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Environmental Science

Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science

Environmental science integrates physical, biological and information sciences to find solutions to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Graduates enter their careers or graduate school with technical research skills and an enhanced understanding of environmental issues.

Program Overview

Environmental Science

Find solutions to the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

The Environmental Science major is a rigorous, cross-disciplinary science degree that will prepare you for graduate school or entry-level jobs in the environmental science, hydrology, legal and environmental management fields. The Environmental Science minor is a great way to round out your degree with a stronger, more diverse scientific emphasis in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, math and environmental management. Through our connections to natural resource agencies, frequent outdoor field trips and varied internship opportunities, you’ll develop a wide range of technical research skills and a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.

Field studies

Student Ma’alaea Lawrence records data for a research plot within the West Fork Complex fire. The West Fork Complex fires burned over 100,000 acres in the summer of 2013. Student and faculty research looks at the effects on forest regeneration after compounding disturbances of the spruce beetle and wildfire.

Program Requirements

At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.

Program Requirements

The Environmental Science Emphasis requires a minimum of 64 credits:

Course List
Code Title Credits
Required Introductory Courses
BIOL 150Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1)4
BIOL 151Diversity and Patterns of Life (with laboratory)4
ESCI 105Earth Systems and Resources (with lab)4
Required Core Courses
BIOL 301GENERAL ECOLOGY3
CHEM 111
CHEM 112
General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1)
4
CHEM 113
CHEM 114
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
4
ESCI 300Environmental Science Careers1
GEOG 340INTRO GEOGRAPHIC INFO SYSTEMS3
GEOL 362Environmental Geochemistry3
MATH 151Calculus I (GT-MA1)4
MATH 213Probability and Statistics (GT-MA1)3
Either:4
PHYS 140
Introductory Physics (with laboratory) (GT-SC1)
OR
PHYS 170
PHYS 185
Principles of Physics I (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1)
OR
PHYS 190
PHYS 185
General Physics I (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1)
Required Elective Courses: take at least 14 credits, and must be from at least three different disciplines:14
ANTH 218
Biological Anthropology (with laboratory)
BIOL 302
Ecology Laboratory and Recitation
BIOL 310
Cell Biology
BIOL 312
Genetics (with recitation)
BIOL 320
Ornithology (with laboratory and recitation)
BIOL 322
Mammalogy (with laboratory and recitation)
BIOL 325
Invertebrate Zoology with Laboratory
BIOL 327
Field Entomology (with laboratory)
BIOL 352
Botany (with laboratory)
BIOL 353
Rocky Mountain Flora
BIOL 362
EVOLUTION
BIOL 430
Wildlife Ecology and Management (with laboratory)
BIOL 431
Wildlife Techniques Workshop
BIOL 440
Conservation Biology
BIOL 467
Biology of Fishes
BIOL 468
Ichthyology Laboratory
BIOL 476
Aquatic Ecology (with laboratory)
BIOL 481
Forest Ecology (with laboratory)
CHEM 306
Analytical Chemistry (with laboratory)
CHEM 331
CHEM 334
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 332
CHEM 335
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
ENVS 325
Introduction to Soil Science
ENVS 390
Environmental Monitoring
GEOG 371
UAV Imagery Acquisition
GEOG 372
Satellite Remote Sensing
GEOG 460
Geospatial Analysis
GEOL 315
Earth Materials (with laboratory)
GEOL 320
Geomorphology (with laboratory)
GEOL 380
Paleoclimatology
GEOL 430
Hydrogeology (with laboratory)
PHYS 171
PHYS 186
Principles of Physics II (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1)
OR
PHYS 191
PHYS 186
General Physics II (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1)
Required Environmental Policy and Politics Courses (6 credits)6
ENVS 100
Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (GT-SS2)
And one of the following:
ANTH 320
Cultural Ecology
ENVS 210
Introduction to Climate Policy
ENVS 250
Environmental Justice
ENVS 260
Introduction to Public Lands Management
ENVS 350
U.S. and Western Environmental Politics
ENVS 360
Global Environmental Policy
ENVS 370
Water Policy and Politics
POLS 250
Politics of the Environment
Required Capstone Course
ESCI 450Applied Environmental Science3
Total Credits64

Graduation Requirements

Undergraduate programs require a minimum of 120 semester credits for graduation.  Of those 120 credits, 40 credits must be in upper-division courses (those marked 300 and above).  Fifteen of these 40 upper-division credits must be earned in courses that are part of the standard or comprehensive major program being pursued. 

Students are expected to review all graduation requirements, which can be found in the Western Undergraduate Catalog: Graduation Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 111
CHEM 112
General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1)
4
ENG 102 Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) 3
ESCI 105 Earth Systems and Resources (with lab) 4
HWTR 100 First Year Seminar 1
MATH 151 Calculus I (GT-MA1) 4
 Credits16
Spring
BIOL 150 Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) 4
CHEM 113
CHEM 114
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
4
ENG 103 Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) 3
MATH 213 Probability and Statistics (GT-MA1) 3
 Credits14
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 151 Diversity and Patterns of Life (with laboratory) 4
ENVS 100 Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (GT-SS2) 3
GEOG 340 INTRO GEOGRAPHIC INFO SYSTEMS 3
PHYS 140 Introductory Physics (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) 4
 Credits14
Spring
BIOL 301 GENERAL ECOLOGY 3
Elective ESCI Elective 3
ESCI 300 Environmental Science Careers 1
Gen Ed Area I 3
Gen Ed Area III 3
GEOL 362 Environmental Geochemistry 3
 Credits16
Year Three
Fall
Elective ESCI Elective 8
Gen Ed Area I 3
Gen Ed Area III 3
 Credits14
Spring
Elective Elective or minor course 3
Elective Elective or minor course (upper division) 3
Elective ESCI Elective 7
Gen Ed Area III 3
 Credits16
Year Four
Fall
Elective Elective or minor course 6
Elective Elective or minor course (upper division) 4
ENVS ENVS Policy course 3
ESCI 450 Applied Environmental Science 3
 Credits16
Spring
Elective Elective or minor course 10
Elective Elective or minor course (upper division) 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits120

Spotlight

Environmental Science

Kellie Egging

Alumni

“Western has a mixture of things I’m passionate about—music, sports and the environment.”

Careers


Top Skills

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Geography
  • Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Research



Career Pathways

  • Biofuels Production Manager
  • Chief Sustainability Officer
  • Environmental Economist
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Scientist or Specialist
  • Hydroelectric Production Manager

Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.

Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.

Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your Scholarships

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

Apply

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

Apply

Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship

The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.

Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).

  • Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
  • The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
  • The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.

The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.

For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.

Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.

For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.

Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.

Environmental Science student

Make your education a life changing experience.

A college education is so much more than just taking classes. Expand your community and network, while gaining hands-on experience in your field.

  • Chemistry Club: Members share their love of chemistry with the community in an annual demonstration that draws hundreds.
  • Geology Club: The Geology Club is active in fundraising for student experiences, including field trips and attending professional conferences.
  • Gunnison Valley Observatory: Faculty and students use this sophisticated facility for research and teaching.
  • Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory: Western biologists and students collaborate with the world-renowned research station seven miles north of Crested Butte.
  • Thornton Biology Research Program: Students collaborate with faculty (and can receive funding) on original research.
  • Tri Beta and the Wildlife Society: Student-run clubs that provide professional development, training, networking, internships and field experiences.

Collecting samples

Students collect water samples for an analytical chemistry lab that involves studying the principles, techniques and calculations involved with quantitative analysis of substances.

News & Research

Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference

Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference

Read More about Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference
A firefighter supervises a prescribed burn in the GMUG National Forest.

Prescribed Fire in Wilderness Research Team Honored by National USFS Award

Read More about Prescribed Fire in Wilderness Research Team Honored by National USFS Award
Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Read More about Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission
Western’s Provost Receives Alumni Award from Purdue

Western’s Provost Receives Alumni Award from Purdue

Read More about Western’s Provost Receives Alumni Award from Purdue
Western professor publishes book focused on sustainability in business

Western professor publishes book focused on sustainability in business

Read More about Western professor publishes book focused on sustainability in business
Western professors, grad students advocate for sustainability at UN Food and Agriculture Organization meeting

Western professors, grad students advocate for sustainability at UN Food and Agriculture Organization meeting

Read More about Western professors, grad students advocate for sustainability at UN Food and Agriculture Organization meeting
Western Faculty Preserves Nature and Protects Public Lands

Western Faculty Preserves Nature and Protects Public Lands

Read More about Western Faculty Preserves Nature and Protects Public Lands
Western Professor and Students Publish Study on Fire Ecology

Western Professor and Students Publish Study on Fire Ecology

Read More about Western Professor and Students Publish Study on Fire Ecology
Western’s MEM program helps start ecological restoration in Gunnison Valley

Western’s MEM program helps start ecological restoration in Gunnison Valley

Read More about Western’s MEM program helps start ecological restoration in Gunnison Valley

Additional Resources

ESCI and Ecology Field Assistant/Field Researcher Opportunities

Are you interested in paid environmental science field work in the Taylor Park/Continental Divide area in summer 2024? If you are, consider applying for paid […]

Learn More

Department Chairperson

Anne W. Ryter, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Dept.

Administrative Assistant

Lori Clement

NES Administrative Assistant

Contact Information

970.943.2015

aryter@western.edu

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Hurst Hall 128
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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