Environmental Science (BS.ENV)

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For further information about this major, contact Dr. Andrew Vermilyea, the Environmental Science Coordinator: Andrew.vermilyea@castleton.edu

This program integrates the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry, and geology to provide students with a strong framework from which to analyze environmental problems and develop effective, sustainable solutions. Students earning a BS in Environmental Science will pursue both laboratory and field careers in government, industry, and the non-profit sector. This program prepares students for careers and graduate degree programs in related environmental fields such as toxicology, hydrology, systems ecology, plant ecology, and water chemistry.

Complete the following courses (48 cr):

BIO 1141 - Organisms and Adaptations I 4 cr *
BIO 1142 - Organisms and Adaptations II 4 cr *
CHE 1051 - Advanced General Chemistry I 4 cr *
CHE 1052 - Advanced General Chemistry II 4 cr *
GEY 1030 - Dynamic Earth 4 cr
BIO 2125 - Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 cr
CHE 2111 - Organic Chemistry I 4 cr
PHY 2110 - Physics I 4 cr
SCI 2100 - Science Colloquium 1 cr **
SCI 2210 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 or 4 cr
BIO 3060 - Ecology 4 cr
CHE 3020 - Analytical Chemistry 4 cr
GEY 3110 - Hydrogeology 4 cr
* Must earn a grade of C or better in order to take additional courses in the major.

** SCI 2100 is mandatory during the sophomore year and recommended during junior and senior years; however, only one credit will count toward the major.

And complete two of these mathematics courses (8 cr):

And complete two of these upper-level elective courses (6-8 cr):

BIO 3013 - Biogeochemistry 4 cr
-OR- CHE 3013 - Biogeochemistry 4 cr
BIO 3030 - Ecology of Water 3 cr
BIO 3065 - Plant Ecology 4 cr
CHE 3030 - Aqueous Geochemistry 3 cr
BIO 4250 - Ecotoxicology 3 cr

(Credits required for the major: 62-64 cr)

And complete the college's Gen Ed requirements

Click here to review the Gen Ed requirements

Additional Information

For students considering graduate programs in environmental science, all three of the above mathematics courses should be taken along with CHE 2112 - Organic Chemistry II .

For students considering environmental engineering or hyrology careers/graduate programs, a minor in mathematics is recommended with MAT 2533 - Calculus III , MAT 3210 - Linear Algebra , and MAT 3310 - Differential Equations .

In addition to the above requirements, we strongly recommend that students initiate an internship or research project in environmental science.

We also encourage students to consider the minor in Environmental Studies to enhance their breadth of knowledge of environmental issues.

The BS in Environmental Science may not be combined with a Biology or Ecological Studies major. Up to 12 credits may be applied to a minor in Biology, Chemistry, or Geology.