Biological Sciences/Environmental Science

Although derived from several long-standing areas of science, e.g., biology, chemistry and physics, environmental science is a relatively new and rapidly developing field. It is characterized by an integrative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental issues of concern to humans. This represents an exciting, rewarding area of science, which requires an especially strong academic background and an ability to think both analytically and comprehensively.

Career Opportunities

Growing human populations and the increasing impacts associated with human activities, along with heightened expectations about environmental quality are resulting in new career opportunities. Large corporations, such as those involved with mining, power generation, production of various food, pharmaceutical and chemical materials, agriculture and waste management, have a need for environmental scientists. Consulting firms are adding such specialists to their staffs, which already include attorneys, economists, engineers and planners. Government agencies charged with the responsibilities of environmental inventory, monitoring and regulation offer another professional avenue. At the federal level, this includes segments of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy and Department of Defense. Examples at the state, and sometimes county or city level, include departments such as environmental quality, health, natural resources, waste management and planning. Environmental education and interpretation programs now appear in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, parks, wildlife areas, private tours and even some large resorts.

This option provides an excellent foundation for a variety of careers. It also leaves a student well-prepared to continue into graduate degree programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) in the biological sciences. At some time, in fact, most professional scientists now can anticipate graduate education as being essential for career advancement.

High School Preparation

High School students should take year-long courses in biology, chemistry and physics, together with mathematics through algebra, advanced algebra, geometry and trigonometry. If available, an advanced science course and pre-calculus are encouraged. There should be an above-average performance in such course work, as well as in the student's overall high school program. An ACT composite score of 24 or higher also is suggested.

The Program

This program is designed as an option within the biology major. It includes the course work for that major plus additional course work in chemistry, the earth sciences, mathematics and physics. Core courses total 37 semester credits, and 13 or more elective credits within the major, plus general education electives, allowing the student to design a program best fitting his/her interests and career objectives. Electives in areas such as political science, resource economics and sociology are recommended. To complete this degree in four years requires that a student have an adequate science and mathematics background, begin working on sequential courses during the freshman year and carry 15 or more appropriate course credits each semester.

Related Experiences

Career opportunities are enhanced by work experiences and co-curricular involvement. Part-time, science-related work experiences are available in several NDSU departments as well as at the nearby United States Department of Agriculture laboratories. Off-campus work, such as summer employment with public agencies or private organizations, is especially valuable and has sometimes been the entry point for a first permanent position after graduation. NDSU offers many co-curricular activities, including science-related organizations such as Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society, the Pre-Med Club, the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and the Range Science Club.

Faculty and Facilities

Besides the expertise of the faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, the environmental science option also is based on a strong, diverse foundation from departments such as animal and range sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, geosciences, mathematics, soil science, statistics and zoology. Collectively, these units can provide the facilities and equipment necessary to a sound undergraduate education.

Contact Information

Dr. Gary K. Clambey

Department of Biological Sciences
North Dakota State University
Stevens Hall 233
Fargo, ND 58105-5517

Tel: (701) 231-7087
Fax: (701) 231-7149
Email: Gary.Clambey@ndsu.edu
Web: http://biology.ndsu.nodak.edu

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(6/07)