Environmental Studies Comprehensive, B.S.

Curriculum for a Comprehensive Major in Environmental Studies

Environmental Science Concentration

The environmental science concentration is designed to prepare the student for a future in scientific study of the environment, with the broad range of topics covered providing the student with perspective on the numerous parameters environmental scientists must consider in their work. Instructional emphasis also provides the student with the background necessary for graduate study.

Resource Management Concentration

The resource management concentration provides the student with a strong, interdisciplinary background in the environmental arena. Upon completion of this option, students will be able  to investigate and implement policies relating to the environment, be prepared for employment in state and national parks, undertake environmental advocacy, develop programs for cultural and physical resource management and education, and continue study in these areas at the graduate level.

Aquatic Science Concentration

The aquatic science concentration provides training in the practical skills required to directly enter employment in industry, consulting firms, or government in positions where practitioners monitor or ameliorate aquatic habitats. In addition, the aquatic science concentration would prepare students who plan to pursue graduate studies in a diverse range of disciplines such as aquaculture, fisheries management, ecology, and environmental studies.

Historic Preservation Concentration

The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established requirements for federal level protection of cultural resources, with programs typically carried out by the state or contracted to private consultants. Students with background in the theory and practical application of historic preservation and cultural resource management have numerous employment opportunities with federal or state agencies or working with consultants in the protection of our irreplaceable cultural resources. With urban sprawl and population increase in the Washington-Baltimore metroplex, the demand for individuals trained in this exciting and challenging area is experiencing phenomenal growth. The historic preservation concentration is designed to prepare the student for employment in this challenging field and provide academic background necessary for success in graduate school.

Environmental Engineering Concentration

The environmental engineering concentration is designed to prepare the student for a future in application of engineering technology to environmental issues and problems. The need for trained environmental engineers is illustrated through the numerous employment opportunities available for individuals trained in this field in industry, at state and federal agencies, and with environmental consulting firms. The program structure provides the student with the skills to achieve success in this challenging field and with further required field experience through a required internship. Instructional emphasis also prepares the student with the academic skills necessary for graduate study in environmental engineering.

Environmental Sustainability Concentration (noncomprehensive)

The environmental sustainability concentration provides students with a strong background in environmental studies with an emphasis on sustainability. The program explores ways of meeting humans’ current and future needs for energy, food, and shelter that are scientifically, socially, and economically viable and that do not compromise earth’s resources and ecological systems. Students develop a specific research problem and acquire hands-on training through a required internship. Students also select a minor in a complementary field, enabling them to tailor their degree to future employment or further study of sustainable living solutions at the graduate level.