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The Environmental Science Major

Environmental Science Alumni!
Click here to take the ES Alumni Survey
Contact Catherine Koning if you have any problems with the survey
( koningc@franklinpierce.edu
)

 


Franklin Pierce campus wins NWF's 2006 Campus Ecology Recognition!

Overview:
A major is offered in Environmental Science, and a minor in Environmental Studies
To study and find solutions to environmental problems is a compelling call to action for many people. A career in Environmental Science provides the opportunity to give back to the larger community – the community of people, places and species that make the earth unique. In order to help students begin careers that will lead to solutions, Franklin Pierce offers a major (B.A. or B.S.) and minor in Environmental Science.

Environmental Science students study both the natural sciences and the social sciences/humanities in order to understand the relationship between humans and the natural world – a relationship that underlies current environmental problems. In addition to this broad training, students have the flexibility to choose a specialized Area of Emphasis, such as Conservation Science and Ecology or Ethics and Community (see full list of Areas of Emphasis under Degree Requirements in the Franklin Pierce catalogue). Students get hands-on experience on a campus with over 1,000 acres of natural areas that provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor learning. As a result, when students graduate they are prepared to start finding the solutions necessary to achieve a sustainable future.

If you are interested in learning more about how humans impact and depend upon the natural world then you should consider majoring or minoring in Environmental Science at Franklin Pierce. Please contact one of the faculty members listed below if you have questions concerning the Environmental Science Program. ^

Degrees offered
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science are offered for those who major in Environmental Science. The difference between the two degrees is the amount of Math and Science required; the B.S. requires a year of Math and two years of Chemistry, while the B.A. requires only one semester of Math and a year of Chemistry or Geology. Individuals who are intending to become practicing scientists should get a B.S., which is intended to provide the necessary background for graduate school. Students who would like to have a career working in the societal end of the field (law, politics, advocacy, journalism, etc.) could choose a B.A.
A minor in Environmental Studies is also offered for those who wish to deepen their understanding and skills in this area. ^

Requirements for the Environmental Science major
E.S. Major Core Requirements:
ES101 Env. Science
CH101 and CH102 Chemistry I and II (or GL101 and GL102 Geology I and II, for B.A.)
CH211 and CH212 Organic Chemistry I and II (for B.S.)
One semester of Math (B.A.) or two semesters for B.S.
BI218 Ecology
ES480 Jr. Seminar
ES481 Senior Thesis (or ES460 Internship for the B.A.)

Major Electives:
One Natural History Course: BI221 Entomology; BI223 Local Flora; BI250 Plant Biology; BI312 Vertebrate Biology; ES/BI217 Tropical Forest Ecology; ES320 Wetland Ecology; ES/BI430 Forest Ecology; ES/BI365 Limnology; ES/BI342 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; BI231Animal Behavior; BI375 Mammalogy; GL101-102 Geology I-II

Two Policy/Social Courses (one for the B.S.): ES310 Environmental Impact Assessment; ES/PO344 Environmental; Politics; ES/PA306 Philosophy of Science and Nature; ES/BA265 Law and the Environment; ES/AS310 Place, Community and American Culture; ES210 Evolution of Environmental Thought; ES340 Sustainable Communities

One Quantitative Course: CH312 Quantitative analysis; ES/BI365 Limnology; ES/CH221 Environmental Chemistry; ES/CS222 Geographic Information Systems; ES/CS 230 Intermediate GIS; ES/BI430 Forest Ecology; BI355 Ecophysiology; BI351 Endocrinology

Area of Emphasis Courses (4 courses; see catalogue)
(in addition to major electives)
Possible Areas of emphasis: Conservation Science/Ecology, Chemistry/Water Resources, Education for certification, Education (non-certification), Ethics/community, Law and Enforcement, Parks and Nat. Res. Mgmt., Physical/Geographic Resources
General Education: All FP
students take a general curriculum designed around the theme of the Individual and Community, which is particularly relevant for Environmental Science
majors. See FPC’s course catalogue for more details. Link to catalogue

Requirements for the Environmental Studies Minor
Six courses are required:
• ES101 Env. Science or IC110 Integrated Science-Environment
• BI218 Ecology
• Two courses from each of the Natural History and Policy/Social categories listed under the ES major above. ^

CAREERS
There are many, many careers possible in Environmental Science! Solving environmental problems takes a wide range of skills, and each person chooses their particular niche. Some people choose to work on the “science” end of the field, while others use diverse talents in art/graphics, journalism, mass communication, community organizing, business, management, educators, etc., to tackle environmental issues. Listed below are a few of the many websites with information about education, training and specific job postings for environmental careers.
General Career Information: www.environmentalcareers.com
Specific job postings: www.environmentalcareer.com
Environmental Career Opportunities: http://ecojobs.com
Environmental Education: www.eelink.net   ^

FP
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE GRADUATES


Valedictorian Kelly Henry (2004) is conducting research in Marine Biology while enrolled in the University of Rhode Island Master of Science graduate program.

Where are our students?
Graduate schools:
Graduates of the Environmental Science Program have continued their education at graduate schools such as Yale University, University of Wisconsin – Madison, University of Rhode Island, University of Vermont, and others.

Interesting careers:
Because Environmental Science is such a broad field of study, graduates have pursued a wide variety of career choices. Some examples include: Wetland Scientist for the State of Vermont, Air Quality Technician, Director of a nature center, Environmental Compliance officer, Environmental Educator for an ocean-based educational center, Geographical Information Systems Analyst for a regional planning agency, Wildlife Biologist, Naturalist for a non-profit conservation group, River Rafting Guide, Senior Ecologist for an environmental consulting firm, Biology teacher, Veterinary Doctor, Cancer researcher, and many more!  ^

FACULTY
JOHN HARRIS, CATHERINE OWEN KONING, PAUL KOTILA, RHINE SINGLETON, FRED ROGERS, JACQUES VEILLEUX
 ^
 

OUR CAMPUS: 1000 ACRES OF WILDLANDS
Located in rural New England, and with over 1000 undeveloped acres, FP
is the perfect place for students to study Environmental Science. Wetlands, forests, streams, meadows, lakes – we have it all. Watch a slideshow about the Ecology and History of our lands
 ^

For degree requirements and course listings, consult the: Franklin Pierce Catalogue

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