Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the study of the biological and physical world as it is affected by natural and man-made processes. It is a field that has become increasingly important as we recognize our responsibilities for pollution, resource depletion, and land abuse. Students develop the skills needed to investigate, document, and solve environmental problems. Each student selects an area of emphasis and selects from a series of advanced courses in such fields as restoration ecology, watershed management, geospatial analysis, and sustainable management.

Our Environmental Science program at BGSU places priority on the natural sciences and the natural world. Students develop the skills needed to investigate, document, and solve environmental problems. Course work in the social sciences and humanities provides additional tools that enables our students to understand the interrelationships that characterize sensitive environmental issues.

Students choose from several programmatic areas to develop specialized expertise. These areas include sustainable management, environmental restoration, watershed management, geospatial analysis and environmental education and interpretation. Graduates are well-qualified for a large variety of careers, and to enter professional or graduate school.

Minor Available

Environmental Science minor learning outcomes are for students to achieve understanding of:

• the breadth of current critical environmental issues facing the planet
• select scientific disciplines critical to comprehensive understanding of environmental issues
• three topical areas of critical importance to environmental quality.    

Details of course requirements for major and minor can be found on College of Arts and Sciences program pages.

For questions or further information, please contact
Enrique Gomezdelcampo, Advisor
201 Memorial Hall
419 372-9368
egomezd@bgsu.edu

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Environmental Science are expected to be able to:

• Understand basic characteristics of ecosystems and environmental problems and be able to identify, investigate, and propose solutions to environmental issues as informed by an interdisciplinary background in the natural sciences;
• Understand the interrelationships between environmental problems and human societies and cultures;
• Engage in rational, civil discourse about complex environmental issues in a manner that considers all viewpoints;
• Participate in practical, experience-based learning through internships, field experiences, workshops, and independent research projects;
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms;
• Gain facility with technologies and tools used in environmental analysis, such as geographic information systems, global positioning systems, statistical analysis, and remotely sensed images.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Environmental Science program will undergo its next Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2019-20.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Environmental Science program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)     
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Environmental Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.