Environmental science is the 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. Increased demands on the natural resources of the planet, as well as increased need for environmental protection and restoration, have created opportunities for well-trained individuals in the field.

The major integrates math, chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, soil science, biology and geospatial data analysis, and includes courses from a variety of departments, such as Plant and Earth Science, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Physics.

Environmental science majors are prepared to monitor, model and manage environmental systems in the areas of environmental quality and risk evaluation, sampling and analysis, remediation, research and regulatory compliance.

Why major in Environmental Science?

• Flexible program requirements allow you to specialize in a particular area of interest.
• Our program focuses on practical field and lab-oriented experiences at our on-campus trout stream, research well field, campus farms and nearby natural environmental systems --- the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix watersheds.
• Our internship program exposes you to your professional field while still in college with internships in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Support faculty help engage you in active learning experiences, individual and group research projects, and extracurricular activities.
• The recently-founded Institute in the Plant and Earth Science department is a new way for current students in the program to gain real-world experiences through certifications and restoration projects on and around campus. Learn more.