ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Interdisciplinary Major or Minor - www.uwgb.edu/nas

 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM:

The UW-Green Bay major in Environmental Science is designed to guide students in their quest for knowledge and to help them analyze, understand, and solve environmental problems.

The program of study in the Environmental Science major is interdisciplinary, emphasizing an integrated approach to knowledge in the field. Because the study of environmental problems requires a sound understanding of scientific principles, the Environmental Science major is grounded in the natural sciences and mathematics. The curriculum includes a social science component, enabling students to gain an understanding of environmental economic and policy issues. Field experiences, internships and practicums are emphasized.

Students majoring in Environmental Science at UW-Green Bay will pursue a course of study that will prepare them to address current issues and problems related to biological resources and their management such as preservation, restoration, and sustainable use. They will additionally study the dynamic physical and chemical processes occurring in both natural and polluted environmental systems to provide the scientific and technological basis from which to understand, evaluate, and manage the impact of human activities.

 

WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MAJOR :
This major is fitted for students who are SERIOUSLY interested in environmental concerns and studies.

Students who plan to pursue this major should emphasize science and mathematics in their course work. Courses in biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and mathematics provide the needed background.

 

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MAJOR AT UWGB:

SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MAJOR:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT UW-GREEN BAY:
Environmental Science students have access to modern computer facilities which are continually upgraded. Computing software resources emphasizing geographic information systems (GIS) and mathematical modeling and statistical analysis tools also are available. In addition to general access computer laboratories, students can also use two science-dedicated computer laboratories.

Students wishing to gain hands-on field experiences have access to the Coffin Arboretum on campus, several natural areas in the region, the University Herbarium, and the Richter Natural History Museum. The latter two facilities will soon be moving into new and expanded space. A variety of equipment is available for environmental measurements and monitoring.

Laboratory instrumentation enhances student opportunities to perform chemical analyses which are important in environmental monitoring. Such instrumentation includes mass spectrometers, infrared and visible-ultraviolet spectrophotometers, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, gas-liquid chromatographs and high performance liquid chromatographs. In addition to opportunities to monitor air and surface-water quality, the presence of three wells have been drilled on campus specifically for the purpose of creating opportunities to monitor ground water.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS MAJOR :
As industries begin to recognize their responsibility to help create and maintain a sustainable environment, they create positions dealing with waste management, pollution reduction, and other environmental responsibilities. Many UW-Green Bay Environmental Science graduates go on to advanced study in Environmental Science or scientific disciplines. Use the following as an idea list, and remember that they represent some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider in Environmental Science.

The following list represents a few of the kinds of career titles for ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE majors:

Agricultural Scientist, Botanist, Ecologist, Forest Ranger, Oceanographer, Agricultural Technician, Engineering Technician, Forester, Outdoor Trip Leader, Air And Water Quality Manager, Environmental Analyst, Fund Raiser, Park Ranger, Air Pollution Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Geographer, Environmental Educator, Geologist, Project Manager, Biochemist, Environmental Engineer, Geophysicist, Public Health Veterinarian, Biologist, Environmental Engineering, Hazardous Waste Manager, Range Manager, Biomedical Engineer, Environmental Health Specialist, Hydrologist, Resource Economist, Biotechnologist, Environmental Lawyer, Industrial Hygienist, Seismologist, Chemical Technician, Environmental Lobbyist, Journalist, Author, Photographer, Soil Conservation Technician, Chemist, Environmental Nurse, Management Consultant, Teacher, City Planner, Environmental Physician, Meteorologist, Urban and Regional Planner, Civil Engineer, Environmental Planner, Microbiologist/Wastewater Plant Operator, Conservation Agent, Environmental Scientist, Natural Resource Specialist, Wildlife Manager, Conservation Systems Analyst, EPA Inspector, Natural Resource Manager, Conservationist, Zoologist…

The following list represents a few of the kinds of businesses and institutions that employ ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE graduates:

Careers can be found in both the public and private sectors. Opportunities in the Public Sector include local government agencies, state government agencies, federal government agencies, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife Services, National Park Service, National Forest Service, Food and Drug Administration…

Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook for these occupations? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

Also check out these books! Information about careers and placement services can be found in "The Environmental Careers Organization's- Environmental Careers in the 21st Century" (1999); and David J. Warner's "Environmental Careers: A Practical Guide to Opportunities in the 1990s" (1992).

 

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LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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