B. S. Environmental Earth & Soil Sciences

About the major …

The B.S. degree in Environmental Earth & Soil Sciences provides a strong foundation for understanding the natural environment and improving the utilization and stewardship of land, water, and atmospheric resources.

The program emphasizes the application of a wide range of disciplines in environmental science. The core of the earth and soil sciences curriculum is composed of geology, geography, soil science, and basic science courses. The program is strengthened by a diverse array of related topical and technical specializations in climate change studies, environmental mitigation strategies, environmental policy and management, forest and environmental practices, geospatial technology, hydrology, soil geotechnical studies, sustainable agriculture, and urban forestry.

The program furnishes students with the marketable expertise to assess, manage, restore, and improve the fragile relationship between humans and their habitats while acquiring a well-rounded education in the environmental sciences. In addition, graduates can meet the educational requirements for professional certification in erosion and sediment control, hydrology, soil conservation, soil science, and provide ideal preparation for graduate school in a number of related disciplines.

 

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
2. Effectively communicate scientific and technical knowledge in a professional manner.
3. Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply technical knowledge in the following key areas:
   • Geology & Climate – rock materials and processes of the lithosphere, plate tectonics; deformational histories, and past climates;
   • Soils & Water – morphology, ecology, chemistry, physics, and health;
   • Geography & Geospatial Technology – human cultural impacts, resource utilization trends and spatial patterns, geographic information systems and modeling;
   • Resource Management – effects of land management activities on, and restoration and rehabilitation of, soil and water resources.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative skills and information management specific to their discipline areas.
5. Exhibit an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities, including respect for diversity.
6. Promote life-long learning habits by exposing students to the discovery process of applied research and demonstration projects conducted by the faculty.