Environmental Sciences (BS)
This area of study uses interdisciplinary approaches that link natural science and social science disciplines, and a knowledge of environmental systems and earth processes. Such interdisciplinary approaches are essential for understanding changes in a rapidly changing world, and for understanding our past, present, and future. Environmental scientists will help ensure human prospects by improving both socio-economic development and environmental quality through innovation in new technologies and policies.
Public interest about environmental issues is increasing. Protecting and improving the environment involves knowledge and systematic problem-solving skills that are essential for environmental sciences. North Carolina State University's environmental sciences degree program provides sound, individualized academic programs for students who can develop a wide range of careers. For information on entrance requirements, contact the program coordinator:
Erin Champion
Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, NCSU
Box 8008
Raleigh, NC 27695-8008
919.513.2520
eachampi@ncsu.edu
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| English & Communication | |||
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 1 | 4 | |
| Communication Skills | 6 | ||
| Mathematics and Science | |||
| MA 131 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A | 3 | |
| or MA 141 | Calculus I | ||
| MA 231 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B | 3 | |
| or MA 241 | Calculus II | ||
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | ||
| Introductory Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry I Lab | |||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | |||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | ||
| Conceptual Physics | |||
| Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory | |||
| College Physics I | |||
| Science Electives | 4 | ||
| Natural Sciences | |||
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity | 4 | |
| AEC/PB 360 | Ecology | 4 | |
| or BIO 183 | Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
| Natural Sciences Electives | 4 | ||
| Departmental Requirements | |||
| ENV 100 | Student Success in Environmental First Year | 1 | |
| ENV 101 | Exploring the Environment | 2 | |
| ES 100 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences 1 | 3 | |
| ES 111 | Applications of Environmental Sciences 1 | 1 | |
| ES 200 | Climate Change and Sustainability 1 | 3 | |
| ES 300 | Energy and Environment 1 | 3 | |
| ES 400 | Analysis of Environmental Issues 1 | 3 | |
| ST 311 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | |
| Analytical Skills Electives | 3 | ||
| Economics Electives | 3 | ||
| Environmental Law and Policy Electives | 3 | ||
| External Learning Experience | 3 | ||
| Focal Area | |||
| ES Focal Area (See Advisor) 2 | 15 | ||
| Electives | |||
| Advised Electives (See Advisor) 2 | 9 | ||
| General Education Program (GEP) Courses | |||
| GEP Humanities | 6 | ||
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | ||
| GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 | ||
| GEP Global Knowledge (Verify Requirements) | |||
| World Language Proficiency GEP Global Knowledge (Verify Requirements) | |||
| Free Electives | |||
| Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 3 | 10 | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | ||
- 1
A grade of C- or better is required.
- 2
Students should consult their academic advisors to determine how to complete this requirement.
- 3
Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.
Communication Skills Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Communication Skills | |||
| Maximum of 3 credits | |||
| COM 336 | Newsletter Writing and Production | 3 | |
| ENG 210 | Introduction to Language and Linguistics | 3 | |
| ENG 214 | Introduction to Editing | 3 | |
| ENG 216 | Technologies for Texts | 3 | |
| ENG 281 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 3 | |
| ENG 287 | Explorations in Creative Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 288 | Fiction Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 289 | Poetry Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 292 | Writing About Film | 3 | |
| ENG 316 | Introduction to News and Article Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 317 | Designing Networked Communications | 3 | |
| ENG 323 | Writing in Rhetorical Traditions | 3 | |
| ENG 324 | Modern English Syntax | 3 | |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 | |
| ENG 332 | Communication for Business and Management | 3 | |
| ENG 333 | Communication for Science and Research | 3 | |
| ENG 422 | Writing Theory and the Writing Process | 3 | |
| ENG 425 | Analysis of Scientific and Technical Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 426 | Analyzing Style | 3 | |
| FLE 402 | Advanced Written Communication in English for International Students | 3 | |
| Verbal/Oral Communication Skills | |||
| Maximum of 3 credits | |||
| AEE 311 | Communication Methods and Media | 3 | |
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| COM 112 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COM 202 | Small Group Communication | 3 | |
| COM 211 | Argumentation and Advocacy | 3 | |
| COM 226 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 | |
| COM 289 | Science Communication and Public Engagement | 3 | |
| COM 292 | Language, Communication, and Culture | 3 | |
| COM 392 | International and Crosscultural Communication | 3 | |
| COM 395 | Studies in Rhetoric and Digital Media | 3 | |
| COM 411 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 | |
| COM 436 | Environmental Communication | 3 | |
| COM 479 | Climate Change Communication | 3 | |
| ENG 321 | Survey of Rhetorical Theory | 3 | |
| ENG 325 | Spoken and Written Traditions of American English Dialects | 3 | |
| ENG 326 | History of the English Language | 3 | |
| ENG 327 | Language and Gender | 3 | |
| ENG 328 | Language and Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 329 | Language in Globalization | 3 | |
| ENG 335 | Language Development | 3 | |
| ENG 395 | Studies in Rhetoric and Digital Media | 3 | |
| ENG 411 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 | |
| ENG 494 | Special Topics in Linguistics | 1-3 | |
| HSS 392 | International and Crosscultural Communication | 3 | |
| PRT 442 | 3 | ||
| THE 103 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 | |
| THE 203 | Theory and Practice of Acting | 3 | |
| THE 293 | Theater Practicum | 1-6 | |
| WGS 327 | Language and Gender | 3 | |
Science Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH 201 & CH 202 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory | 4 | |
| GN 311 | Principles of Genetics | 4 | |
| MB 351 & MB 352 | General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | 4 | |
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory | 4 | |
| PY 212 | College Physics II | 4 |
Natural Sciences Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEC 419 | Freshwater Ecology | 4 | |
| AEC 460 | Field Ecology and Methods | 4 | |
| FOR 260 | Forest Ecology | 4 | |
| FOR 339 | 4 | ||
| MEA 200 & MEA 210 | Introduction to Oceanography and Oceanography Lab | 4 | |
| PB 250 | Plant Biology | 4 | |
| PB 345 & PB 346 | Economic Botany and Economic Botany Lab | 4 | |
| SSC 200 & SSC 201 | Soil Science and Soil Science Laboratory | 4 | |
| ZO 250 | Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | |
| ZO 350 | Animal Phylogeny and Diversity | 4 | |
| ZO 402 | Invertebrate Biology | 4 |
Analytical Skills Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIS 280 | Introduction to GIS | 3 | |
| ST 312 | Introduction to Statistics II | 3 | |
| FOR 353 | GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Analysis and Assessment | 3 | |
| PS 371 | Research Methodology of Political Science | 3 |
Economics Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARE 201 | Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | 3 | |
| ARE 201A | Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | 3 | |
| EC 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| EC 205 | Fundamentals of Economics | 3 | |
| NR 219 | Natural Resource Markets | 3 |
Environmental Law and Policy Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARE 309 | Environmental Law & Economic Policy | 3 | |
| PS 320 | U.S. Environmental Law and Politics | 3 | |
| PS 336 | Global Environmental Politics | 3 | |
| NR 460 | Renewable Natural Resource Management and Policy | 3 |
External Learning Experience Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES 496 | Environmental Science Internship | 1-3 | |
| ES 497 | Professional Development in Environmental Science | 1-3 | |
| ES 498 | Research in Environmental Science | 1-3 | |
| ES 499 | Thesis in Environmental Science | 3 |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 1 | 4 |
| ENV 100 | Student Success in Environmental First Year | 1 |
| ENV 101 | Exploring the Environment | 2 |
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity | 4 |
| MA 131 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A | 3 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CH 101 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science | 3 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| ES 111 | Applications of Environmental Sciences 1 | 1 |
| MA 231 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B | 3 |
| ES 100 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences 1 | 3 |
| GEP Humanities | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PY 211 | College Physics I | 4 |
| CH 220 & CH 222 | Introductory Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| Communications Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PY 212 | College Physics II | 4 |
| ES 200 | Climate Change and Sustainability 1 | 3 |
| ST 311 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| AEC/PB 360 or BIO 183 | Ecology or Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ES 300 | Energy and Environment 1 | 3 |
| Economics Requirement | 3 | |
| Advised Elective I 3 | 3 | |
| Communications Requirement | 3 | |
| Focal Area I 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Focal Area II 2 | 3 | |
| Advised Elective II 3 | 3 | |
| SSC 200 & SSC 201 | Soil Science and Soil Science Laboratory | 4 |
| GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Environmental Law and Policy Requirement | 3 | |
| External Learning Experience | 3 | |
| Focal Area III 2 | 3 | |
| Advised Elective III 3 | 3 | |
| GEP Humanities | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ES 400 | Analysis of Environmental Issues 1 | 3 |
| Analytical Skills Requirement | 3 | |
| Focal Area IV 2 | 3 | |
| Focal Area V 2 | 3 | |
| Free Elective 2 | 1 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
- 2
See adviser to determine a relevant focal area and related course selections.
- 3
Advised Electives (9 credit hours) are to be selected in consultation with your adviser and need to focus on Environmental Science. At least 6 hours must be at the 400-level or above.
Career Opportunities
The Environmental Sciences program provides opportunities for students to rigorously explore complex, interdisciplinary environmental issues by combining courses from a number of NC State colleges to create a thorough interdisciplinary grounding. All degree options encourage students to pursue original research and gain field experience tackling real-world challenges — leaving them well prepared to take advantage of career opportunities once they graduate. Some graduates find jobs in the environmental industry, including careers as environmental consultants, working in large corporations, or starting their own businesses. Others find careers working in federal, state, and local agencies with environmental mandates. Still others continue their educations in professional and graduate schools.
Career Titles
- Agricultural Technician
- Atmospheric and Space Scientist
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Chemist
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Environmental Disease Analyst
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Research Analyst
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Environmental Science Professor
- Environmental Technician
- Forest and Conservation Technician
- Forest and Conservation Workers
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist
- Forester
- Geographer
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
- Hydrographer
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Air Pollution Analyst
- Industrial Ecologists
- Industrial Waste Inspector
- Landfill Inspectors
- Medical Equipment Technician
- Microbiologist
- Park Naturalist
- Seismologist
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Soil Scientist
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Water Pollution Control Inspector
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
Learn More About Careers
NCcareers.org
Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.
Career One Stop Videos
View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.
National Association of Environmental Professionals