Environmental science degree programs provide a foundation in major science disciplines, but also develop an expertise in how the diverse areas of science can work together to promote effective and beneficial uses of the planet's physical and biological resources while maintaining an ecological balance within and among the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Unlike traditional science programs, environmental science degree programs include specialized courses that demonstrate how technology, business, and management practices can be applied to the aquatic, atmospheric, and geologic systems of the planet for the betterment of humanity. Students majoring in environmental science may also enroll in the pre-medicine program.
A number of career paths are open to students who study environmental science. Bachelor-level positions in the government sector include naturalist, park ranger, wildlife officer, game warden, and local, state, or federal regulatory agent. Positions in the private sector include environmental laboratory and field technician, ecologist, quality assurance professional, industrial hygienist, hazardous materials technician, environmental consultant, land-use planner, soil scientist, and hydrologist. In the education sector, positions include elementary or secondary teacher, researcher and environmental education specialist. Graduates may also pursue graduate or professional studies in a variety of disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, medicine, and the health professions.
Recent Graduates Work Here
Astorino Branch Environmental Inc., Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc., Conservation Consultants, Department of Agriculture, Energy & Environmental Management Inc., EnviroLink Network, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Volz Environmental Services Inc., Waste Management.
Average starting salaries
|
By type of employer |
|
By job function |
|
|
Educational Services |
$21,040 |
Agricultural/Natural Resources |
$43,752 |
|
Government (Federal) |
$36,252 |
Research (Nontechnical) |
$18,000 |
|
Social Assistance |
$16,000 |
Research (Technical/Scientific) |
$22,000 |
|
Other Nonprofit Employers |
$15,000 |
Teaching |
$22,560 |
Below is a typical four-year course of study for environmental students, including major requirements and some electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| Principles Of Biology I | Microbiology |
| Reading & Writing Strategies | Chemistry II |
| Chemistry I | General Psychology |
| College Math | Argument & Research |
| Humanities: Art and Music | Decision Support Systems |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| Intro To Physical Geology | Intro To Meteorology |
| Environmental Physics | Survey of Economics |
| Public Speaking | Business Professional Communication |
| Statistics | Finite Math and Applied Calculus |
| Principles of Sociology | |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Environmental Chemistry | Hydrogeology |
| Ecology Fundamentals | Advanced Ecology |
| Air Pollution | Field Methods I |
| World Civilization I | World Literature |
| Business Elective | Business Elective |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Toxicology | Air/Water/Land Pollution |
| Environmental Law | Natural Resource Management |
| Field Methods II | Senior Thesis/Internship |
| Open Elective | Open Elective |
| Business Elective |
RMU's environmental science degree program uniquely trains environmental scientists for professional and technical positions in business, industry, government, and education by providing the analytical, technical, and enterprise skills required of such positions. Robert Morris offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) program and a bachelor of arts (B.A.) option.
The B.A. degree program is suited to students wishing to blend environmental science with other disciplines such as economics, political science, education, or computer science for careers in government, consulting, or education.
The B.S. degree program is suited to students planning to enter careers in environmental science or pursue graduate and professional studies.
Students in both programs benefit from the university's renowned Communication Skills Program. Because environmental science professionals are required to write reports and present information in a variety of venues and mediums, such training provides RMU graduates with a competitive edge. In addition, business courses are incorporated into the curriculum, giving graduates an enhanced ability to interact with non-science professionals in business, industry, and government.
The School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science unites faculty members from diverse disciplines and provides opportunies for collaboration in teaching and research between faculty and students. We provide students with real-world experiences that give them the skills they need to compete in the job market. The results show: a 96% job placement rate for our graduates. We emphasize a global curriculum and have a diverse student and faculty body. We make sure our students are engaged citizens of the globe and experienced professionals in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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