Environmental Science
What is ES?
What is Environmental Science?
Some thoughts for prospective students to consider
by Daniel Pardieck (edited 11/17/06)
Environmental Science is the study of the myriad interactions between humans and the world around them, living and non-living. As Earth’s human population continues to grow, as technology advances and human needs and wants increase, our impacts on the world become more widespread and severe, despite improvement in some areas. Environmental impacts, in turn, affect human health and well being.
A few of the major challenges that are topics for environmental science include:
· Global Climate Change (global warming and all of its consequences)
· The loss of biodiversity and the accelerated extinction of species
· Energy and mineral resource depletion
· Air pollution and acid deposition (rain)
· Stratospheric ozone depletion
· Water pollution
· Soil erosion, fertility depletion and contamination
· Deforestation
· The loss of fisheries
· Accelerated damage to coral reefs
· Habitat destruction on land and in the oceans
· The spread of infectious diseases, including those caused by organisms that have developed antibiotic resistance
· Achieving sustainable agriculture in the face of increasing pressure on our agricultural lands
· The evolution and spread of pests that are resistant to pesticides
· Waste generation and disposal in a world increasing in population and per capita consumption
· The fate of hazardous chemicals in the environment
· Potential environmental effects of genetic engineering
· Protection of the Ocean and its resources
· Management of water resources
All of the above and other environmental challenges are multidisciplinary in nature. That is, in order to understand each environmental challenge sufficiently well to develop viable solutions, scientists must assemble expertise in several disciplines. It is true that no single scientist will be an expert in all of the facets of the several disciplines needed to address any one problem in detail, but it is also important that environmental scientists, decision makers and other workers in the field understand the different sciences sufficiently well to communicate with those of other specialties and to appreciate the importance of other disciplines in addressing the challenges.
Environmental Science, then, is an exciting and challenging area of study. Learning takes place in the classroom, the laboratory, the field, the library and on the computer. Due to its rigorous academic demands, a degree with a major in Environmental Science is not for everyone.
How do I know that Environmental Science is right for me?
Many workers in the environmental sciences have majored or specialized in other areas. For example, geologists, climatologists, biologists, ecologists, chemists, social scientists, economists, medical and allied professionals and engineers of various stripes all work in the field without having received a major in Environmental Science, and are quite successful. So, a choice of another major does not preclude a career in the environmental sciences. However, there are a few characteristics that many Environmental Science majors share:
· A love of the outdoors and being in nature
· A love for the natural sciences (plural), for finding things out, for learning
· Concern for the environment, including other forms of life
· Desire to make a difference and for a career that allows one to make a difference
· A strong tendency to be actively involved in the community and political process.
· Seeks challenges
· Mental flexibility
· Tolerates ambiguity and handles complexity well
Of course, the above qualities are also common for individuals majoring in other sciences. So, what advantage does Environmental Science offer? For those students who want to learn disciplinary several sciences, without having to specialize in any single one, Environmental Science may be a good option. Also, for those students who want to learn many aspects of the environment around them in depth, a degree in Environmental Science may be essential.
Just what can I do with an Environmental Science Degree?
The short answer is, just about anything you want. Baccalaureate degrees, in general, increase the number and variety of opportunities available for graduates. A common path for ES majors is to pursue advanced study in graduate school in a variety of disciplines, in which students have the opportunity to pursue research in topics that they have found interesting. Medical school and even law school are options, for those so inclined. After graduate training, a career in academic research or teaching may be pursued.
Many graduates of Environmental Science baccalaureate programs move directly into the job market, obtaining entry level positions working for governmental agencies, industry, private consulting, non-profit organizations such as land trusts, or non-governmental environmental groups.
In general, over the long term, the number of positions in Environmental Science and related fields is expected to increase. The U.S. Department of Labor has projected that growth in environmental and earth sciences will be above average in the next several years.
What about the Environmental Science Program at Lander University?
The Environmental Science Program at Lander University, located in Greenwood, SC, is the first such program in the state of South Carolina, established in 1997. This program was initiated to meet the rising need for environmental scientists within the state, as well as the region and the nation.
The major science core courses include several each in chemistry, biology, geology and physics. Many courses focus on laboratory and field activities. Environmental Internships are encouraged and are available for academic credit. Qualified juniors and seniors are encouraged to perform research under the supervision of faculty. Internships and research experience do much to improve a student’s competitiveness in the career marketplace.
The program is small, which means that each student benefits from individual attention from faculty members who have genuine interest in the success of each student. It also means that students do not have to compete with each other for access to lab and field resources.
There is an Environmental Sciences Student Organization (ESSO), which brings together students from across the campus, who share an interest in the environment. This group is quite active, engaging in a variety of service projects, celebrating Earth Day, going on field trips, camping excursions and hikes.
Sounds great, but are Lander ES graduates really successful?
Yes, they are! The ES program boasts the highest percentage of graduates among Lander science students who find careers in their field. Former students have gone on to careers in the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, US Department of Agriculture, SC Department of Natural Resources, environmental consulting firms, and environmental management in industries. ES graduates are also successful in entering graduate study programs. Because of the number of chemistry and biology courses students take, ES graduates have also been successful in obtaining jobs in chemistry and life-science based organizations.
How about scholarships?
About half of Lander students, in general, receive some form of financial assistance. In addition, the ES program and Department of Physical Sciences have their own scholarships, which are available to qualified students. Most scholarships are renewable, provided the recipient meets certain academic performance requirements, generally a requirement to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Because of the small size of the ES program, most, if not all, students who qualify currently receive at least one scholarship.
Contact Information
For questions regarding Environmental Science as a major, a career path or detailed information about the ES program at Lander University, contact:
Dan Pardieck
Assistant Professor of Environmental Geology
Director of the Environmental Science Program
Lander University
320 Stanley Avenue
Greenwood , SC 29649
E-mail (works best for a quick response): dpardieck@lander.edu
Office Phone: (864) 388-8132
