Environmental Science

Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science

Division of Mathematics, Science, & Technology

The B.S. in Environmental Science is one of several science degrees offered at YHC. The degree prepares students to tackle environmental challenges in various fields, to work in various disciplines, and to succeed in advanced degree programs. Knowledgeable faculty help students to understand the natural science components of environmental issues while also exploring the social and economic factors involved. Students receive training in instrumentation and field techniques, learn to work collaboratively with others, and consider the ethical implications of environmental problems.

The Math, Science, and Technology majors are all built on the same liberal arts core. The major requires students to develop proficiency in experimental design, field techniques, data analysis, and geographic information systems. Students often conduct undergraduate research with a faculty mentor as well. The environmental science faculty often involve students in projects with numerous entities locally, regionally, and nationally, including the Hemlock Project, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation Section, MountainTrue, and the Appalachian Teaching Project.

When viewing requirements for your major, please select appropriate catalog year.

Learn More

What classes will you take?

  • A diverse set of classes in the liberal arts core
  • Introductory Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Statistics, Physical Geography I and II.  The curriculum for environmental science can be viewed here.
  • The environmental science major offers a broad range of courses within the biology and chemistry departments.  Examples of major classes in Environmental Science, including:
    • ENST 1102 Environmental Studies: This course surveys the social causes of human impacts on the natural and built environments, both locally and around the world. In addition, this course assesses social and public policy tools for solving environmental problems
    • PSCG 3201 Geographic Information Systems: This course provides a practical, hands-on approach to spatial database design and spatial data analysis with Geographical information Systems (GIS) software as applied to the natural sciences. Background material in spatial statistics and GIS design issues will be included.
    • CHEM 3350 Environmental Chemistry: Students in this course apply the principles of chemistry to gain an understanding of the environment and environmental issues. Topics of interest include atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, climate change, water chemistry, water pollution, water treatment, soil chemistry, and utilization of insecticides and herbicides.
    • BIOL 3201 Conservation Biology:  Conversation biology is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates sciences (e.g., genetics, ecology, wildlife management) with the human dimension (e,g., politics, economics, ethics) with the goal of conserving biodiversity. This course explores both theoretical and applied aspects of conversation on the local, national, and international scales.

What can you do with a degree in environmental science?

The environmental science major prepares you for a range of graduate school and career options. Coursework offered in the environmental science major allows graduates to meet the requirements for application to graduate schools in a variety of disciplines including environmental biology, environmental chemistry, ecology and conservation biology, and the aquatic sciences. Graduates with a B.S. in Environmental Science have pursued careers across the region in many different disciplines. Questions about the environmental science major can be directed to Dr. Andrea Kwaitkowski, Biology Chair.