Environmental Studies

The field of Environmental Studies recognizes that finding solutions to the environmental challenges facing our society requires individuals with experience and training in a broad array of disciplines. Success in the field requires not only a scientific background to develop technical solutions but also an understanding of the social and economic implications of solutions and decisions. The Environmental Studies Program at UNO offers interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees that provide students with training in the breadth of disciplines required to understand the complex nature of solving environmental challenges, as well as the scientific expertise needed to successfully pursue a career relating to the environment.

Other Information

All coursework taken for the Environmental Science major or minor must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better.

Double Counting

ENVN--Geography & Planning and Geography double majors: Students may not count the same 3000-4000 level Geography courses towards both majors, with the exception of GEOG 3530 and 4050.

ENVN--Geography and Planning major with Geography minors: may not use the same 3000/4000 level course for both programs.

ENVN--Earth Sciences major and Geology minors: GEOL 1170 and one 2000-level or higher course may count toward both programs.

ENVN--Earth Sciences major and Geography minors: one upper-level GEOG/GEOL course may count toward both programs.

ENVN--Life Sciences and Biology double majors: With the exceptions of BIOL 1450, BIOL 1750, BIOL 2140, and BIOL 3340,  no other biology courses may count for both majors. 

BS/BA Geology major with ENVN minor: no 3000/4000 level courses may overlap.

Fast Track Program (for students seeking the BS in Environmental Science with a concentration in Geography and Planning)

The Department of Geography/Geology has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a BS in Environmental Science (Geography & Planning Option) desiring to pursue an MS in Geography.
  • Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must have a graduate faculty member in the department of Geography/Geology provide a short letter of support for their application to Fast Track as a faculty sponsor/mentor.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework is required to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived; the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Contact

Dr. David Manning, Director
114 Allwine Hall
davidmanning@unomaha.edu

Website


 

Degrees Offered

Core Requirements

All students majoring in Environmental Science will complete a common set of core requirements, in addition to courses specific to their concentration.  Core requirements include the following:

ENVN 2010ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS2
Two additional approved introductory environmental science courses6-7
ENVN/GEOL/BIOL 4610ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT3
A minimum of 1 credit hour in ENVN 4800 (up to 3 credits can be applied to the major)
ENVN/BIOL 4800INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING1-3
ENVN/GEOG 4820INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & REGULATIONS3
An approved course in statistics3-4
An approved GIS course1-4
An approved course focusing on the human dimensions of environmental studies3
Total Credits22-29

Minors Offered

The Environmental Studies Program at UNO offers interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees that provide students with training in the breadth of disciplines required to understand the complex nature of solving environmental challenges. Students acquire the scientific expertise to effectively pursue a career relating to the environment by focusing on one of four areas of concentration. The Environmental Studies Program is committed to preparing students for careers helping to meet the environmental challenges facing us locally, nationally and globally.

Environmental Science – Analytical Sciences concentration

The analytical sciences concentration is designed to produce environmental scientists with a strong background in chemistry preparing them to find solutions to problems associated with chemical pollutants that are being released into the air, earth and water environments of our planet. 

Environmental Science – Earth Sciences concentration

The earth sciences concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in environmental geology, working on land, soil, and water conservation.

Environmental Science – Geography and Planning concentration

The geography and planning concentration is designed to produce local and regional planning specialists who understand the best approaches for preventing environmental problems.

Environmental Science – Life Sciences concentration

The life sciences concentration is designed to prepare a student for jobs as environmental biologists protecting natural ecosystems and promoting a healthy environment.

Some career options

  • Air and Water quality scientist
  • City and Regional Planning aide
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental educator
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Environmental and Public Health Specialist
  • Geospatial Information Systems technician
  • Restoration Ecologist
  • Soil and Water Conservationist
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist