Environmental Science, B.S.

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Location: Herrmann Science Center 204D
Telephone: 859-572-5110
Fax: 859-572-5639
Email Address: envs@nku.edu
Web Address: http://envsci.nku.edu
Program Director: Kristine N. Hopfensperger, Department of Biological Sciences
Other Faculty: Kirsten Schwarz

The environmental science program is an interdisciplinary program that provides those interested in environmental careers with a strong background in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics. This multidisciplinary background is combined with 300-level or above course requirements that integrate the disciplines and emphasize the scientific study of environmental issues from a research- and career-oriented perspective. The inclusion of research or internships enables students to gain expertise and experience to monitor, analyze, and contribute to the solution of current environmental problems. These opportunities are provided by faculty from the biology, chemistry, and physics and geology departments, the Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics, the Center for Environmental Restoration, and industry and government agencies. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science are well equipped to join the ranks of other environmental professionals working with local, state, and federal agencies; consulting firms; or nonprofit organizations. They are also qualified to become part of a research team or pursue graduate study in environmental sciences.

Special admission requirements: The admission standards for all students pursuing degrees in environmental science are mathematics ACT 22 and CPE minimum standards of 18 and 20 reading, or successful completion of appropriate developmental courses. Transfer students must also meet these requirements before declaring an environmental science major.

Four-Year Plan: Click here to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures page.

You should also know: The degree of Bachelor of Science in environmental science will be conferred upon all students who complete all of the following course requirements with a grade of C- or better.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.

These prerequisites are not included in the program totals in the table below, but they must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Degree Requirements (79-85 credits)

Core Courses

Select one course from the following (3 credits)

BIO 406 Ecosystem Ecology (4 credits) ♦ AND
BIO 406L Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory (0 credits)
ENV 220 Protecting Water Resources - NS (3 credits) ♦ AND
ENV 220L Protecting Water Resources Laboratory - SL (1 credit)
ENV 294 Topics in Environmental Science (1-5 credits) ♦
ENV 308 Science Communication (3 Credits) ♦
ENV 350 Environmental Toxicology (3 credits) ♦
ENV 394 Topics: Environmental Science (1-3 credits) ♦
ENV 408 Ecology of the City (4 credits) ♦ AND
ENV 408L Ecology of the City Laboratory (0 credits)
Or other course approved by the program director

One 3-credit-hour internship –OR– Directed research (3 credits)

Minor (8-14 credits)

A minor in biology, chemistry, geology, geography, mathematics, or statistics (The requirements for the minor beyond the 8-14 credit hours are completed as part of the environmental science major.)