Environmental Science

Department Chair-
Coordinator-Lahm

Environmental science is the study of the natural and human-made environment, attitudes that value the environment, and skills for identifying and addressing environmental problems and issues. It is rooted in the fundamental knowledge of biology, chemistry, geology and physics, as well as their interrelationships in the natural world. It leads us as a community to a sustainable environment, healthier lifestyle, and livable communities for the present and the future.

The Capital degree program seeks to prepare well-educated scientific professionals who can help our society achieve these goals. Graduates are prepared to enter a variety of careers such as environmental protection, natural resource management, community planning, policy analysis, and environmental education, or to continue their studies at the graduate level.

The major in environmental science is interdisciplinary, drawing upon a variety of faculty and departments throughout the university. Facilities in the biological sciences and chemistry departments provide the basis for scientific study, while courses in economics, public policy, ethics and writing are designed to help the student understand the underlying causes of many environmental problems, public perception of environmental problems, and the business and government systems with which one must work as an environmental scientist.