientists apply concepts from biology, microbial ecology, chemistry, earth sciences, ecology, hydrology, mineralogy, mathematics, and physics to understand, sustain, and improve the environment.
  • Water Science: This specialization addresses the fate of ecosystems like wetlands and riparian corridors. Students take courses in ecology, geology, physics, hydrology, water resources, wetland ecology, civil engineering, aquatic plants, soil chemistry, climatology, limnology, and environmental microbiology.

Study Abroad

All students are encouraged to gain an international experience with study abroad. Several study tours offer programs focusing on aspects of the environment, natural resources, or sustainability in places such as China, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Australia, and Iceland.


Internship

Gaining real-world experience through internships is critical to student success. Students gain valuable work experience at a variety of federal, state, and private agencies and organizations. By working with SENR Career Services, students can find local, national, and international internships related to their career goals.


Honors and Scholars

  • Environment and Natural Resources Honors program: Challenges high-ability students by providing a program in greater breadth and depth and provides special recognition and scholarships for outstanding scholastic achievement.
  • Environment and Natural Resources Scholars: Share an interest and passion for the environment and being outdoors. Students participate in various environmentally based service learning projects, educational trips, and seminars and workshops with leading environmental researchers.

Research

Students interested in pursuing research can engage in the generation of new knowledge and understanding alongside world-class faculty and complete requirements to graduate with research distinction. Students present their research at the colleges Undergrad Research Forum to prepare for the university-wide Denman Undergraduate Research Forum.


Student Organizations

Student organizations, such as TerrAqua and Students for a Sustainable Campus, give students hands-on experiences in the field and help them develop network connections with professionals. Students have the opportunity to join the SUSTAINS Learning Community, which fosters connections among students who are interested in becoming sustainable leaders.


Possible Careers

The School of Environment and Natural Resources Career Services Office assists students with one-on-one counseling to identify job opportunities, assist in preparing cover letters and resumes, and preparing for interviews. The intensive background and additional certification components of the environmental science degree make students highly sought after in both the public and private sector. Many students pursue advanced degrees. The intensive science background also makes this a good starting point for professional programs such as veterinary medicine, medicine, law, and others.


Salary Estimates

Average starting salaries for environmental science students are between $51,000 and $67,000 per year. Students with a masters degree or PhD can expect salaries ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 as environmental scientists and consultants.


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