Environmental Science and Technology is an interdisciplinary major offered in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and administered by the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies. The broad-based curriculum offers coursework in the natural sciences, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, technology, and the arts. Four concentrations in environmental areas—Energy Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, Planning and Site Analysis, and Water and Waste Management—are available to allow the student to pursue an area of interest. No minor is required but is encouraged for EST students. Courses that are part of a student’s major cannot be used in a minor. The requirements for a major in Environmental Science and Technology are listed below with 36-41 semester hours in the EST core, 30 hours in General Education outside of the math and science areas, and 20 to 29 hours in an identified specialty or concentration.

Typical employment opportunities exist in the various levels of governmental agencies and as environmental consultants in manufacturing, construction, and agricultural industries in such areas as air and water quality control, recycling, hazardous and solid waste management, and noise.

The Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies administers the interdisciplinary program. Courses are offered by Agribusiness and Agriscience, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies.

Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities offered through the Center for Energy Efficiency. The center promotes energy economics and environmental awareness and stewardship for students, faculty, administrators, and others in the community. Through interaction with local, state, and federal associations, the center offers certification seminars, educational and training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals.

Core requirements (36-41 hours)

ABAS 3370, 3 hours

BIOL 1120, 4 hours

CHEM 1120, 4 hours

CHEM 2030 or 3010/3020, 4 or 8 hours

GEOL 1040 or ABAS 3340, 3 or 4 hours

EST 2810, 3 hours

EST 4770 or 4780, 4 hours

PHYS 2010/2011, 2020/2021, 8 hours

MATH 2050, 3 hours

Concentration: Energy Technology

The Energy Technology concentration under the Environmental Science and Technology major includes course work in conservation and the environmental issues in the use of nonrenewable energy sources. This program offers preparation for students seeking employment in the energy management, air pollution control, and resource management fields.

*Consult advisor for course.

Concentration: Environmental Health and Safety

The Environmental Health and Safety concentration of the Environmental Science and Technology major includes course work in calculus-based courses in physics and engineering mechanics, engineering design, and safety. This course of study offers preparation for a variety of careers in environmental engineering technology, safety, design, and environmental consulting, as well as graduate degree programs in environmental engineering.

Students should consult their advisors each semester to plan their schedules.

Concentration: Planning and Site Analysis

The Planning and Site Analysis concentration under the Environmental Science and Technology major offers training in environmental planning, the collection and analysis of information on the natural environment to be completed before design and construction of a project. The goal of planning is to avoid natural hazards, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment through sound ecological principles. Effective environmental planning results in the efficient management of natural resources, insuring sound economic development while minimizing environmental degradation.

*Choose from ABAS 4340, 4350; BIOL 3210; CHEM 4610; EST 4810; GEOG 4570; GEOL 4150, 4490.

Students should consult their advisors each semester to plan their schedules.

Concentration: Water and Waste Management

The Water and Waste Management concentration under the Environmental Science and Technology major looks at solid waste which is deposited on land and in water, sometimes causing serious environmental problems. However, wastes may be handled as a resource. Major issues of waste management include problems and benefits associated with landfilling garbage and with the need to reduce the waste stream. Major concerns to be considered in assessing waste management problems and solutions are (1) environmental quality: wastes must be managed so they do not pollute air or soil water resources; nor should they be used in a way that might introduce a toxic or pathogen into the food chain; (2) organic waste as energy resources: incineration can be studied as an alternative to landfilling or application; organic wastes may also be a source of fertilizers.

*Choose from ABAS 3700, 4370; BIOL 3210, 4590; CHEM 4610; GEOL 4150.

Students should consult their advisors each semester to plan their schedules.

Minor in Environmental Science and Technology

The minor in Environmental Science and Technology consists of 18 semester hours of courses as approved by the minor advisor with at least 6 hours at the upper-division level.