Environmental and Soil Sciences Major, BS in Environmental and Soil Sciences – Environmental Science Concentration

Advisor
Logan

Many human activities adversely impact soil, water, and environmental quality, and there is a constant need for experts in the technologies required to collect sound information and to provide food, fiber, and shelter in an environmentally-sound manner. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students with a strong grounding in basic sciences or engineering technology to prepare them for a broad range of possible careers. Students in this program choose between two general thrusts: Science and Engineering Technology.

The science thrust provides options for three concentrations, Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Conservation Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability. All provide a very strong basis in the natural sciences, as well as applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences, and natural resource policy. Students also build expertise with modern technologies such as geographical information systems, global positioning systems, and computer applications in natural resource management. Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of interesting and challenging career paths and to work with a broad variety of other professionals to solve complex problems. Examples of potential careers include soil and environmental specialists and scientists; state and federal regulatory agency work; private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; and working with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, environment, and natural resources. Students receiving this degree are also very competitive for placement in graduate programs in environmental and agricultural sciences and technology, as well as law school.

The engineering technology thrust has four concentration options: Agricultural Systems Technology, Construction Science Technology, Land Surveying, and Off-Road Vehicle Technology. These engineering technology concentrations are applied programs highly focused on specific technical areas, and are designed to provide the skills required to manage the sophisticated technological systems increasingly essential in today’s world. The four concentrations all provide a strong basic science foundation, and add coursework designed to create programs of study emphasizing the application of technology in today’s world. Coursework in economics and the management of a small business are also included, along with oral and written communication. The construction technology concentration leads to a Minor in Business Administration. While these programs provide a rigorous background in math and science and include courses in engineering, they differ from programs offered in the College of Engineering and College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Biosystems Engineering) leading to B.S. in Engineering, and ultimately to registration as a Professional Engineer. The engineering technology concentrations are less theoretical, more applied, and more focused towards specific industries.

The environmental science concentration is a blended program of science and technology that provides a strong, broad background in the natural sciences. The plan of study emphasizes human impacts on the long-term use and productivity of land and water resources. Emphasis is also placed on the tools used in the management of these resources. The curriculum provides a good foundation in the collection and analysis of the information required to characterize resource conservation problems and to make good resource use decisions. Directed technical electives allow the students to concentrate in an area of interest. Students in this program will gain the practical knowledge necessary to compete for career opportunities in government, environmental consulting firms, public health services, environmental research laboratories, and agricultural production, while also gaining the theoretical training necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in a variety of environmentally related fields.

uTrack Requirements (for students entering Fall 2013 or later)

Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students who first entered Fall 2013 or later. uTrack does not apply to transfer students who enter prior to Fall 2015.