Every student learns the fundamentals of environmental science in the core courses required of all majors. The practice of environmental science is emphasized in research projects and internships. Of special interest is the Ecosystem Management and Restoration program, which features a unique integration of theory, laboratory, and field experiences. During Spring of their junior year, Pacific students majoring in Environmental Biology or Environmental Chemistry may apply for entrance into OGI 's Masters of Science program. If accepted, they are eligible to take one course per semester at OGI during their senior year.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field.
While students in Environmental Science study policy and economics, our major foci are in biology and chemistry, and thus students can choose between majoring in Environmental Biology or Environmental Chemistry. Some students take advantage of our course taught in Costa Rica in alternate Januarys to study in a tropical rain forest ecosystem. Students completing this major have the theoretical and analytical skills and technical background necessary to compete in the job market for Environmental Biology, or to continue with advanced studies in a graduate degree program. This major couples a grounding in the fundamentals of chemistry with specialized study of environmental problems and their solutions. The core courses provide a theoretical background for understanding the chemistry of the environment as well as experience in laboratory techniques.