Environmental Science, B.S. (Day)

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The Environmental Science major is a science-based course of study that focuses on the natural environment and man’s interactions and use of its resources. Students examine the structure and function of natural systems and develop techniques and skills that could allow them to work in the field of natural resources.

A degree in Environmental Science can lead to careers in a wide variety of public and private organizations and government agencies. It may also prepare students to pursue advanced graduate study.

Students who have completed a degree in Environmental Science at Columbia College will be able to:

1. Explain scientific vocabulary and knowledge

2. Describe biological principles, models and theories used to predict, understand and apply to environmental phenomena

3. Explain and demonstrate the scientific method and its applications

4. Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills, including familiarity with the use of instrumentation and analytic methods commonly used in environmental research

5. Interpret scientific results through the use of statistical analyses and critical thinking, and make conclusions

6. Demonstrate competence in evaluating scientific writing and primary literature

7. Recognize and apply key issues regarding ethics in Environmental Science and everyday life

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

Core Requirements (54 sem. hrs)

All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Environmental Science Electives (18 sem. hrs)

Eighteen semester hours of courses with a BIOL, ENVS, CHEM, GEOL prefix. A minimum of 12 of these hours must be in upper-level coursework. A maximum of three of these hours may be obtained from internships (ENVS 399 /ENVS 499 ) All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Electives (6 sem. hrs)

Note (s):

ENVS 490 - Senior Seminar 1 hour is the culminating evaluative experience course that assesses the outcomes of the major. Students (majors) must pass the course with a grade of C or higher prior to graduation.

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)

The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.