Environmental Science program

Undergrad major

Water, air and soil monitoring. Pollution remediation. Natural resource management. Climate change mitigation.

An environmental science major will give you the scientific skillset to better understand and address pressing environmental issues like these.

In UWL’s Environmental Science major, you will delve into an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to cultivate a holistic understanding of environmental challenges, setting the stage for a future career where your expertise will be in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6 % increase in career opportunities for environmental scientists over the next decade from 2022-2032. Demand is projected to outpace supply in the Midwest.

I love my career. I work for a large-scale wind and solar developer. The UWL geography program helped me prepare by showing me the numerous ways GIS is used in careers. The faculty holds vast knowledge from multiple geography fields.

Annie McIntyre

Careers in Environmental Science?

Environmental scientists often work on interdisciplinary teams involving ecologists, engineers, geographers, chemists and others. They work for private companies, environmental conservation non-profits, local, state and federal agencies.

A high demand for environmental scientists is projected for the Midwest through 2032. These professionals also receive competitive pay with the median salary for an environmental scientist in 2022 at $76,480 per year.

Positions

Environmental consultant
Climate change analyst
Environmental health and safety specialist
Environmental restoration (prairies/wetlands)
Natural resource management

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What is Environmental Science?

Rooted in geography, biology, chemistry and microbiology, and environmental studies, environmental science applies knowledge from the natural and social sciences to understand issues in the environment with the goal of protecting the Earth and human health.

What distinguishes UWL’s Environmental Science program?

Community partners offer internship and job connections

Students often find internships during school and full-time jobs after graduation with community partners who collaborate closely with the university department such as the Mississippi Valley Conservancy; USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center; J.F. Brennan; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Coulee Region Trout Unlimited and others.

Study abroad and around the U.S.

Students may participate in small group extended field trips to selected parts of the U.S. and abroad. Geography and environmental science students have traveled to study and conduct research in places such as Tanzania, Nepal, Belize, Cook Islands, Iceland, and Puerto Rico.

Research with faculty

Students have the opportunity to work on local and international research projects with faculty. Students regularly receive funding to support their efforts and to present their results at local and national conferences.

Access to field equipment

Students have access to field equipment including boats, unmanned aerial systems (drones), field mapping and surveying technology, sediment and soil sampling equipment, sonar for aquatic mapping, and much more.

Driftless area natural surroundings

Marshes, rivers, and bluff land create an outdoor laboratory for classes and undergraduate research in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin.

Prepare yourself for interdisciplinary work

UWL’s major is interdisciplinary — meaning that classes span diverse majors and colleges. Through a broad curriculum, students will gain a holistic understanding of environmental issues and approaches.

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