Ecology and Environmental Science Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Environmental Science offers opportunities for students to pursue career interests in academia, state and federal agencies, consulting, and industry. Students develop a strong core in biology, chemistry, soils, geology, mathematics, physics and statistics. Beyond the core, students select either the ecology or environmental science emphasis, each providing advanced coursework to complement a future career path. A broad selection of elective courses within each emphasis provides flexibility to define a particular career path. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in an undergraduate internship and/or research experience. Those following the ecology emphasis will graduate with coursework qualifying them to become certified ecologists through the Ecological Society of America. Post-graduate placement with graduate schools, environmental consulting firms, natural resource agencies and environmental education is very high.

Requirements for Ecology and Environmental Science Major - Bachelor of Science in Biological Science:

It is recommended that in addition to completed the Major core requirements that an emphasis is selected.

System General Education Requirements*: 33-35

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
and
ENGL 201
Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication:
SPCM 101*
Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity
Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity
Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics: Choose A, B, C, or D Credits: 4-6
a.
MATH 102
and
MATH 120

b.
MATH 115

c.
MATH 121-121L

d.
MATH 123
Goal #6 Natural Sciences:
BIOL 151-151L
and
BIOL 153-153L
Credits: 8

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 8-9

Goal #1 Land and Natural Resources:
BIOL 311
and
BIOL 311L
Credits: 4
Goal #2 Personal Wellness
, any course listed except BIOL 105** Credits: 2
Goal #3 Social Responsibility/Cultural and Aesthetic Awareness
Credits: 3

Major Requirements: 56-57

BIOL 202-202L - Genetics and Organismal Biology and Lab Credits: 4
BIOL 290 - Seminar Credits: 1
ABS 475-475L - Integrated Natural Resource Management and Lab (AW) Credits: 3
MICR 231-231L - General Microbiology and Lab (COM) Credits: 4
CHEM 112-112L - General Chemistry I and Lab* (COM) Credits: (3, 1)
CHEM 114-114L - General Chemistry II and Lab * (COM) Credits: (3, 1)
CHEM 326-326L - Organic Chemistry I and Lab(COM) Credits: (3, 1)
CHEM 328-328L - Organic Chemistry II and Lab(COM) Credits: (3, 1) or
CHEM 482 Environmental Chemistry
¹ Credits:3-4
PHYS 111-111L - Introduction to Physics I and Lab* (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 113-113L - Introduction to Physics II and Lab* (COM) Credits: 4
STAT 281 - Introduction to Statistics (COM) Credits: 3
PS 213-213L - Soils and Lab * ** Credits: 3
ENVM 425-425L/525-525L - Disturbance Ecology and Lab Credits: 4
PS 243 - Principles of Geology* ** Credits: 3 or
BIOL 373 Evolution
¹
ENVM 275 - Introduction to Environmental Science ** (G) Credits: 3 or
BIOL 464 Ecosystem Ecology
¹
GEOG 472 - Introduction to GIS Credits: 3 or
BOT 419-419L Plant Ecology and Lab
¹

Major Electives: 25-31

(Major electives to be selected with an advisor.)

Total Required Credits: 128

Footnote:

¹ Consult with advisor for classes to support your selected emphasis.

Curriculum Notes:

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has an 8-9 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.