Bachelor Degree in
Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major is for students interested in the human impacts on the environment, and the preservation of the earth and its ecosystems through sustainable resource management and development. This major provides the course work and experiences necessary to prepare students for careers that address the complex and multi-faceted local, regional and global environmental issues facing society. With this major, offered through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, students will acquire a strong background in the basic sciences (i.e. chemistry, biology, geology) and take Environmental Science courses that address such issues as air and water pollution, ecological and human health risk assessment, hazardous waste management, environmental systems management, and environmental policymaking. Within the environmental science major, the student has the opportunity to take electives in topics of special interest to the student such as ecological toxicology, environmental pollution, risk assessment, risk management, and local, regional and global environmental issues.

• Extensive research opportunites
• State-of-the-art equipment and computers
• A dedicated teaching faculty
• Small class sizes
• Couse work that engages students in field work

The job outlook is very promising as maintenance of water and air quality, and assessment and reduction of the environmental impacts of human actions on ecosystem health are growing areas of employment and national priorities. Students majoring in Environmental Science can expect to work for local and state agencies such as Washoe County Regional Water Planning Commission, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Conservation Districts or the Nevada Division of Wildlife, and federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Service, the U.S. Forest Service or the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Graduates may also find employment within the private sector environmental industry, including a variety of consulting firms and nonprofit organizations such as the Natural Conservancy, and in areas of environmental education and communication.  Course work also prepares our students to go onto graduate school to get advanced degrees in currently expanding areas of environmental chemistry and toxicology, hydrology, environmental risk assessment and environmental policy.

What kind of salary do environmental science grads earn?
      In 2006, the median annual income nationwide for environmental specialist was $56,100 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What kind of classes should I be taking in high school?
     High School students should take at least one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics, along with algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Introductory calculus is also useful. English courses that emphasize writing and communication skills are also strongly recommended. Any courses missing from your high school training can be taken during your first year at the university.

Dr. Julie Stoughton, Instructor, Faculty Advisor
Phone: (775) 784-1674
e-mail: jstoughton@cabnr.unr.edu
Office: 238 Max Fleischmann Ag Bldg, UNR Campus

 

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