Environmental Science B.S.

The BS in environmental science is designed for students who want a multidisciplinary science education focusing on aspects of the environment. This environmental science program requires a broad base of knowledge in the basic sciences and mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and statistics. In addition, prudent study of environmental science requires understanding of economic, political, and ethical considerations. Environmental science features an intense grounding in resource issues and builds on the strength of UMD in freshwater issues. In addition, the capstone course deals with sources, distribution, and ultimate fate of air, water, and solid waste pollution. Elective courses from areas such as habitats, climate processes, environmental chemistry, quantitative methods, and global resources are also required.

The program is predicated on the belief that a student graduating with a BS in environmental science should have a firm background in physical and life sciences and a basic understanding of 1) existing environmental policies and regulations and the legislative process of their formation; 2) the major environmental issues including water, global climate, energy, pollution, and population; and 3) techniques of environmental monitoring and prediction.