Environmental Science
Introduction
Environmental sciences in the broadest sense are concerned with the development of new and more efficient ways to maintain and enhance the world's environments for society's benefit, using ecological, technical, and economic approaches. An ecological approach is essential for understanding recent changes in the natural environment. In the future, the quality of life in our societies will depend upon advances in this branch of the life sciences, and many new ecologists will be needed.
Improvements in environmental quality will also depend on advances in the social sciences and humanities, and use of those advances to construct and maintain more effective economic, political, and social structures. Public concern about environmental issues and the amount of economic resources needed to protect our environment is increasing. Protecting and improving our environment will involve tradeoffs among sometimes conflicting solutions to specific problems, and sound knowledge and systematic problem solving skills will be imperative. Social sciences, humanities, and economics are vital components of effective environmental science.
The complexity of environmental processes, and the many ways in which humans interact with the natural environment, demand a multidisciplinary approach. Ecologists and environmental technologists must work with the social sciences and humanities, while environmental economists and political scientists must interact with the physical and biological scientists. The explosive growth of knowledge requires that all environmental scientists be competent in the use of computers and applications of mathematical models and statistics. North Carolina State University's environmental sciences degree program addresses each of these concerns. Successful completion of this diverse and challenging program will require a sound academic background and hard work from the student.
Courses/Curricula Concentrations
The Environmental Sciences degree is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. The core curriculum of 89 hours comprises use of computers and other communications skills and a balanced foundation in humanities, social sciences, mathematics. and the natural sciences. In a capstone course for seniors. teams of students from the various concentrations work together on environmental problems from ecological, physical, and economic perspectives. Total hours required for graduation range from 120 to 126, depending on the concentration and electives chosen.
Within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, three concentrations are available:
Ecology
This concentration is administered by the Department of Zoology. It is designed to prepare students for graduate study leading to advanced degrees in areas such as ecological impact assessment, conservation biology, and college teaching. Emphasis is on a strong foundation in the life sciences. Students in this concentration must complete additional courses in zoology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, plant systematics, and evolutionary biology, as well as electives in applied and theoretical ecology.
Economic Policy
This concentration, administered by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, teaches students to apply principles of economics, statistics, and supporting disciplines to societal and business aspects of environmental problems. Knowledge of basic sciences and skills in statistical and economic analysis will prepare graduates for careers in business and government, as well as for graduate study in environmental and natural resources economics and policy. Courses required for the concentration include economics and business, statistics, computer programming, and an elective in environmental policy.
Environmental Soil Science
This concentration, administered by the Department of Soil Science, prepares students for careers in land management with special reference to soils and water. The soil environment plays a central role in all land uses. Students must complete courses in environmental microbiology, land resources, environmental engineering, and hydro-- Four electives are chosen from applied soil science, hydrology, geology, waste management, and environmental impact assessment.
Career Opportunities
The broad array of skills required for professional environmental assessment and management affords a variety of career opportunities. These include basic environmental research and education, environmental economic policy development for business and government, and technical positions in environmental monitoring, soil and water quality, waste management, and landscape planning and conservation. Some specific examples are listed below.
Applied ecologist: analyze ecological research and develop assessment methods and criteria for success of restoration efforts in government, business, or advocacy groups; develop technologies for environmental protection and reversal of damage.
Environmental economic consultant: conduct environmental studies for consulting firms government environmental policy, consult with business firms and government departments about environmental plans and operations.
Environmental educator: teach in public and nonprofit environmental programs, oversee training within private firms and government agencies, and teach in colleges and secondary schools.
Environmental policy evaluator: serve as analyst with public agencies that plan and implement environmental policies and regulations.
Industrial environmental manager: serve as analyst. researcher, and manager for a corporation's environmental planning and compliance program.
Soil conservationist: develop procedures for and oversee soil mapping. conservation planning, or watershed management programs.
Soil and land use consultant: provide soil and land evaluations for individual land owners; implement land stabilization from either a private or public agency position.
Soil scientist: integrate basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil with land use needs such as waste disposal.
Co-Curricular Activities
Interactions with advocacy groups are an important aspect of environmental science training. A variety of campus clubs and organizations provides opportunities for students to obtain valuable experiences, such as the Agribusiness Club, Agronomy Club, Leopold (Wildlife) Club, Forestry Club, National Agricultural Marketing Club, and the Student Environmental Action Coalition. Most campus organizations have connections to regional and national programs.
Part-time employment, co-op contracts, and internships during college years in areas related to environmental science provide opportunities for personal and professional development. The College's Career Development and Placement Office helps students connect with employers.
Graduate Study
Students who excel in the environmental sciences program may pursue graduate studies in many fields. Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs are advised for students who seek careers in research or teaching, or who plan to rise beyond entry level positions in business or government.
Career Development and Placement Services
Each student is assigned a faculty adviser who provides information about career and employment opportunities. The Career Development and Placement Office publicizes employment opportunities, offers workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills, and arranges interviews on campus for prospective graduates. Alumni may also take advantage of these services and stay informed about employment prospects through the College's monthly placement bulletin.
For more information concerning the specific concentrations
within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences:
Ecology
Dr. Nick M. Haddad
Department of Zoology
David Clark Labs 120, Box 7617
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695
(919) 515-4588
Economic Policy
Dr. Arnie W. Oltmans
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Undergraduate Coordinator
Nelson Hall 3304A, Box 8109
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695
(919) 515-7727
Environmental Soil Science
Dr. H. J. Kleiss
Department of Soil Science
2321 Williams Hall
Box 7619
Raleigh, NC 27695-7619
(919) 515-2643
Additional concentrations available in other departments:
Environmental Geology or Environmental Air Quality
Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences
(919) 515-7939
Environmental Science/Statistics
Department of Statistics
(919) 515-2531
Environmental Science/Watershed Hydrology
Department of Forestry
(919) 515-7567