School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Interim Director: Stephen Bollens
Program Director, WSUTC: R. Gene Schreckhise

Adjunct Faculty: W. R. Barchet, J. M. Barnett, V. P. Bond, C. R. Briggs, M. E. Byrnes, L. L. Cadwell, R. M. Carosino, S. B. Cherry, P. J. Doucette, A. Felsot, D. R. Fisher, K. M. Fowler, D. C. Hedengren, W. F. Hendrickson, T. E. Hui, P. M. Irving, T. T. Jarvis, R. R. Kirkham, E. B. Moore Jr., K. R. Moser, C. J. Murray, B. A. Napier, D. P. Olsen, G. W. Patton, N. P. Qafoku, L. M. Ramonas, L. B. Rock, J. K. Samuels, J. C. Scholten, W. J. Shaw, S. C. Smith, P. S. Stansbury, R. D. Stenner, J. A. Strand, D. J. Strom, J. D. Tagestad, B. J. Tice, W. Um, B. E. Vaughan, J. B. Wireman, J. A. Wise

Environmental Science deals with the variety of environmental problems caused by humans as they live their lives; satisfying their needs and wants, processing materials, and releasing unwanted products into the environment.  The field emerged as a response to these problems.  Today this includes the issues of air and water pollution, biodiversity, hazardous waste, global climate change and ozone depletion.  WSU Environmental Science leaders have developed a program of study that provides graduates with the perspective, tools, and experience to meet the challenges that this exciting field presents.

Addressing environmental problems requires more than a good general science degree.  You will study subject matter from a range of disciplines that includes the social sciences as well as natural sciences. In addition to the core requirements, at least 18 semester credits are in an area of specialization, chosen in consultation with the advisor. This area might be natural resource sciences, geology, biology, environmental regulatory compliance, occupational and environmental health science, hazardous waste management, or agricultural ecology.

Careers in Environmental Science

Graduates may work in these professions: hazardous materials manager, spatial data analyst, fishery manager, city or regional planner, water resources manager, parks and recreation planner, earth science editor and writer, forester, ground water advisor, marine conservation biologist, water pollution control technician, watershed specialist, health advocate, soil consultant, ecological restoration consultant, wetland scientist, or sustainable business consultant.

Lower-Division Requirements

The first two years of the program may be taken at Columbia Basin College or another accredited college or university.  Transfer students will be admitted to the program if they show evidence of a 2.5 (C+) or higher grade point average (based on a 4.0 system) in transferable work completed at accredited post-secondary institutions. Students may choose to obtain a Direct Transfer Agreement degree, which satisfies WSU's lower-division general education requirements; however, students are responsible for any additional requirements that are specific to the College of Sciences and the Environmental Science Program.  You are encouraged to meet with the WSU Tri-Cities advisor before transferring to WSU Tri-Cities, or even before attending a community college, to discuss program requirements, prerequisite courses, and the University and College requirements.

The schedule of studies for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science is organized around the Freshman and Sophomore requirements listed below.  

• Introduction to Statistical Methods (Stat 212)
• Mathematics for Life Scientists (Math 140) or Calculus I (Math 17l)
• Principles of Chemistry, one year (Chem 105 and 106)
• Introductory Writing (Engl 101)
• Writing and Research (Engl 201 or 402)
• Introduction Biology, one year organismal and cell (Bio S 106 and 107)
• General Physics, one year (Phys 101 and 102)
• Environment and Human Life (ES/RP 101)
• World Civilization, (GenEd 110 and l l l)
• Physical Geology (Geol 102) or Soil: A Living System (SoilS 201)
• Foreign language, one year in college level if two years were not completed in high school
• Social Sciences (Soc 101 and EconS 101 are recommended)

Upper-Division Requirements

At least 40 upper-division (300- and 400-level) semester credits are required.  Core courses in the major include:

• Modeling the Environment (ES/RP 310)
• Environmental Policy (ES/RP 335)
• Introductory Biochemistry (MBioS 303), General Microbiology (MBioS 302) or General Genetics (MBioS 301)
• Organic Chemistry I (Chem 345)
• General Ecology (Biol 372)
• The Ecosystem (ES/RP 404)
• Environmental Assessment (ES/RP 444)
• Special Topics (ES/RP 490)
• Senior Seminar (ES/RP 491)
  

Minor in Environmental Science

Students can obtain a minor in Environmental Science.  18 semester credits are required including Biol 372, ES/RP 335, and ES/RP 444.  Applications and further details are available from the science advisor.

Course descriptions can be viewed at the WSU Catalog website.

For more information contact:

Carol Coker, Undergraduate Advisor
West 263B
WSU Tri-Cities
2710 University Drive
Richland, WA 99354-1671
Telephone: (509) 372-7306
E-mail: Carol Coker

Gene Schreckhise, Graduate Advisor
WSU Tri-Cities
2710 University Drive
Richland, WA 99354-1671
Telephone : (509) 372-7323
E-mail: Dr. Gene Schreckhise

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