Environmental education dramatically changed with the surge of new federal, state and local environmental legislation in the 1970s. During the 1990s, the loss of biodiversity further influenced the environmental curriculum with expanded job opportunities and more stringent legislation.

Environmental issues are inherently interdisciplinary; therefore, students can select one of two environmental majors at Dominican University. The environmental science major allows science students to take a variety of courses within the Department of Natural Sciences. The natural sciences major with an environmental studies concentration is designed for students interested in a multidisciplinary program that provides a broader study of environmental issues including science, political science, business and the humanities. Students in environmental studies can select a minor in a science area to strengthen their expertise.

The small size of Dominican’s classes allows students the opportunity to work closely with professors, who help with research projects, mentor during internships and assist with complex technical procedures in the classroom, laboratory and field. The university’s wellrounded liberal arts curriculum promotes communication skills, fosters a broader understanding of society essential in any profession, and provides students with the practical knowledge and experience critical to a successful career in the environmental field.

The Environmental Science Major

The environmental science major is for students interested in pursuing a science degree that does not limit them to one specific science field. This is an all-encompassing major, giving students an interdisciplinary approach within the natural sciences department. In addition to required courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer science, students may pursue a variety of courses in geology, ecology, zoology and botany. Students must also complete an internship or independent research project in the environmental field.

Students leave Dominican University as environmental scientists to pursue careers in government and industry or to complete a graduate degree. Career opportunities are in a variety of areas such as natural resources, energy, hazardous and chemical wastes, pollution monitoring and regulatory compliance

The Natural Science Major With An Environmental Studies Concentration

The natural sciences major is ideal for the liberal arts student who has a broad interest in environmental issues. This interdisciplinary course of study emphasizes human interactions with the environment and the development of and influences on public policies on the international, national and local levels. A student completing this major will have a strong foundation in laboratory science, political science, the humanities and business— essential for understanding the complexity of environmental issues. This major provides computation and statistical skills for analysis of environmental information and oral and writing skills for effective communication.

Students are encouraged to select a science minor in a discipline that will complement their environmental studies program, such as biology or chemistry. The natural sciences major with an environmental studies concentration in conjunction with training in a traditional discipline will prepare students for graduate work and careers in environmental policymaking, law, natural resources, environmental management or business.