11%
The projects environmental scientists will see 11% job growth from 2016 to 2026.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Environmental science at the University of St. Thomas explores concepts from an interdisciplinary lens and will teach you to promote sustainable management of human and environmental health at the same time. We will challenge you to look past the headlines and use knowledge from the sciences to address environmental problems.
Why Study Environmental Science at St. Thomas?
Our program focuses on providing you with a host of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Whether you are conducting collaborative research with a professor or exploring sustainable energy use in Iceland, we want you to engage with fellow students, faculty and alumni throughout your time at St. Thomas. Alumni have gone on to work for companies like 3M, Barr Engineering, the United States Geological Survey and more.
Connecting Academic Knowledge to Real-world Problems
Course Requirements
The core of the program are project-driven classes that integrate knowledge gained throughout your college career to solve environmental problems. You will complete courses in biology, geology, chemistry, along with electives focusing on a wide range of topics. This all culminates in your senior year when you complete a research seminar course focusing on a topic of your choice.
Four-Year Plan
You start in biology, chemistry and geoscience courses, progressing through additional science courses based on your passions. You then pursue project-driven environmental science classes using all of the knowledge you gained to address environmental problems. You will also be encouraged to pursue courses in areas such as geography, engineering, theology and more during your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Biology concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Geoscience concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Chemistry concentration
- Minor in Environmental Science
Collaborative Research and Professional Development
Our students gain research and professional experience throughout their college career. We offer a series of impactful professional development opportunities, and receive a variety of competitive research grants and awards each year. Both opportunities engage you with environmental science professionals inside and outside of St. Thomas.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
The core of the program are project-driven classes that integrate knowledge gained throughout your college career to solve environmental problems. You will complete courses in biology, geology, chemistry, along with electives focusing on a wide range of topics. This all culminates in your senior year when you complete a research seminar course focusing on a topic of your choice.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
You start in biology, chemistry and geoscience courses, progressing through additional science courses based on your passions. You then pursue project-driven environmental science classes using all of the knowledge you gained to address environmental problems. You will also be encouraged to pursue courses in areas such as geography, engineering, theology and more during your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Biology concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Geoscience concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Chemistry concentration
- Minor in Environmental Science
Collaborative Research and Professional Development
Collaborative Research and Professional Development
Our students gain research and professional experience throughout their college career. We offer a series of impactful professional development opportunities, and receive a variety of competitive research grants and awards each year. Both opportunities engage you with environmental science professionals inside and outside of St. Thomas.
Addressing Environmental Problems
Our faculty are active researchers. Our alumni are making a difference in the world. Our students are solving environmental problems through their studies. Here is what they have been up to lately.
Dr. Lisa Lamb
Dr. Lisa Lamb integrates research in her Sustainability Living Learning Community courses and carries these concepts to her senior capstone classes. Students examine topics such as groundwater levels, lake sediments and water chemistry. Dr. Lamb's research also uses drones to determine vegetation changes and what is affecting Piping Plover nesting. The Nature Conservancy also collaborates with Dr. Lamb and students in conducting this research.
Christine Miresse ‘13
Christine joined the Peace Corps after graduating from St. Thomas. Her position with the organization focused on securing funding for and delivering a community-driven environmental health project in Panama. She now works as an industrial water consultant for Homeyer Consulting Services, where she helps clients understand the nuances of the water treatment industry while advocating for their best interests by making clear and actionable recommendations.
Sarah Howe ‘20
Sarah does it all. She was a Student Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, a member of the Geology and Sustainability clubs and a member of the Sustainability Living Learning Community her first year. She has extensive research experience, which included studying conservation of Piping Plovers in North Dakota and plate tectonics in the Himalayas.
Career Paths
Environmental science students have multiple careers available to them after graduation.
- Geology
- Toxicology
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental compliance
- Urban and regional planning
- Natural resource management and planning
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is available for high-achieving incoming students. St. Thomas will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
An Impactful Program
Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas.
Research
Engage with faculty. Get involved with impactful research with a bounty of professional and community partnerships through the university.
Expand Your Horizons
Where do you want to go? You can make the great outdoors your classroom through study abroad and field experiences.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Lisa Lamb
Dr. Lamb explores how vegetation and the chemistry of bodies of water affects the Piping Plover in North Dakota.
Dr. Chip Small
Dr. Small investigates a variety of topics, including the fate of anthropogenic nutrients in aquatic ecosystems to communicating science to the public.
Dr. Kevin Theissen
Dr. Theissen applies geological and geochemical methods to study past climate and environmental change, while also examining recent human impacts on the environment.
A Close-Knit Community of Scholars
Environmental science students support each other throughout their college journeys. Not only do they collaborate with each other in clubs, but they also have the chance to work on research projects with fellow students and professors.
Address Global Problems
There are multiple opportunities for you to see another side of the world with our program. For example, you can learn how to use geologic mapping and topographic profiling to explore sustainability issues as part of the Field Methods and Sustainable Energy Use in Iceland program.
Surrounded by Passionate Peers
The Sustainability Living Learning Community engages you in various activities to explore the complexities of key environmental themes while exploring sustainable solutions with students who share your interests.
Make an Impact
You can collaborate with faculty like Dr. Jen McGuire from biology and Dr. Chi Lai from engineering to conduct impactful research focusing on a variety of topics, including the effects of oil spills on drinking water sources.
Get Involved
Our students regularly engage with the public throughout their time at St. Thomas as part of their coursework and extracurricular involvement. Public engagement is a trademark of environmental science courses.
Schoenecker Center
The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new spaces for Environmental Science students, including our Water & Environmental Engineering Lab and the Earth, Environment & Society department offices.
Create a Better Future
Environmental science students at St. Thomas learn to dive deeper with their knowledge of the sciences to address environmental issues. Whether they are learning about environmental problems in another part of the world or conducting research here in the Twin Cities, environmental science students have the skills to promote—and create—a better future.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.