Environmental Science, B.S.

Learning Outcomes from the Environmental Science BS Degree Program

The ES program at MEC offers an interdisciplinary study of our physical environmental. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates acquire a multi-disciplinary perspective, strong in their understanding of the fundamental sciences and mathematics; the foundation for the development of skills to address problems that integrate the urban environment, human comfort, health and wellness.

The program covers environmental law, public health, air and water pollution, resource conservation and management, hazardous substance control, and waste management; courses that will allow students to acquire adequate depth of knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the urban and natural environment and a firm grasp of the ethical and policy issues related to protecting our health and sustaining our living environment. Through co-curricular activities, internships, laboratory and field exercises the program provides opportunities for hands-on experience, critical thinking, and research. Student will also have experience working collaboratively with professionals to solve complex problems.

Graduates of the MEC ES BS degree program are readily employed or accepted for graduate studies. Our alumni are employed in the private and public sectors including; chemical and pharmaceutical industries, Energy, Government Regulatory and Safety Agencies, and Departments of Transportation to name a few. They have pursued graduate studies nationwide in a variety of fields including Environmental Law, Environmental Health, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Policy, Public Health, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Forensic Science and other related fields in several of the nation’s leading institutions.

Students who have satisfactorily completed the BS degree in Environmental Science will:

1. Demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of the fundamental facts, theory, and principles of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology;
2. Apply scientific principles and methods to address issues and problems that integrate the urban environment, human comfort, health and wellness;
3. Employ the fundamental principles of science and mathematics to preserve, remediate, maintain and sustain natural and urban environments;
4. Access scientific literature and data bases, analyze quantitative data using statistics, extract key findings and communicate the information to both professional and lay audiences.
5. Explain current systems for clean water supply, waste water treatment and air quality monitoring in complex urban communities.
6. Identify hazardous waste and articulate safe methods for disposal.
7. Explain the principles and techniques of solid waste management;
8. Monitor and investigate ground water and soil pollution;
9. Conduct laboratory and field experiments using standard methods, and employing state-of-the-art equipment and tools to acquire and analyze quantitative data;
10. Explain the scientific principles that influence how we prepare for and respond to natural disaster, climate change and environmental and public health threats.

Job Opportunities

Numerous job opportunities are available for Environmental Science graduates in industry and at various levels in local, state, regional and federal governments. As businesses both large and small continue to comply with regulations, Environmental Science graduates may find immediate employment in areas indicated below:

1. Industrial Hygienist
2. Chemical Hygiene Officer
3. OSHA Officer
4. Waste Management Consultant
5. Training Consultant

The BS in Environmental Health Science Program requires 120 credits consisting of the following category of courses and credits:

B.S. in Environmental Science
HEGIS Code: 0420.00
CIP Code: 03.0104