http://www.rit.edu/cos/environmental/

Program overview

Environmental scientists solve problems relating to power generation, waste reduction and recycling, pollution control, land use and land cover change, preserving biodiversity and ecological services, transportation, forestry, agriculture, economics, and a wide range of other areas. They study our relationship to nature and to each other, developing solutions that prevent or reverse environmental deterioration and work toward sustainability. Meeting these challenges requires problem-solving abilities based in science, mathematics, the social sciences, and other disciplines. The BS and BS/MS environmental science programs provide students with the education and experiences they need to be successful.

Curriculum

Environmental science concentration/track requirement

The practice of environmental science demands that students be well-rounded specialists. To accomplish this, each student is required to select an aspect of environmental science as a specialization. Students in the BS program are required to complete a minimum of 20 quarter credit hours in a specified concentration. The program director can assist students in selecting an appropriate concentration. The available concentrations are: digital imaging, environmental biology, environmental economics, environmental public policy, mathematics and statistics, and remote sensing. Students also may develop a self-designed concentration in an area of personal interest, subject to approval from an environmental science review committee.

Accelerated dual degree option

Students in the environmental science program may choose the accelerated five-year BS/MS option, which provides them with a considerable advantage over other environmental science graduates in the job market. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with an advisory board of environmental leaders to ensure that students’ education meets the current and future needs of the industry. In order to function as an environmental scientist, an individual must have an extensive background in mathematics, physical science, and life science. The BS/MS program is one of the strongest programs available with respect to mathematics and science.

Students must meet the minimum requirements of the university as described in this bulletin and the requirements contained in the program shown here or its equivalent, as determined and approved by the environmental science program director. Undergraduate students with an overall and professional field-of-study GPA of 3.0 or greater may apply to the program director for entry into the program.

Additional information

Cooperative education

Although cooperative education is optional for environmental science majors, it offers students a great way to get a head start on their career with paid professional work experience. Students can participate in cooperative education as soon as the summer quarter of the second year. Co-op placements are typically with local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and a host of environmental consulting firms.

Employment opportunities

There is a great need for individuals who have both a strong background in environmental science and the ability to participate in an interdisciplinary problem-solving team. Upon graduation, students will be valued for their broad understanding of environmental science, their depth of knowledge in a particular aspect of environmental science, and their ability to attack and solve tough environmental problems.