Environmental and Soil Sciences ProgramMany human activities adversely impact soil, water and environmental quality. The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students with a strong grounding in basic sciences and technology to prepare them for careers in environmental and natural resource management. Students in this program study basic natural sciences as well as applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences, and natural resource policy. Students also build expertise with modern technologies such as geographical information systems, global positioning systems, and computer applications in natural resource management. Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of interesting and challenging career paths and to work with a broad variety of other professionals to solve complex problems. Examples of potential careers include: soil and environmental specialists and scientists; state and federal regulatory agency work; private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; and working with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, environment and natural resources. Students receiving this BS degree are also very competitive for placement in graduate programs in environmental and agricultural sciences and technology, as well as law school.The core program provides a strong grounding in the sciences and technology, while concentrations within the BS degree permit a focus on either science or technology. There are three concentrations in this degree program, Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Agricultural Systems Technology . These concentrations are described below. A minor in Environmental and Soil Sciences consists of 19 credit hours including ESS 210 and 324, BSET 326, and at least 9 elective hours in ESS and/or BSET courses at the 300 level or higher. CONCENTRATION IN SOIL SCIENCE This concentration is a rigorous, science-based program for students interested in the field of environmental sciences. The curriculum emphasizes soils and their long-term use and productivity, as well as surface and sub-surface water resources. Students will understand natural resource problems and their management, including soil and water conservation issues, land use problems, waste disposal, and reclamation of disturbed lands. Other areas of interest can be addressed through the appropriate selection of technical electives in the program. Students in this program will gain the practical knowledge necessary to compete for career opportunities in government, environmental consulting firms, public health services, environmental research laboratories, and agricultural production, while also gaining the theoretical training necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in a number of environmentally related fields. CONCENTRATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE The Environmental Science concentration is a blended program of science and technology that provides a strong, broad background in the natural sciences. The plan of study emphasizes human impacts on the long-term use and productivity of land and water resources. Emphasis is also placed on the tools used in the management of these resources. The curriculum provides a good foundation in the collection and analysis of the information required to characterize resource conservation problems and to make good resource use decisions. Directed technical electives allow the students to concentrate in an area of interest. Students in this program will gain the practical knowledge necessary to compete for career opportunities in government, environmental consulting firms, public health services, environmental research laboratories, and agricultural production, while also gaining the theoretical training necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in a variety of environmentally related fields. CONCENTRATION IN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY The Agricultural Systems Technology concentration emphasizes the skills needed to manage the sophisticated technological systems that are increasingly essential to modern agricultural production. The program starts with a basic science foundation, adds courses in crop production, pest control, and protection of soil and water resources, then introduces the technologies and control systems available to make production more efficient and environmentally sound. It rounds out the curriculum with analysis and management courses to tie all the information together and to most effectively use it in making and carrying out management decisions. Directed technical electives allow the student to concentrate in a particular area of agricultural production or to develop increased skills with particular technologies or management tools. Students from this program will have the skills and understanding to be successful in agribusiness, agricultural consulting, or employment with agricultural equipment and material suppliers. SHOWCASE CURRICULUM Showcase curricula for the three concentrations are shown on the following pages. The first year requirements are almost identical. Some differences occur in the second year, and many differences are present in the final two years. You should follow the schedule shown for your chosen program as closely as possible, since it considers prerequisites and course availability. Several courses are only offered once per year – in the semester shown on the showcase curriculum. |