Environmental
Science . . .
is
study of the natural
environment, integrating
the sciences with
knowledge of our
impacts on the planet
and a desire to solve
environmental problems.
This interdisciplinary
major is
designed to prepare
students to face
increasingly complex
challenges in the context
of environmental
quality management
and sustainable development.
Department of Plant and Earth Science
324 Agriculture Science Hall
(715) 425-3345
Undergraduate Catalog
Our Goal
To provide students with the necessary foundation to pursue either a general or specialized
career in the multidisciplinary field of environmental science. This is accomplished through a
curriculum that provides a core of essential courses as well as courses chosen to prepare the student
for the chosen academic area. Elective courses allow for as broad or specific a focus as
desired. The academic program includes lecture, hands-on and field-oriented laboratories and
an optional internship to provide the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to begin a
career in environmental science.
Why major in Environmental Science?
Students major in environmental science to:
- develop a personal environmental commitment into a professional career;
- maintain a high quality environment for this and future generations;
- pursue a flexible curriculum that enables them to specialize in a particular area of interest.
- turn a longtime interest in a particular area of environmental science into a professional
career;
- acquire the interdisciplinary training necessary to many environmental science careers or for
graduate school.
What Do Environmental Scientists Do?
Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies or corporations.
They may choose field-oriented positions in pollution monitoring and remediation including
air, water or soil quality assessment and remediation. Environmental scientists also control and
minimize the impacts of technology and waste on the environment. Graduates may choose specialized
positions in environmental policy, environmental risk assessment, ecological assessment
or computer modeling. Corporations and government agencies require environmental
science graduates to ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations intended to preserve
the environment. Students with environmental research interests are also prepared to
pursue advanced degrees.
Faculty
The environmental science and management unit within the plant and earth science department
is home to the environmental science major. There are five full-time faculty who form the
instructional and student advising core for the major. Since environmental science is such a
diverse discipline, numerous faculty from other departments and units provide support courses
for the major.
