The UWT Environmental Program is housed within Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. The Environmental Program offers the opportunity to complete either a BA in Environmental Studies or a BS in Environmental Science. Additionally, we offer a Minor in Environmental Studies, a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (co-administered by Urban Studies) and a Certificate in Restoration Ecology.

Environmental Program Mission Statement

Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science is for students who wish to pursue scientific or technical work upon graduation, who plan to apply to graduate programs in scientific fields, or who want a strong grounding in the pure and applied science disciplines.

Topics such as ecology, evolution, conservation biology, biodiversity, atmospheric science, geology, energy resources, limnology, hydrology, marine biology, oceanography, environmental chemistry, agroecology and entomology are offered in a mix of lecture, lab and field courses.

Two required "bookend" seminars, taken by entering juniors and graduating seniors, introduce students to scientific research, writing and funding processes. The senior capstone experience allows students to get practical experience in individual or team research or internship positions.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Studies offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental problems.  While receiving a strong background in environmental science, students will be exposed to a broad range of interdisciplinary course work that examines the legal, economic, social, literary, historical, and philosophical perspectives on both local and global sustainability issues.  This major will prepare students interested in pursuing diverse and contemporary careers such as environmental law, policy, management, planning, and teaching in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors.  A major component of the Environmental Studies major is a capstone experience that emphasizes service to the community while exposing the student to potential future employers and positions.

Student Learning objectives

Environmental Science

Students who complete this degree will:

• Be conversant in theoretical concepts of the biological and physical sciences and their application to understanding and studying the environment.

• Develop a basic understanding of the humanities and social sciences, and the interdisciplinary connections between these subjects and the natural sciences, in order to understand and solve environmental issues.

• Develop advanced scientific skills necessary to achieve an understanding of and solutions to environmental problems including physical and biological measurement techniques, statistical data analysis, hypothesis formulation and conceptual modeling, research project design and working collaboratively.

• Exhibit the ability to interpret and communicate information related to environmental issues in written and oral forms appropriate to both scientific and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrate the ability to apply interdisciplinary training to environmental problems of local, regional, national, or global significance.

• Understand the role of individuals and participate in the creation of solutions for environmental problems.

• Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.

Students who complete this degree will:

• Demonstrate a basic scientific literacy tied to core content in scientific disciplines vital to understanding environmental issues.

• Exhibit advanced capabilities for interpreting and communicating information related to environmental issues in written and oral forms appropriate to both scientific and non-technical audiences.

• Cultivate skills critical to interpreting scientific concepts for public understanding, including familiarity with the scientific method, information literacy, statistical data analysis, hypothesis formulation and conceptual modeling, research project design and working collaboratively.

• Be conversant in the theoretical and applied concepts in the humanities and social sciences, and the interdisciplinary connections between these subjects and the natural sciences, in order to understand and solve environmental issues.

• Recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of political, economic, and social complexities inherent in environmental problem solving, and demonstrate the ability to apply this interdisciplinary training to environmental problems of local, regional, national, or global significance.

• Understand the role of individuals and participate in the creation of solutions for environmental problems.

• Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.

Our Student Learning Objectives follow the model set forth by Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP). LEAP is an initiative that champions the value of a liberal education—for individual students and for a nation dependent on economic creativity and democratic vitality. The initiative focuses campus practice on fostering essential learning outcomes for all students, whatever their chosen field of study.

Learn more about LEAP...

The Environmental Program at UWT consists of a dynamic team of faculty and staff who offer a supportive environment for our students.

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