Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

What is environmental science?

Environmental science studies the natural and anthropogenic processes affecting the environments and ecosystems that surround us.

Wayne State's environmental science and geology department is aimed at understanding Earth's history including its origin and age in rocks and landscapes, and how geological processes affect modern environmental and ecological systems coupled with addressing modern environmental problems and the interactions of organisms, including humans, on environmental systems.

Our program

Wayne State's environmental science program combines both geological and biological perspectives to give students an interdisciplinary approach to the subject. It is the only undergraduate bachelor of science degree program addressing environmental issues at WSU. In keeping with the mission of the university, this program distinguishes itself from other programs in the state by focusing on the urban environment and urban impacts on the environment.

Our program prepares students for graduate study or careers in various areas of environmental science including:

• Environmental impact assessment
• Environmental remediation and compliance
• Waste management
• Soil science
• Air and water quality management
• Planning and conservation
• Environmental education and communication
• Environmental law (along with a pre-law curriculum).

Graduates from the environmental science program are needed by local, state and federal governments, environmental consulting firms, and construction and civil engineering companies. In many cases, employers favor masters-level graduates, so an important objective of this program is to provide graduates with the prerequisites for admission to M.S. programs in environmental science. This major also serves education students seeking to become science teachers certified in environmental science.

Why study environmental science?

Our program is best designed for students who fit the following criteria: 

• Are committed to being a student in a rigorous educational program
• Enjoy spending time outdoors many of our classes have field components to them
• Are comfortable and/or interested in working in a lab setting many of our classes have a lab section along with lecture
• Can be flexible with regards to their other commitments, such as work schedule or family commitments

Why study environmental science at Wayne State?

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.