Program Overview

Many human activities adversely impact soil, water, and environmental quality; and there is a constant need for experts in the technologies required to collect sound information and to provide food, fiber, and shelter in an environmentally-sound manner. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students with a strong grounding in basic sciences to prepare them for a broad range of possible careers.

This program provides three concentrations: Soil Science, Environmental Science, and Conservation Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability. All provide a very strong basis in the natural sciences, as well as applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences, and natural resource policy. Students also build expertise with modern technologies such as geographical information systems, global positioning systems, and computer applications in natural resource management. Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of interesting and challenging career paths and to work with a broad variety of other professionals to solve complex problems. Examples of potential careers include soil and environmental specialists and scientists; state and federal regulatory agency work; private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; and working with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, environment, and natural resources. Students receiving this degree are also very competitive for placement in graduate programs in environmental and agricultural sciences and technology, as well as law school.

The conservation agriculture and environmental sustainability concentration is a multidisciplinary program for students interested in conservation of natural resources and sustainability of agricultural systems. This degree provides students with a wide array of skills and scientific training in identifying and understanding important issues in environmental sustainability. The focus will be on both the micro-scale and macro-scale of food production, as well as providing a solid introduction to technical skills such as surveying and machinery operations needed to fulfill current and future food demands. An undergraduate degree in this field is also a first step towards certification as a Professional Soil Scientist.