An Intercollege program between the Colleges of Life Sciences & Agriculture and Engineering & Physical Sciences. Hosting departments are the Departments of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences.

Program of Studies

Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape our natural environment. Students graduating with a degree in Environmental Sciences will have:

1. An understanding of these interacting processes,
2. The ability to effectively communicate with both scientific and lay audiences,
3. Competency in field methods appropriate for entry-level environmental science positions,
4. Competency in the use and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
5. A basic understanding of environmental policy, and
6. The ability to contribute to multidisciplinary teams

Program Degree Requirements

In addition to general education requirements, Professional Perspectives in Natural Resources (NR 400) and two introductory environmental science courses are required. Foundation courses include two semesters of chemistry, and calculus, one semester of geology, statistics, physics and biology. Core courses include Techniques in Environmental Sciences (ESCI 534); Introduction to GIS (NR 658), Fate and Transport (ESCI 654); Natural Resource and Environmental Policy (NR 602); and a capstone course.

Options

Students must complete an additional seven courses in one of the following options:

• Hydrology
• Soil & Watershed Management, or
• Ecosystems

Minors Offered

The Environmental Sciences program offers minors in:

• Hydrology
• Water Resources Management
• Wetland Ecology

Honors in Major Program Requirements

Students are required to maintain a minimum 3.20 grade-point average overall and a minimum 3.20 GPA in major coursework.

Students must complete at least 12 credits from the following list for Honors credit.  These courses will involve additional readings and writing assignments as well as tutorial meetings beyond those required for non-honors sections.

Students must complete a senior thesis for a minimum of four credits.  This will involve conducting an independent research project under the direction and guidance of a member of the program faculty.  Successful completion of this requirement will include a public presentation of the research and a written thesis accepted by the faculty advisor and program coordinator.

• NR 799 Honors/Senior Thesis, OR
• ESCI 799H Senior Thesis

Program Liaison

John D. Aber
(603) 862-3045
enviro.sci@unh.edu