The Environmental Science major is for students interested in the human impacts on the environment, and the preservation of the earth and its ecosystems through sustainable resource management and development. This major provides the course work and experiences necessary to prepare students for careers that address the complex and multi-faceted local, regional and global environmental issues facing society. With this major, offered through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, students will acquire a strong background in the basic sciences (i.e. chemistry, biology, geology) and take Environmental Science courses that address such issues as air and water pollution, ecological and human health risk assessment, hazardous waste management, environmental systems management, and environmental policymaking. Within the environmental science major, the student has the opportunity to take electives in topics of special interest to the student such as ecological toxicology, environmental pollution, risk assessment, risk management, and local, regional and global environmental issues.
Within this major, the Watershed Science option is designed for those students interested in pursuing careers focused on assessing and managing water quality and quantity. In addition to basic science and environmental science classes, courses that address hydrologic principles associated with ground and surface waters are required. Course-work will develop those skills that students need to determine the impact of land and water management activities on surface and groundwater resources. Students are taught how to analyze water movement, assess watershed characteristics such as soils, land use and precipitation, assess the effects of pollutants on water quality, and other significant techniques of watershed management, including modeling and monitoring approaches.
Careers:
The job outlook is very promising as maintenance of water and air quality, and assessment and reduction of the environmental impacts of human actions on ecosystem health are growing areas of employment and national priorities. Students majoring in Environmental Science can expect to work for local and state agencies such as Washoe County Regional Water Planning Commission, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Conservation Districts or the Nevada Division of Wildlife, and federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Service, the U.S. Forest Service or the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Graduates may also find employment within the private sector environmental industry, including a variety of consulting firms and nonprofit organizations such as the Natural Conservancy, and in areas of environmental education and communication. Course work also prepares our students to go onto graduate school to get advanced degrees in currently expanding areas of environmental chemistry and toxicology, hydrology, environmental risk assessment and environmental policy.
Preparation:
High School students should take at least one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics, along with algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Introductory calculus is also useful. English courses that emphasize writing and communication skills are also strongly recommended. Any courses missing from your high school training can be taken during your first year at the university.
What Will I Take?
Click Curriculum and select the academic year in which you will likely be declaring your major with NRES.
Contact Us:
Dr. Roger Walker
Mail Stop 186
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557
Phone: 775-784-4039
Fax: 775-784-4583
Email: walker@cabnr.unr.edu
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