Environmental Sciences in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/environmentalsciences

The interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences major combines a natural science-based curriculum with hands-on experience needed to identify, analyze, and solve environmental problems. Blending hands-on field and laboratory instruction with real-world environmental internship, research, and study abroad opportunities, students acquire the skill set needed to tackle complex environmental problems. With the School's emphasis on such cutting-edge areas as ecological design, restoration of damaged ecosystems, geospatial technologies and environmental assessment, Environmental Sciences graduates are equipped with the knowledge to protect the health and integrity of our terrestrial, aquatic, and urban ecosystems. 

All environmental science majors take a common set of courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and critical-zone laboratory courses. A common set of environmental science core and disciplinary skills focused courses is followed by specialization in one of nine concentrations:

  • Agriculture and the Environment
  • Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
  • Ecological Design
  • Environmental Analysis and Assessment
  • Environmental Biology
  • Environmental Geology
  • Environmental Health
  • Global Environmental and Climate Change
  • Water Resources
  • Self-Designed Concentration

Goals of the major include providing students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences, building advanced skills in the analytical, field, and laboratory techniques used across environmental disciplines, and preparing them to evaluate and address complex environmental challenges. The major emphasizes real‑world application through research, internships, and applied learning while enabling students to develop depth and expertise within a chosen environmental concentration.