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Environmental Science

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School of Natural Resources 124 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-882-1730 Fax: 573-882-2636 E-mail: SNR@missouri.edu

Major Curriculum*
Course	Credit
First Semester
General Chemistry I	2
Principles of Geology	4
History or Political Science	3
College Algebra	3
Computer Applications in Natural Resources	2
Beginning GIS	1

Second Semester
Chemistry II	3
English Composition	3
Humanities Elective	3
Ecology and Renewable Resource Mgt.	3
Intro to Soil Science	3
Soil Science Laboratory	2

Third Semester
Intro to Meteorology	3
Intro to Biological Systems	5
Rural Sociology	3
Economics	3
Calculus	3
Soils and the Environment	3

Fourth Semester
Intro to Ecological Economics	3
General Chemistry III	3
Intro to Speech Communication	3
College Physics	4
Science, Technology and Society	3

Summer: International Studies recommended	6-9

Fifth Semester
General Botany	5
Forest Ecology	4
Humanities Elective	3
Problems in Natural Resources (internship)	3

Sixth Semester
Natural Resources and Water Quality	3
Hydrogecology	3
Natural Resource Policy/Admin	3
Soil Conservation	3
Statistical Methods	3

Seventh Semester
Remote Sensing	3
Limnology	4
Forest Information Systems	3
Humanities Elective	3
Soils Elective	4

Eighth Semester
Natural Resources Practicum	3
Soil Science Elective	3
Hydrologic and Water Quality Modeling	3
Soils Electives	10

*Individual degree program may vary.

Sustainable land management, water quality and air quality are crucial for the future of the earth. Learning to manage, use and sustain natural resources through sound ecological and economic approaches is the focus of the environmental science program.

If you're interested in understanding ecosystems, teaching the general public about these topics, or advising government leaders on how to shape environmental policy, then consider an interdisciplinary degree in environmental science.

Career Opportunities

A bachelor's of science degree in soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences from the School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Missouri will provide you with the skills you'll need to succeed in a wide variety of environmental science careers.

You can individualize your degree program by choosing between three tracks: Water Quality, Land Management or Air Quality. The Environmental Science curriculum was developed in partnership with government agencies to meet their personnel needs in environmental management.

Students in any of the three tracks take a mix of natural and applied-science classes, such as ecology, soil science, forestry, atmospheric science, and fisheries and wildlife.

Other required classes provide students with technical and outreach skills, such as geographical information systems (GIS), knowledge of technologies and methods for remediation of degraded environments, and environmental monitoring techniques and instrumentation. Graduates with broad technical knowledge and experience in environmental issues are in demand.

Environmental professionals have a wide range of career opportunities, including working in environmental management and monitoring, land-use planning and assessment, teaching, and conducting research for both private and government institutions. Typical positions include environmental specialist, water quality specialist, and environmental educator.

Among the state and federal government agencies that employ environmental professionals are the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Opportunities in private groups include working for environmental consulting firms, diverse industries and environmental advocacy groups.

Research/Internship Opportunities

As an environmental science student, your chances to gain real-world experience through research and internships are almost limitless. You can work side-by-side in the field or lab with environmental science faculty and get hands-on experience with research in environmental monitoring, water quality management or land management.

Opportunities exist for on-campus internships and part-time employment as technicians, both of which provide valuable experience in pursuing a professional career in environmental science.

Students are required to complete a three credit hour practical internship in natural resources. Among the state and federal agencies that are likely to recruit environmental science interns are the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Private groups, such as environmental consulting firms, a diverse selection of industries and environmental advocacy groups, may also provide internship opportunities.

Get Involved on Campus

Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and professional contacts at the same time? Then join one or more of the College’s student clubs and organizations. There are more than 30 to choose from, and each gives you the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in the classroom while making lifelong friends.

Among the student organizations in SNR are the Student Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, the Meteorology Club, the Forestry Club, the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Society, the Wildlife Society, and the Student Parks, Recreation and Tourism Association. Club meetings include scientific presentations as well as visits describing employment opportunities in natural resources and environmental sectors.

Environmental Science

Career Opportunities

Research/Internship Opportunities

Get Involved on Campus

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