School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business
Core Curriculum Updates
The following courses were added to the Core Curriculum for 2025-2026.
Environmental Science B.S.
Program name change from Environmental and Resource Science (BS) to Environmental Science (BS). Approved by NSHE Academic Affairs Council in September 2025.
Mission Statement
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of processes that shape our natural environment. Environmental science studies the interplay among humankind and other species and the physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate the function of both natural and engineered environments. Environmental science seeks to model and describe environmental processes to understand their effects upon humankind and consider the reciprocal effects of human activities on these processes.
The degree program in Environmental Science allows students to develop the skills and interdisciplinary understanding needed to deal with environmental issues by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and social policy. The Environmental Science program is designed to provide the broad general and scientific knowledge appropriate to a variety of careers in resource management. The program prepares students for advanced professional degrees in environmental science. The program also serves students who would like to teach natural science in secondary schools and prefer an interdisciplinary approach.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the students will be able to:
- Characterize the abiotic and biotic components and processes of a system at different spatiotemporal scales.
- Demonstrate proficient skills to qualify and/or quantify the interactions between human social systems and the environment.
- Design a well-reasoned study to address current issues in environmental science.
- Participate actively in conversations about environmental issues.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills to present scientific ideas to a diverse audience.
- Develop skills through experiential learning courses like internship, undergraduate research, and field-based experiences.