The major includes courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, plant and animal science, and in consultation with a departmental advisor, you will select EPOB electives to complete the major. One way of understanding whether or not the EPOB major is a good choice for a particular student is by looking at the mix of students who now take EPOB as a major. The environmental studies major trains students in the cause, scale, and remediation strategies of major environmental problems in the United States and the world. Students will acquire an awareness of the complexity of factors relating to human interaction with the environment. They will become acutely aware of the fact that environmental problems have both human and biophysical components and will gain knowledge of the general principles of human-environmental interaction, global habitability, environmental change, and sustainable human societies.
Students pursue either the environmental policy track or the environmental science track.
The department also offers geography majors internship opportunities, in which students earn academic credit while working in selected positions with private and public agencies and firms. The undergraduate program emphasizes course work in theoretical, laboratory, and field-oriented aspects of the geological sciences. The nearby Rocky Mountains provide a natural laboratory for the study of geological materials and processes. College of Engineering and Applied Science Environmental engineering encompasses the scientific assessment and development of engineering solutions to environmental problems impacting the biosphere, land, water and air quality. These environmental issues include safe drinking water, wastewater processing, solid and hazardous waste disposal, outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution and transfer of infectious diseases, human health and ecological risk management, and prevention of pollution through product or process design.