2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Ecology and Environmental Science (B.S.)



Program Coordinator/Contact

Alexander (Sandy) Smart, Assistant Head and Professor
Bruce Eichhorst, Instructor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 139C
605-688-6121

Program Information

The Ecology and Environmental Science major includes a strong core in biological and physical sciences and a variety of elective courses that allow students to follow different career paths within the major. Most students enrolled in this major are planning careers with state and federal natural resource agencies, consulting firms and industry. Predefined emphases are available to support careers in ecological informatics and analysis, watershed management, ecology, analytical laboratory analysis and health.  Students seek employment with state or federal environmental monitoring and regulatory agencies or private consulting firms immediately following graduation.  Many go on to pursue graduate degrees in conservation, ecology and environmental science.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ecology and Environmental Science major, students will:

  • demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystem services, recreation and livestock production;
  • describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitude, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management;
  • demonstrate the ability to lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field and lab techniques as well as contemporary technologies;
  • demonstrate the ability to appropriately analyze and critically evaluate data and other information;
  • demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences; and
  • demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that is imperative of a natural resource manager.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Ecology students within this program may gain certification through the Ecological Society of America upon completion of degree requirements. Curricula are designed so that upon completion, ecology students may become an Ecologist in Training through the Ecological Society of America.

Course Delivery Format

Ecology and Environmental Science coursework is delivered on-campus in lecture, discussion, and laboratory settings, and off-campus in numerous field-based settings.

Requirements for Ecology and Environmental Science Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 11

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 11 credits from the approved list of Group 1  courses. Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection entirely to the student and the advisor.

System General Education Requirements and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  Please review major requirements and the Group 1 list to determine if additional courses are required.

Major Requirements


Major Electives


Select a minimum of 25 credits from the following courses. Students should work with their advisor to select groupings of electives providing an “area of emphasis”. +Course requires additional prerequisites or instructor consent. Credits: 25

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements 32-34 Credit Hours
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements* 11 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 75-78 Credit Hours
Electives** 8-13 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.