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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Environmental science at the University of ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ explores concepts from an interdisciplinary lens and will teach you to promote sustainable management of human and environmental health at the same time. We will challenge you to look past the headlines and use knowledge from the sciences to address environmental problems.

Why Study Environmental Science at St. Thomas?

Our program focuses on providing you with a host of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Whether you are conducting collaborative research with a professor or exploring sustainable energy use in Iceland, we want you to engage with fellow students, faculty and alumni throughout your time at St. Thomas. Alumni have gone on to work for companies like 3M, Barr Engineering, the United States Geological Survey and more.

Connecting Academic Knowledge to Real-world Problems

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Collaborative Research and Professional Development
  • Course Requirements

    The core of the program are project-driven classes that integrate knowledge gained throughout your college career to solve environmental problems. You will complete courses in biology, geology, chemistry, along with electives focusing on a wide range of topics. This all culminates in your senior year when you complete a research seminar course focusing on a topic of your choice.

    Four-Year Plan

    You start in biology, chemistry and geoscience courses, progressing through additional science courses based on your passions. You then pursue project-driven environmental science classes using all of the knowledge you gained to address environmental problems. You will also be encouraged to pursue courses in areas such as geography, engineering, theology and more during your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.

    View Sample Degree Plan

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Biology concentration
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Geoscience concentration
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Chemistry concentration
    • Minor in Environmental Science

    Collaborative Research and Professional Development

    Our students gain research and professional experience throughout their college career. We offer a series of impactful professional development opportunities, and receive a variety of competitive research grants and awards each year. Both opportunities engage you with environmental science professionals inside and outside of St. Thomas.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    The core of the program are project-driven classes that integrate knowledge gained throughout your college career to solve environmental problems. You will complete courses in biology, geology, chemistry, along with electives focusing on a wide range of topics. This all culminates in your senior year when you complete a research seminar course focusing on a topic of your choice.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You start in biology, chemistry and geoscience courses, progressing through additional science courses based on your passions. You then pursue project-driven environmental science classes using all of the knowledge you gained to address environmental problems. You will also be encouraged to pursue courses in areas such as geography, engineering, theology and more during your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.

    View Sample Degree Plan

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Biology concentration
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Geoscience concentration
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Chemistry concentration
    • Minor in Environmental Science

    Collaborative Research and Professional Development

    Collaborative Research and Professional Development

    Our students gain research and professional experience throughout their college career. We offer a series of impactful professional development opportunities, and receive a variety of competitive research grants and awards each year. Both opportunities engage you with environmental science professionals inside and outside of St. Thomas.

    Person in hardhat and hi-vis vest examines soil at a construction site.

    Career Paths

    Environmental science students have multiple careers available to them after graduation.

    • Geology
    • Toxicology
    • Environmental consulting
    • Environmental compliance
    • Urban and regional planning
    • Natural resource management and planning

    Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships

    The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is available for high-achieving incoming students. ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.

    An Impactful Program

    Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas.

    11%

    The projects environmental scientists will see 11% job growth from 2016 to 2026.

    Research

    Engage with faculty. Get involved with impactful research with a bounty of professional and community partnerships through the university.

    Expand Your Horizons

    Where do you want to go? You can make the great outdoors your classroom through study abroad and field experiences.

    Schoenecker Center

    The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new spaces for Environmental Science students, including our Water & Environmental Engineering Lab and the Earth, Environment & Society department offices.

    Students on the grand stairway in Shoenecker Center
    Environmental Science student experience video

    Create a Better Future

    Environmental science students at St. Thomas learn to dive deeper with their knowledge of the sciences to address environmental issues. Whether they are learning about environmental problems in another part of the world or conducting research here in the Twin Cities, environmental science students have the skills to promote—and create—a better future.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.