Environmental Science Major | Truman State University

Environmental Science Major (BS)

As an environmental science major, you’ll explore the interaction between natural systems and organisms – including humans. With this interdisciplinary major, you’ll delve into a wide range of fields including biology, chemistry, agricultural science, economics, political science, and environmental studies. As you work toward a broad understanding of these various fields, you’ll start making connections and developing insights on how you can tackle challenges facing the environment today.

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Career Paths

The environmental science major prepares you for careers related to conservation biology, environmental monitoring, environmental consulting, and many others. You can help protect and manage natural resources, clean up polluted areas, advise policy makers, or work with industry partners to implement environmentally sustainable practices.

Featured Courses

Ecology and Evolution of the Organism

Learn about the interconnectedness of organisms, environment, and evolution by exploring concepts related to population genetics, population ecology, community ecology, macroevolution, physiological ecology, systematics, and functional morphology.

Principles of Soil Science

Study the origin, formulation, characteristics, and resultant management implications for use of soil resources, with applications for agriculture, the environment, waste disposal, engineering and society.

Environmental Science

Learn about abiotic and biotic components of the Earth’s environment and scientific principles that allow for a fundamental understanding of environmental issues.

Grassroots Environmentalism

Interact with community partners on a project aimed to have a positive impact on the environment in the surrounding community.

Environmental Politics

Explore the evolution of the environmental movement in the United States; the social and political contexts of environmental policy making; the key institutions, groups, and processes involved in making environmental policy; and the theoretical guidelines employed in environmental decision making.

Geographic Information Science

Study geographic information systems (G.I.S.) and learn how to use a desktop G.I.S. software package to create maps and manipulative data linked to them.

Student taking a water sample in a stream

Research

Conducting research is a core component of the environmental science major. Receive training in fieldwork, experimental design, programming, geographic information systems, and statistics.

Hands-On Learning

Participate in a service-based learning experience with the Truman or Kirksville communities to develop practical, data driven solutions on topics such as waste management, emissions reductions or land use change.

Active Learning Spaces

As an environmental science major, you'll have access to well-equipped teaching, research, and computer labs where you will pursue inquiry-based educational experiences.

University Farm

The 400-acre University Farm provides a unique living laboratory and outdoor classroom.

Student Engagement

Get involved with on-campus organizations associated with environmental science, such as the Truman Sustainability Office or student groups including the Environmental Campus Organization, Student Climate Union, Wildlife Association, Save the Bees, and more.