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Environmental Science

Environmental Science

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental scientists take on the vital role of preservation, conservation and restoration of the environment. OU's environmental science program is designed to produce well-prepared professionals familiar with the intricacies of collecting and analyzing air, water and soil samples; monitoring compliance with environmental laws and regulations; assisting industries in environmental compliance and development of sustainable cost effective technologies; and addressing public audiences on local, regional and global environmental challenges. 

Do my interests fit?

Environmental science students typically have interests in:

  • Environmental chemistry
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering
  • Policy

High school preparation should include life science courses. 

How can OU Environmental Science help me?

OU environmental science students develop skills through experiential learning by practicing what is learned in the classroom through real world experiences. Students are tutored and mentored by upper-classmen with opportunities to expand horizons through study abroad. With accomplished faculty and expert guest speakers, students are empowered through professional development and receive competitive advantages in pursuing future careers.

How can I get involved?

There are numerous clubs industrial and systems engineering students can be a part of. Check them out:

Environmental Science Student Association (E.S.S.A.)
Sooners Without Borders
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies
Dean’s Leadership Council (D.L.C.)
Engineers’ Club
E-1 Club
Helping Engineers Learn Processes and Programs (H.E.L.P.P.)
Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.)

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (S.M.E.)
Tau Beta Pi
Triangle Fraternity
Sooner Engineering Entrepreneurs Club (S.E.E.C.)
American Indian Science & Engineering Society (A.I.S.E.S.)
National Society of Black Engineers
Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (S.A.S.E)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (S.H.P.E.)
Society of Women Engineers (S.W.E.)

What courses will I take?

Environmental science courses include:

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Water Quality Fundamentals
  • Environmental Transport and Fate Process
  • Aquatic Chemistry
  • Hazardous and Solid Waste Management
  • Environmental Biology and Ecology
  • Air Quality Management
  • Environmental Science Capstone

What kind of career could I pursue?

Environmental scientist
Air quality specialist
Agricultural scientist
Conservation scientist
Environmental engineer
Anthropologist
Geoscientist
Hydrologist
Occupational health and safety specialist

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Program Accreditation

An environmental science student graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree. Students may select a track after the sophomore year in one of three areas: Biology, Chemistry or Math/Physical Sciences or Policy. Environmental Science students can also minor in Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Environment, a program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

engineering


School of Civil and Environmental Science
Phone: (405) 325-5913
Email: mfsmith@ou.edu
Website: cees.ou.edu