Bryant University. The Character of Success

Environmental Science

A Major and Minor

Today, there is increasing awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and developing sustainable societies..  However, resources are being dangerously depleted, wastefulness and toxic contamination continue to grow, populations are expanding at a rapid rate, and governments are scrambling to create and implement effective regulations. Rising levels of atmospheric carbon and shrinking sources of clean drinking water confound global decision makers, while private corporations, individual consumers, and public entities struggle to reduce their collective ecological footprint upon the earth. These dramatic societal challenges call for a new cadre of well-trained environmental scientists, broadly trained and willing to create effective solutions in the face of complexity and uncertainty. 

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science is designed to prepare graduates for careers in environmentally related fields, as well as to qualify for admission to highly recognized graduate programs.  The program enables students to take advantage of a challenging and rewarding program, comprising Level I courses in the fields of biology, physics, geology, and chemistry, Level II courses in plant biology, organic chemistry, microbiology, energy management, applied environmental science, GIS, toxicology, ecosystem modeling, geochemistry, and biophysics, combined with two semesters of required laboratory research experience, and rounded off by a Level III capstone course focused on environmental policy.  Additionally, the curriculum allows for learning business principles, personalized career advising, and emphasis on global perspectives, and a variety of international study opportunities.

The Environmental Science minor provides a core understanding of the issues and challenges of protecting the environment, and the techniques to preserve it. The minor is available to students majoring in business or seeking a second minor. Five courses are required for the minor, which offer a critical understanding of the field.

Studying Environmental Science at Bryant

Technological advances have been critical to the development of modern culture and business; however, the environment has suffered drastically as a consequence.  Increased knowledge and understanding of the impact of societal systems on environmental science is essential to addressing these consequences, including the development of sustainable business practices.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science offers small classes and extensive student-faculty interaction, including two semesters of direct research experience.  Newly designed, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities provide students with opportunities for hands-on investigation of challenging environmental problems and policy decisions.  Students gain fundamental technical knowledge to develop a critical understanding of local and global environmental science issues and address environmental policy challenges.

Courses

In addition to the Bachelor of Science degree requirements, the major in Environmental Science requires:

Level I Courses: (All required)

  • General Biology and Lab
  • General Chemistry and Lab
  • Physical Geology
  • Physics
  • Ecology
  • One of the following labs:
    • Physical Geology Lab
    • Physics Lab
    • Ecology Lab

Level II Courses

Choose three courses that include one lecture/lab course and one 400-level course from the following:

  • Diversity and Evolution of Plants
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Coastal Environments
  • Environmental Study in China
  • Energy Management Strategies and Lab
  • Human Impact on Land and Life and Lab
  • Sustaining Air and Water and Lab
  • Microbiology and Lab
  • GIS for Environmental Decision Making and Lab
  • Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
  • Systems Modeling
  • Global Change and Geochemical Impact

Research

Choose one 300-level and one 400-level:

  • On-Site Environmental Study in China
  • Research Methods Directed Study in Science
  • Research Directed Study in Science

Capstone Course

  • Environmental Policy: Decision Making and Problem Solving

Students in the Environmental Science minor must take:

Two courses with labs from the following: 

  • Physical Geology and Lab
  • General Chemistry and Lab
  • Ecology and Lab
  • Microbiology and Lab

Two applied courses from the following: 

  • Ecology
  • Energy Management Strategies
  • Diversity and Evolution of Plants
  • Coastal Environments
  • Human Impact on Land and Life
  • Sustaining Air and Water
  • Environmental Study in China
  • GIS for Environmental Decision Making
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
  • Systems Modeling
  • Global Change and Geochemical Impact

Capstone course 

  • Environmental Policy: Decision Making and Problem Solving

For complete course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog.

Department Resources

The Science and Technology faculty have diverse backgrounds in the multi-disciplinary field of environmental science.  They are committed to working one-on-one with students through collaborative research, review sessions, and individual tutoring.  New, modern facilities and instrumentation enhance student awareness of workplace settings and prepare graduates for advanced research studies.

An understanding of environmental science is a valuable asset to any organization where environmental issues and opportunities are involved in everyday business decisions.  In addition, students will have the knowledge to successfully work with manufacturers or service providers who must comply with changing environmental regulations.  Most importantly, students are trained as leaders in implementing sustainable business practices. 

Opportunities After Graduation

The Environmental Studies major and minor prepare students for a range of business, manufacturing, and engineering careers, including:

  • Conservation scientist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Renewable energy specialist
  • Climate change analyst
  • Environmental engineering technician
  • Environmental inspector
  • State and federal environmental agency staff
  • Forestry technician
  • Wildlife officer
  • Park rangers
  • Fisheries manager
  • Preserve manager
  • Wetlands specialist
  • Community organizers
  • Public interest activists
  • Environmental educators
  • Environmental journalist
  • Environmental policy analyst
  • Energy manager
  • Corporate environmental officer
  • Environmental business entrepreneur
  • Laboratory or field chemist
  • Agricultural and food scientist
  • Food inspector
  • Geoscientist
  • Environmental mapping specialist
  • Bioremediation specialist
  • Toxicological researcher
  • Pollution control specialist
  • Natural resource specialist
  • Land use analyst

Students are also well prepared to pursue further graduate study in these areas.

For More Information

To learn more about the Environmental Science major or minor, please contact:

Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph..D
Professor of Environmental Policy
Department of Science and Technology
langlois@bryant.edu

or

Dan McNally, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Department of Science and Technology
dlm1@bryant.edu