According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as an Environmental Scientist or Specialist, you could perform many jobs, including:
- Determine data collection methods for research projects, investigations, and surveys
- Collect and compile environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, food, and other materials for scientific analysis
- Analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess threats to the environment
- Develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems, such as land or water pollution
- Provide information and guidance to government officials, businesses, and the general public on possible environmental hazards and health risks
- Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain their research and findings
Graduates of the Teaching Focus tracks can teach in K-12 schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines typical tasks of teachers such as:
- Create lesson plans to teach students a subject
- Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
- Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class or to smaller groups
- Grade students’ assignments and exams
- Communicate with parents or guardians about their child’s progress
- Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
- Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in environmental science is designed for students already holding an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from a regionally accredited college or university, to pursue a career as an entry-level scientist, specialized laboratory/field technician, classroom teacher, and/or progress to a graduate or professional degree program (e.g. M., Ph.D., MD, JD, etc.).
The curriculum will provide the students with a foundational understanding of science, critical thinking skills, experiential learning, ethics, and specific technical knowledge and skills required to work in the laboratory or the field. All students, regardless of track, complete classes such as Introduction to Ecology, Biostatistics with Lab, Introduction to Soil Science, and Scientific Communication. The program then splits into four tracks (Biosecurity, Physical Science, Biosecurity with Teaching Focus, and Physical Science with Teaching Focus). These tracks address the major specialties and core competencies within each respective field and provide graduates with a wealth of discipline skills and knowledge that will make them competitive for employment within the environmental and biological science and STEM education workforce.
Information about careers in environmental science and education can be found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm
The BS in Environmental Science program has four tracks: Biosecurity, Biosecurity with Teaching Focus, Physical Science, and Physical Science with Teaching Focus. All students take a set of program core courses including (but not limited to) Introduction to Ecology, Introduction to Soil Science, and Biostatistics with Lab, regardless of their chosen track. Students then take the core courses designated for their chosen track. This includes specified Teacher Education Program courses for students in the Teaching Focus tracks. The remainder of the credits is drawn from the list of elective courses. All students also complete either an internship or an independent study as part of their graduation requirements.
The program is designed to have a significant hands-on component. Both tracks provide students with classroom, field, and laboratory experience, making them competitive for employment in the science fields or for entry into graduate/professional school.
Students who want to do a dual-concentration are able to do so, usually by taking the second track's core courses as their electives and taking one additional course. However, please note that at least one track’s requirements are met fully to be graduation eligible (e.g. it is not possible to do half the Physical Science degree and half the Biosecurity degree and graduate). All degrees issued say Environmental Science. Students who complete the requirements for more than one track will not be issued more than one degree.
The GIS option is an additional add-on Advanced Technical Certificate for students who are interested in pursuing additional geographic information systems coursework. The certificate is issued in conjunction with the degree to students who have finished a proscribed four-course sequence (PDF) in GIS. The courses focus on skills related to being able to produce and extract data from maps, aerial images, and other sources. GIS skills are often requested or required for scientific research. For example, scientists may use GIS skills and tools to indicate the expansion or loss of flora or fauna in a given area.
