Environmental Science Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience tracks

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1 Environmental Science Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience tracks College of Arts and Sciences Saint Louis University Environmental science encompasses the study of Earth s geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and human s interactions with these spheres. These spheres do not operate independently; rather they are intimately related. Thus, any student who wants to gain a greater understanding of the environment must first gain an understanding and appreciation of each sphere individually and their interconnectedness. Our environmental science program is designed so that students first gain a thorough foundation of knowledge in all spheres and then focus more on one or more sub-disciplines (tracks). The breadth-plus-depth structure of the program prepares students for continued study in graduate schools and professional schools such as law or public health, or for immediate employment in industry or government. Characteristics of people in environmental science Many environmental scientists and professionals are people who appreciate the environment, have a general interest in science, recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy planet, and desire to improve the living conditions of humanity. Given the diversity of professional opportunities in the environmental science field, it is possible to work almost entirely outdoors, indoors, in laboratories, in industrial settings, in academic settings, in legal offices, or in governmental agencies. Most students are able to find satisfying careers given the numerous career paths within environmental science. Faculty in the Program Given the breadth of environmental science, our program integrates faculty who are biologists, chemists, atmospheric scientists, geoscientists, and statisticians by training. These scientists, who bring their educational and research experiences into the classroom, form a cohesive group who endeavor to provide a comprehensive and integrated curriculum for environmental science majors. They are individually committed to teaching, while maintaining active undergraduate and graduate research programs. Faculty in the Philosophy, English, and Communications departments have partnered with us to provide courses or sections of courses that are tailored to the needs of our students. These courses help students gain an appreciation for the ethical and legal issues encountered in environmental science and provide students with opportunities to develop their written and oral communication skills. Extracurricular Opportunities Many opportunities are open to our students outside of the classroom including undergraduate research opportunities on campus, participation on numerous field trips, involvement in internships, and the chance to interact with faculty and other students outside of the classroom. Graduate School Opportunities Students in the BS program will be well prepared to enter most graduate programs in environmental science and/or discipline-specific programs such as chemistry, biology, atmospheric sciences, and geoscience. In some graduate programs, students will have to take a few additional courses that are commonly taken in discipline-specific undergraduate majors, though this is not an obstacle to pursuing any graduate degrees. Students in the BA program will be well prepared for many graduate professional programs, law schools, and other graduate programs that are less oriented toward the sciences. Career Opportunities Graduates with these degrees will work for environmental companies, industry, government, and non-profit organizations or continue their studies in graduate or professional schools. During their careers, graduates will have to address many important issues related to our environment including global warming, energy resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, extinctions, pollution, water resources, and environmental hazards such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions. Beginning salaries for students employed immediately after graduation are upwards of $40K depending on the area of employment. Salaries typical of environmental scientists and professionals such as environmental lawyers with additional experience and/or education are oftentimes $50K or more. Students who plan to work immediately after graduation should consider participating in one or more summer internship prior to graduation in preparation for employment. Contact Person: John Encarnacion (Associate Professor) Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences ; encarnjp@slu.edu Program web site can be found at

2 Should I major in the BS or BA program? Students majoring in the BS program are required to take 14 more credits of science and math than students in the BA program, resulting in the BS students graduating with a firmer grasp of the science in environmental science. Students interested in pursuing graduate school in environmental science or working as environmental scientists are encouraged to pursue the BS degree. The BA degree is potentially more appropriate for students interested in pursuing a professional degree (e.g., law, MBA) or more interested in the public policy associated with environmental science. General Course Schedule The following two schedules demonstrate potential course sequences that a student in the BS program might follow if he/she starts immediately into the environmental science program his/her freshman year (schedule on the left) or defer the start of the science and math courses until his/her sophomore year (schedule on the right). These examples are meant to demonstrate the potential range in course schedules. Most students will probably develop their course schedule intermediate between these two illustrations. Obviously, it is better to start science and math courses as early as possible in order to reduce course loads each semester and create more internship and research opportunities during junior and senior years. A similar course of study would also be followed by a student in the BA program. Fall Spring Fall Spring Freshman BIOL BIOL Elective 3 Elective 3 EAS 101/102 4 EAS 103/104 4 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 EAS 260 (1) 1 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 ENGL Elective 3 Elective 3 EDL101 1 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective Sophomore EAS BIOL BIOL BIOL CHEM 163/165 4 CHEM 164/166 4 EAS 101/102 4 EAS 103/104 4 MATH MATH CHEM 163/165 4 CHEM 164/166 4 EAS 260 (2) 1 CMM MATH MATH Elective 3 Elective 3 (Computer exam) 0 Elective 3 (Computer exam) Junior Track course 4 Track course 3 EAS BIOL Track course 3 Track course 3 Track course 3 Track course 3 GIS 3 EAS 260 (3) 1 GIS 3 Track course 3 Elective 3 PLS PHYS 131/132 4 EAS 260 (1) 1 Elective 3 Elective 3 ENGL CMM Elective 3 Elective Senior Track course 3 EAS Track course 3 EAS 260 (3) 1 PHYS 131/132 4 Track course 3 Track course 3 EAS PHIL of Science 3 Elective 3 PHIL of science 3 Track course 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 EAS 260 (2) 1 PLS Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective Courses required in the tracks of the BS program are listed below; fewer track-related courses are required in the BA program. It is permissible for students to fulfill the requirements of two tracks, and receive recognition of both tracks on their transcript. Students who double track in the program will have a wider range of employment opportunities and/or be better prepared for graduate school. BS (Atmosphere track) BS (Biology track) BS (Chemistry track) BS (Geoscience track) EAS211 Map & Chart (3) BIOL301 Evolution (3) CHEM320/322 Analytical I (4) EAS240 Field Techniques (2) EAS253 Phys Climatology (3) BIOL475 Gen Ecology (4) CHEM342/343 Organic I (4) EAS340 Soils (3) EAS325 Global Change (3) BIOL3XX/4XX (4) CHEM420/422 Analytical II (4) EAS410 Surface Processes (3) EAS403 Air Pollution (3) BIOL3XX/4XX (min 6) CHEM435 Environmental (3) EAS435 Groundwater (3) EAS3XX/4XX electives (6) Course from another track (3) CHEM3XX/4XX elective (3) EAS3XX/4XX (min 6) Course from another track (3) Course from another track (3) Course from another track (3)

3 Course # BS BA Required Core for Environmental Science Principles of Biology I BIOL Principles of Biology II BIOL Conservation Biology BIOL Earth Dynamic Environment I EAS 101 / Earth Dynamic Environment II EAS 103 / General Chemistry I CHEM 163/ General Chemistry II CHEM 164/ Physics I PHYS 131/132 or 161/ Calculus I MATH Elementary Statistics with Computers MATH Environmental Science Seminar 2 EAS Environmental Issues EAS Introduction to GIS EAS 417, BIOL 417, or SOC Capstone Project or Internship EAS Strategies of Rhetoric ENGL Public Speaking CMM Introduction to Environmental Law PLS Philosophy of science course (from list 3 ) PHIL 3XX / 4XX 3 3 Subtotal = Remaining Required Core for College 4 Foreign Language 6 9 Cultural Diversity (satisfied by other courses) (3) (3) Fine and Performing Arts 3 3 Literature 3 6 World History (HIST 111 and HIST 112) 6 6 Philosophy (PH 105/205 for BA; PH 205 BS) 3 6 Theology (THEO 100 and THEO 2xx-level) Social Science 6 6 Subtotal = Choose one or more tracks 6 Course # BS BA Atmospheric Science Track Calculus I MATH Meteorological Analysis EAS Fundamentals of Climate Systems EAS Global Change EAS Elements of Air Pollution EAS Atmospheric Science elective EAS 3XX / 4XX 6 - Biology Track Subtotal = Evolution BIOL Gen Ecology BIOL One taxon course (from list 7 ) BIOL 3XX / 4XX 4 4 BIOL electives BIOL 3XX / 4XX 6 - Chemistry Track Subtotal = Physics II PHYS 133/134 or 163/ Analytical I CHEM 320 / Organic I CHEM 342 / Analytical II CHEM 420 / Environmental CHEM Chemistry elective CHEM 3XX / 4XX 3 - Geoscience Track Subtotal = Field Techniques EAS Soils EAS Surface Processes EAS 410 (+411) 3 - Groundwater EAS EAS electives (from list 8 ) EAS 3XX / 4XX 6 9 Subtotal = Free electives ~ 4 ~ 6 TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION Students have permission to enroll in BIOL-106 without having taken BIOL Students enroll for this 1-credit seminar three times, preferably during consecutive semesters in their sophomore and junior years. 3 PHIL 342 Environmental and Ecological Ethics; PHIL-407 Reasoning: Probability and Uncertainty; PHIL-409 Topics in Advanced Logic; PHIL 415 Survey of Philosophy of Science; PHIL Philosophy of Physics; PHIL Philosophy of Biology. 4 See for list of courses that satisfy these requirements. 5 Recommended: BS & BA students should consider THEO-260 Christian Moral Life; BA students should consider THEO-368 Green Discipleship: Theology & the Environment. 6 Can double track, but must take one course listed explicitly in a third track (excluding Calculus I). 7 BIOL 322 Invertebrates; BIOL 326 Plants and Fungi; BIOL-410 Vertebrates; BIOL-421 Orchids; BIOL-424 Entomology; BIOL-426 Amphibians and Reptiles; BIOL-431 Birds; BIOL-438 Mammals; BIOL-428 Fishes. 8 EAS220/221 Mineralogy; EAS340 Soils; EAS410 Surface Processes; EAS425 Project in Environmental Science (0-3cr); EAS426 Environmental Geophysics; EAS428 Environmental Geochemistry; EAS493 Special Topics (1-4cr).

4 Why is the program structured with one core and multiple tracks? Environmental science covers a broad range of topics that are integrally related to each other. To better understand the Earth s environment and to solve important environmental issues, an environmental scientist needs to have a solid foundation of knowledge in many intellectual disciplines, and appreciate their interrelationships. Our curriculum is designed so that an environmental science major gains knowledge and appreciation of the Earth s geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere during the freshman and sophomore years. Once this primary scientific foundation has been established, students pursue a more specialized sequence of classes a track in their junior and senior years, for a more in-depth study of a specific discipline. This breadthdepth approach helps prepare students for the wide range of intellectual challenges they will face as they advance to graduate school or pursue employment in government, industry, and non-profit agencies Why should I major in Environmental Science rather than in a traditional science discipline? The answer to this question depends entirely on the interests and long-term goals of the student. If you are interested in many aspects of the Earth and its environment, then majoring in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies is a very good option for you. You will gain a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the complexity of our natural world through the environmental science/studies programs than through more traditional disciplines of studies. If you are primarily interested in just biology or geology, for instance, then it might be more suitable for you to major in the appropriate discipline. What are the potential career opportunities? Environmental science has been, and will continue to be, an increasingly important focus of our society. Students majoring in environmental science will have numerous career opportunities depending on their interests and abilities. Environmental scientists work for a diverse array of employers, ranging from government agencies such as the EPA, to non-profit special-interest groups like the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Many major industrial and energy resource companies hire environmental scientists as part of their corporate strategy, and many local environmental consulting firms and private businesses have environmental scientists on staff. The Environmental Science degrees also provide a solid foundation for students who choose careers in secondary education. What do employers value in environmental science graduates? There have been numerous studies that surveyed environmental professionals in industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Some of the most important skills valued by employers include the ability to communicate well, both in oral and written form, the ability to work effectively and efficiently with others, and the ability to analyze and solve problems. Technical ability, computer skills, laboratory skills, and field skills are also valued by employers. Our curriculum is designed to provide students the opportunities to gain mastery of these skills. There are special sections of writing and oral communication courses that are dedicated to our environmental science majors. There are also new courses that help students to develop analytical skills and gain experience in working with others in a team environment. Students who accept the challenge of a broad and diverse intellectual environment will be well prepared to succeed in their future careers. Can I be an Environmental Science major and still go to medical school? In a word, YES. Most medical schools place little value on the specific discipline an undergraduate majors in when applying for medical school. What matters more to them is that the student has completed the required courses, has a high GPA and MCAT scores, and is a well-rounded individual. If you are a premed / preprofessional health student and are interested in majoring in Environmental Science, we recommend you speak with the advisors in Preprofessional Health Studies ( ). At Saint Louis University, the core of our mission is to help students find and reach their goals. It is important that you find a major that best fits your interests and needs, whether they are oriented towards employment prospects or intellectual curiosity. It is also important to realize that approximately 75% of the freshman pre-medical students at SLU never go to medical school. Our Environmental Science major provides a diverse range of potential career opportunities for students who change their goals. (Photos are from the United States Geological Survey).

5 Environmental Science and Studies Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience tracks Frequently Asked Questions What are the required courses for the majors? The Environmental Science and Environmental Studies degree programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation of required general knowledge about the environment, while giving each student the flexibility to gain a deeper understanding in the areas of his or her particular interest. The last page of this handout is a list of required courses for the BS and BA degrees. Students in both degree programs take a core set of courses that provides a foundation of knowledge about the Earth s environment. The more specialized courses within the tracks provide students with a depth of knowledge that prepares them for employment, graduate school, or professional studies. What classes should a student take to get a sense of what the major will be like? It is difficult to suggest an all-encompassing first-year course that will convey a sense of the major since the program is designed to bring together several natural sciences and apply them to understanding Earth s environment. The more advanced courses within the major typically require introductory courses as prerequisites, so the best courses to take first are the science components of the environmental science core. The two Earth s Dynamic Environment courses provide a strong introduction to the Earth s surface environments, oceans, and atmosphere, which play a critical role in almost every aspect of environmental science. Many students will benefit from taking these early since they provide a natural world context for their other science classes. It is highly recommended that students also take the Principles of Biology and General Chemistry courses as early as possible. Is there a minimum GPA requirement for this major? There is no minimum GPA required to enter or remain in this major. The program is rigorous and demanding, however, and we have high expectations of our majors. Are there any student clubs or organizations that a student can join? Our students have not had a need to form a club because there are numerous opportunities to spend time outside of classes with other students and faculty during the academic year. Weekend field trips, canoe trips, and social events are scheduled throughout the year. One perk associated with this major is the opportunity to join other faculty and students on annual weeklong field trips across the country. We visit environmentally important sites, and during those trips you will get know the faculty, other students, and even alumni who join the trips. Is there an advantage of having a double major versus a major and a minor? Depending on which majors and minor you combine, you may take more courses with one choice or the other. It never hurts to learn as much as possible in your fields of interests while obtaining a well grounded understanding of the Earth s environment by majoring in Environmental Science. One can pursue many different careers under the broad field of environmental science: a geoscientist working

6 to provide safe drinking water to the third world, a computer scientist modeling climate change, a chemist concerned with lead poisoning in children, a biologist striving to preserve precious ecosystems, a lawyer handling the water rights of communities in the arid Southwest, a business person managing the finances of an eco-friendly business. What courses in your department are open to non-majors? All courses are open to non-majors as long as you have satisfied the course prerequisites. If you are interested in enrolling in a particular course but are not sure if you have the necessary background, then do not hesitate to ask the faculty member teaching the course or the program director. What about internships and field experience? Internships are very important since they provide exposure to, and experience in, potential environmental science careers. Many of our students do internships, and fortunately, many students are able to find internships that pay a stipend or salary. Although it is not possible to guarantee each student will find an internship, we will help you in your search. Also we often take students into the field so that they can see and experience things firsthand that they have only heard or read about. In addition to our weeklong trips, students will have the opportunity to do field work in some of their courses and labs. Some of our faculty hire undergraduate student assistants to work on their research projects. You should actively seek out these opportunities if you are interested. Is studying abroad a good pursuit for a student with this major? Many issues in environmental science - such as the melting of polar ice caps, loss of rainforests in the tropics, and warming of the climate - extend far beyond the borders of the U.S. Study abroad may be very beneficial to your education if you take advantage of learning firsthand about environmental issues in the part of the world you visit. Just be sure to plan your course schedules in advance to insure that they can satisfy the major s requirements. The best year to study abroad for many students is in their sophomore year, though junior year works fine for many students also. What are the career options in this major? Environmental science is an umbrella term that encompasses many disciplines and many career paths. One can be employed in the environmental field as a chemist solving a groundwater pollution problem, or a biologist studying a wetland ecosystem that is being stressed by an expanding community, or a lawyer working with community groups that have competing interests for limited water resources, or a geologist mitigating the negative impacts of a river s flooding on local communities. Many Fortune 500 companies now employ environmental scientists regardless of their products, in an effort to better understand the new opportunities and consequences provided by our changing world. As long as Earth s resources continue to be depleted and the adverse impacts of our societies continue to increase, environmental scientists will be able to work in their chosen careers. Will a bachelor s degree in this major prepare me for a job in this field, or will I more than likely need to pursue a graduate degree and beyond? Depending on a student s choice of track and his/her academic record, a graduate can often find work immediately after graduation. Some students choose to continue their studies by pursuing a master s degree after graduating from SLU. In many environmental science fields, a person with a

7 master s degree has greater possibility to move up in a company, non-profit organization, or government agency. Other students may choose to pursue professional degrees - such as law or public health - after graduation. There are many career options available to students who are willing to work hard, seek out opportunities, and strive to excel in their academic studies. Our advice is that you pursue your field of interest or passion, while gaining additional skills that can help you find gainful employment. Who can I talk to if I have additional questions? Numerous faculty and support services are knowledgeable about this program and can answer many of your questions. Dr. John Encarnacion ( ; encarnjp@slu.edu) in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Ms. Wendy LaBenne (wlabenne@slu.edu; ) in the Office of Career Services can provide information on careers in environmental science. In addition, you can get more information from our environmental science web site at We hope this information has helped you learn more about the University s Environmental Science program. We wish you the best and hope that your time as a student is challenging and rewarding. 1 1 Copied from