Environmental Science

Here, we champion active learning through practice.

Why Environmental Science at Valpo?

Grounded in science and compassion, we radiate global change. Students with a passion to pave the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future shine in Valpo’s environmental science program. Our students thrive in living, outdoor laboratories – from protected natural areas to industrial zones. Starting year one, students are restoring fish habitats, aiding reforestation efforts, and taking strides toward environmental justice.

Our flexible program allows students to pursue a complete major in environmental science or a complementary environmental science major. Both pathways equip students with the scientific, humanistic, and social perspectives necessary to preserve and protect earth’s ecosystems.

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About Our Environmental Science Degrees

Core Requirements

In step with Valpo values, the College of Arts and Sciences is committed to empowering students to grow into compassionate servant-leaders. Every student’s Valpo experience begins with an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual journey through our University’s liberal arts core, starting with the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE). This uniquely Valpo perspective gives environmental science students a strong foundation in cultural awareness, communication, and social sciences.

Major Requirements

Just as environmental challenges aren’t limited to one area of expertise, our program is designed to pass a truly interdisciplinary perspective on to our students. Our bachelor of science draws on the principles of biology, chemistry, environmental engineering, economics, geography, philosophy, psychology, and more, preparing tomorrow’s leaders to always see the larger picture.

Students interested in environmental science can pursue a 52-credit bachelor of science in environmental science or a 32-credit complementary environmental science major to accompany a primary major of choice.

Environmental Science Core		30 Cr.
GEO 260	Environmental Conservation	3 Cr.
BIO 171	Unity of Life	4 Cr.
BIO 172	Diversity of Life	4 Cr.
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I	4 Cr.
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II	4 Cr.
GEO 104	Intro to Geomorphology in Earth Systems Science	4 Cr.
GEO 215	Intro to Geographic Info Systems	4 Cr.

One Course from the Following Options		1 Cr.
BUS 205	Business Statistics	3 Cr.
GEO 460	Data Analysis	3 Cr.
MET 460	Data Analysis	3 Cr.
PSY 201	Statistical Methods	3 Cr.
STAT 140	General Statistics	3 Cr.
STAT 240	Statistical Analysis	3 Cr.

One Course from the Following Options		3 Cr.
GEO 475	Culture, Nature, Landscape	3 Cr.
PHIL 230	Environmental Philosophy and Ethics	3 Cr.

Environmental Science Electives		14 Cr.
BIO 215	Fundamental Microbiology for Engineers	3 Cr.
BIO 350	Field Biology: Spring	3 Cr.
BIO 430	Plant Biology	4 Cr. *
BIO 435	Insect Biology	4 Cr. *
BIO 440	Ecology	4 Cr. *
CHEM 221	Organic Chemistry I	4 Cr.
CHEM 222	Organic Chemistry II	4 Cr.
CHEM 230	Quantitative Analysis	4 Cr.
CHEM 341	Environmental Chemistry	3 Cr.
CE 364	Environmental Engineering I	4 Cr. *
ENVS 290	Topics in Environmental Science	1 Cr.
ENVS 490	Advanced Topics in Environmental Science	1 Cr.
GEO 264	Soils and the Environment	3 Cr.
GEO 266	River Systems and Landforms	3 Cr.
GEO 304	Process Geomorphology and Terrain Analysis	4 Cr.
GEO 315	Environmental Applications of GIS	3 Cr.
GEO 265	Biogeography	3 Cr.
GEO 385	Field Study	1 Cr. (when an environmental field study)
GEO 415	Advanced Geographic Information Systems	3 Cr.
GEO 240	Introduction to Climate Change	3 Cr. OR
MET 240	Introduction to Climate Change	3 Cr.
MET 440	Global Climate Change	3 Cr.

**Minimum of 14 credit hours from the options above, including at least one Writing in the Discipline (WID) course (marked with *)

Capstone Experience		2-4 Cr.
ENVS 499	Colloquium on Environmental Science and Management	1 Cr.

One Additional Course from the Following Options		2-4 Cr.
ENVS 381	Co-Operative Education in Environmental Science	1 Cr.
ENVS 386	Internship in Environmental Science	0.5 Cr.
ENVS 495	Independent Research in Environmental Science	0.5 Cr.
ENVS 499	Colloquium on Environmental Science and Management	1 Cr.

**ENVS 495 and ENVS 499 can be repeated for credit

Career Outcomes

A degree in environmental science empowers Valpo graduates to lend their light in communities all over the world. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow by 7% through 2033 – with an annual median salary of $78,980.

Careers in Environmental Science:

Wildlife conservationist
Environmental consultant
Environmental lawyer
Environmental technician
Educator
Geographer

Marine biologist
Microbiologist
Renewable energy researcher
Sustainability engineer
Water quality specialist

college of Arts & science

Program Rankings & Highlights

Prime Location

Surrounded by agricultural, industrial, natural, and residential areas.

Real-World Applications

Students apply what they learn to pressing issues facing our environment

Earthtones

A student organization dedicated to sharing the key principles of conservation and more

Student Success

Environmental science alumna Chloe Kennedy ’24 switched her major during her junior year to pursue her passions, leading to two intensive internships within the federal government: one with a National Wildlife Refuge System and one with the National Park Service at the Indiana Dunes National Park just minutes from campus.

Read Chloe’s Story

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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