Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Description
Environmental scientists work to solve our most challenging issues — global climate change, biodiversity conservation, and balancing resource use and preservation.
The environmental sciences degree builds on the interdisciplinary strengths in the natural and social sciences at OSU. Our students learn broadly about environmental sciences from a variety of perspectives, while deeply exploring one area of specialization. Experiential learning is a key part of the degree program since participating in research or an internship provides an opportunity to actively engage in the field of environmental sciences outside the classroom.
OSU-Cascades students who major in environmental sciences have millions of acres of national forest and public lands at their doorstep. It’s a natural laboratory where we explore, develop leadership skills, take field classes and discover innovative conservation and preservation methods.
Program Description
Applied Ecology
The Applied Ecology option is for Environmental Sciences students who seek to orient their studies around ecology. This is applied ecology and therefore includes geographic methods for measuring and data collection in ecological change. Students seeking a concentration in policy and management are encouraged to consider the Conservation, Resources, and Sustainability option.
Conservation, Resources, and Sustainability
The Conservation, Resources, and Sustainability option helps students obtain a solid science base from which to examine environmental issues in terms of conservation approaches, resource management, and sustainability as science and policy.
A total of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate, including 60 upper-division credits. Requirements include:
- OSU Core Education
- Environmental Sciences Major Requirements
- Specialization Option:
Applied Ecology
Conservation, Resources and Sustainability - Electives if needed to meet the 180 credits
Degree Checklists and Transfer Guides
OSU-Cascades COCC Transfer Guides
Environmental Science Transfer Guides for Oregon Community Colleges
Four-Year Sample Plan
A degree pathway is important to student success. This is a sample plan intended for informational purposes only. Students will work with their OSU academic advisor to create degree plan that works best for each student based around unique interests, goals and transfer work.
Environmental Science Sample 4-Year Academic Plan
Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.
Once you complete this program, discover all the learning outcomes you'll achieve.
Sample Courses
- Environmental Economics and Policy
- Environmental Case Studies
- Issues in Natural Resources Conservation
- Rangeland Ecology and Management
- Systematics of Mammals
- Climate Science
- Environmental Justice
- Biodiversity: Causes, Consequences, and Conservation
- Ecological Restoration
- Ecosystems of Wildland Soils
- Forest Ecology
- Wildland Plant ID
- Introduction to Water Science and Policy
- Principles of Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Career Options
Job opportunities for graduates of this degree program include:
- Arboriculturist
- Conservation Officer
- Ecologist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Farmer/Rancher
- Fire Scientist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Forester
- GIS Specialist
- Naturalist
- Park Ranger
- Plant/Soil Scientist
- Surveyor
- Water Quality Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Urban/Regional Planner
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Contact Us
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.