The environmental science program at Saint Louis University focuses on developing a scientific understanding of Earth’s natural systems and their interconnections with human society. The program represents a collaborative effort between several departments to provide a degree opportunity that bridges traditional academic boundaries. It is hosted by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, which provides student advising and mentoring.
Environmental science encompasses the study of Earth’s environment, which is comprised of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, with emphasis on human interactions with these spheres. Students will learn how these spheres interact with each other in the natural world, how human activities influence the environment and how people are affected by the ever-changing environment. The environmental science program is designed so students first gain a thorough foundation of knowledge in all spheres and then focus on one or more sub-disciplines, for example: soil, water, energy or climate change. The breadth-plus-depth structure of the program prepares students for advanced study toward M.S. or Ph.D. programs in scientific disciplines, professional schools such as law or public health, or for immediate employment in industry or government.
Curriculum Overview
The environmental science curriculum is built upon a breadth-plus-depth model that combines a comprehensive background in the natural sciences with specialized training in a chosen area of interest. All students entering the environmental science program are required to complete a core set of preparatory and skill development courses that provide a rigorous introduction to the environmental sciences.
Students then choose a specialized track that provides more advanced instruction in a specific discipline germane to environmental science. The track requirements are individually defined by the collaborative departments and are roughly equivalent to completing a minor in the specific area of interest. All students must also complete an internship or a capstone project.
Although students in the program will take many of their upper-division classes in other departments, all students within the program have full access to departmental resources, including excellent computer and research laboratories, field- and laboratory-based research opportunities with department faculty, departmental field trips, and internship opportunities in the St. Louis area. Opportunities for research and field experiences in biology and chemistry are also available to qualified students.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will know the founding principles in their field of study, as well as the facts and content appropriate to the field.
Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to reason about issues in their discipline.
Graduates will be able to solve quantitative problems in their discipline.
Careers
Demand for graduates with a comprehensive knowledge of natural systems and their interactions is strong and projected to increase in the face of greater public awareness of the influence of humans on the natural environment. With judicious planning, the program serves as excellent preparation for graduate degrees in medicine, the sciences, law and other disciplines where a strong background in environmental science is desirable.
