Ecologists usually work with others in team projects where they are responsible for the synthesis of diverse environmental information. Environmental specialists then analyze the effects of environmental trends upon living organisms. Students are attracted to a career in environmental science because it gives them access to isolated and unstudied ecosystems, because of the recently recognized dependence of human political and economic systems upon environmental stability and diversity, and by the increased and diverse opportunities for employment. Environmentalists work for private and governmental research groups, agricultural industries, and many types of educational groups including environmental centers, wildlife refuges, conservation groups, field stations, and colleges and universities. Our program serves as excellent preparation for graduate school specialties in such areas as urban planning, animal behavior, plant phytosociology, and wildlife management.
Ecology is defined as the study of the structure and function of nature.
Environmental Science, therefore, requires a wide range of physical science tools as well as in-depth training in biology. The general degree requirements in science and math are fulfilled by completion of this science core. Students may apply to the major no more than 9 semester hours in total from all the courses in this category.