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
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Introductory Courses | ||
BIOL 150 | Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
BIOL 151 | Diversity and Patterns of Life (with laboratory) | 4 |
ESCI 105 | Earth Systems and Resources (with lab) | 4 |
Required Core Courses | ||
BIOL 301 | GENERAL ECOLOGY | 3 |
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 300 | Environmental Science Careers | 1 |
GEOG 340 | INTRO GEOGRAPHIC INFO SYSTEMS | 3 |
GEOL 362 | Environmental Geochemistry | 3 |
MATH 151 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 4 |
MATH 213 | Probability 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 450 | Applied Environmental Science | 3 |
Total Credits | 64 |
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.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
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 |
Credits | 16 | |
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 |
Credits | 14 | |
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 |
Credits | 14 | |
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 |
Credits | 16 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
Elective | ESCI Elective | 8 |
Gen Ed | Area I | 3 |
Gen Ed | Area III | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Spring | ||
Elective | Elective or minor course | 3 |
Elective | Elective or minor course (upper division) | 3 |
Elective | ESCI Elective | 7 |
Gen Ed | Area III | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
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 |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
Elective | Elective or minor course | 10 |
Elective | Elective or minor course (upper division) | 4 |
Credits | 14 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Spotlight
Careers
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 ScholarshipsWestern’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 ScholarshipsAlumni 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.
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.
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.
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
Additional Resources
Department Information
Natural & Environmental Sciences (NES) Department
Department Chairperson
Anne W. Ryter, Ph.D.Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Dept.
Administrative Assistant
Lori ClementNES Administrative Assistant
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Hurst Hall 128
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231