Environmental Sciences Major: Earth Systems Option (B.S.)

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) and the College of Life Science and Agriculture (COLSA) jointly offer a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences. Environmental sciences, an interdisciplinary field, focuses on the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape our natural environment. Students graduating with a degree in environmental sciences will have an understanding of these interacting processes, the ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and lay audiences, competency in field methods appropriate for entry-level environmental science positions, competency in the use and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a basic understanding of environmental policy, and the ability to contribute to multidisciplinary teams. The University of New Hampshire is a recognized leader in environmental sciences research, and the environmental sciences program capitalizes on faculty expertise in this area. The full-time faculty members comprising this program have major teaching and research emphases in the areas of biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, geospatial science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science, and water resource management. 

Employment opportunities include environmental consulting firms, educational facilities (e.g., science centers), environmental monitoring laboratories (e.g., water treatment plants; the Environmental Protection Agency), government agencies (e.g., the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resource Conservation Service), university and government research laboratories, and nongovernment environmental organizations. The environmental sciences program also constitutes an excellent preparation for graduate programs in several areas relating to the environment. Students should consult with their adviser early if their goals include further study.

The Program has 3 options, and specific course requirements for the major vary by option. The Earth Systems option is managed by the Department of Earth Sciences in CEPS, and the Ecosystems and Soils and Watersheds options are both managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in COLSA. The Earth Systems option provides students with a solid grounding in quantitative reasoning, with an emphasis on geochemical, hydrologic, and geospatial systems.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

In addition to the Discovery Program and University writing requirements, all students complete introductory courses, and foundation courses that include introductions to biology, physics, chemistry, geology, calculus, and statistics. Students must complete additional courses for the Earth Systems option, including at least four courses at the 700-level.

For further information about the Earth systems option, students may contact earth.sciences@unh.edu.

Some students enroll in the EcoQuest program (a study abroad opportunity in New Zealand), which satisfies the policy requirement, and capstone requirement if taken senior year.

*Capstone Experience

A capstone experience is required of all undergraduate Earth sciences majors during their senior year. All capstone experiences at UNH must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. The capstone synthesizes and applies disciplinary knowledge and skills.
2. The capstone fosters reflection on undergraduate learning and experience.
3. The capstone demonstrates emerging professional competencies.
4. The capstone applies, analyzes, and/or interprets research or data or artistic expression.
5. The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning.

Suggested ways of meeting the capstone requirement in the Department of Earth Sciences include approved INCO 790 Advanced Research Experience, ESCI 795 Topics, ESCI 796 Topics, ESCI 799 Senior Thesis, URA/SURF/IROP projects, internships, environmental/geologic field camps, REU programs, or Earth Sciences education and outreach activities designed according to the above criteria. Capstone experiences must be equivalent to a minimum of 2 academic credits. Students should work closely with their faculty advisors to define the most appropriate capstone experience for their Earth Sciences degree program, although the capstone mentor can be someone other than their primary faculty advisor. All capstone experiences must be approved and certified by the faculty advisor and the capstone mentor. Presentation of projects or experiences developed for the capstone is encouraged at the annual UNH Undergraduate Research Conference or other appropriate venue.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

¹

One course must be taken in each of the remaining Disciplinary Groups of the University Discovery Program (Environment Technology & Society; Historical Perspectives; World Culture; Fine & Performing Arts; Social Science; Humanities).

²

Three technical electives must be approved in consultation with departmental advisor.

All students must take four writing intensive courses, including ENGL 401 First-Year Writing, a course in the major, and a course at the 600/700 level.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Recognize and understand common Earth and environmental materials, processes, dynamics, and cycles.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of Earth-ocean-atmosphere systems, with an emphasis on interactions among physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape our natural environment and impact society.
• Perform calculations and apply computational methods to process and evaluate a range of quantitative Earth, environmental, geochemical, and hydrologic data.
• Become proficient in basic Earth and the environmental science laboratory and field techniques.
• Summarize, analyze, evaluate, and explain/present student-generated scientific data and the primary Earth and environmental sciences literature.
• Effectively communicate results of scientific inquiries orally, visually, and in writing.