Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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


Advisor
Drumm

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 science 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.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Soil Sciences • Environmental and Soil Sciences Major • Construction Science Concentration


The Construction Science concentration is designed to prepare you for entry into the very broad and diverse range of careers related to construction. This could lead to construction management opportunities in areas such as residential, agricultural, commercial, paving, and excavation construction. Students in this program typically enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a project grow from an idea to finished product. This field relies on knowledge from engineering, construction, and business; skills related to teamwork and leadership are important as well. The program is designed to provide you a strong background in science and math, adds fundamental concepts from engineering, and exposure to relevant technology and techniques such as CAD, land surveying, and GPS/GIS. The business related coursework in the Construction Science track leads to a Minor in Business Administration. This business background is supplemented with courses addressing construction-specific issues in accounting, finance, and law; issues related to green/sustainable construction practices are also covered.Students are encouraged to identify experiences in construction practice such as internships, or part time/summer work, and this is facilitated through the Construction Science Student Club.

First Year
 Hours Credit
CHEM 120 *, CHEM 130 * 8
ENGL 101 *, ENGL 102 * 6
GEOL 101 *, GEOL 102 * 8
1MATH 151 *, MATH 152 * 6
2Social Sciences Elective * 3
   
Second Year  
3ACCT 200  3
BSET 202  3
2Arts and Humanities Elective * 3
2Cultures and Civilizations Elective * 3
3ECON 201 * 4
ENGL 295 * or ENGL 360 * 3
ESS 210  4
PHYS 221 * 4
CMST 210 * or CMST 240 * 3
3STAT 201 *  3
   
Third Year  
BSET 325 , BSET 335 , BSET 345 , BSET 412 , BSET 414  15
3MGT 201  3
BULW 301  2
2Cultures and Civilizations Elective * 3
ESS 324  3
3MGT 300  3
4Technical Elective 3
   
Fourth Year  
2Arts and Humanities Elective * 3
BSET 355 , BSET 411 , BSET 432 , BSET 435  10
3FINC 300  3
3MARK 300  3
4Technical Electives 6
4Technical Elective or ESS 492  3
   Total 124
   
* Meets University General Education Requirement .
1 MATH 141 *, MATH 142 * (or honors equivalents) may be taken for students interested in possibly shifting to an engineering major.
2 Choose from the University General Education list  after consultation with an advisor. This concentration specifically recommends SPAN 211 *, SPAN 212 * for the Cultures and Civilizations requirement.
3 Meets requirements for the minor in Business Administration.
4 Note that some electives have required prerequisites. See individual course descriptions in the catalog for specific information. BSET 474 ; ESS 492 ; IE 423 .