Mission and Learning Outcomes

Environmental Science BS - Mission Statement 

The mission of The Environmental Science Department is to create inclusive learning communities that focus on developing scholarship and research about our earth, natural environment, and the interaction between human and natural systems.   We offer three unique programs of study--BS Environmental Science, BS Environmental Sustainability, and BA Earth Science—in which students are mentored so that they develop the skills needed to achieve academic excellence and inspire them to become life-long learners. Our students leave our programs understanding that the environmental issues we face, both now and in the future, are complex and often need to be approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students are encouraged to draw connections between disciplines and to place particular emphasis on the societal dimensions of environmental concerns. 

Our programs aim to integrate appropriate and valuable educational experiences through student participation in research with faculty, and through research integrated into upper-level and capstone classes. Students frequently have hands-on opportunities that include participating in fieldwork and analyzing earth and environmental parameters with state-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment.  Further, they are encouraged to present their work at professional scientific conferences and contribute in publishing peer-reviewed scientific literature. These real-world experiences not only prepare them as the next generation of scientists, educators, informed citizens, and real-word problem solvers, but also readies them to enter the workforce or attend graduate school. The Environmental Science faculty have strong connections to graduate programs in New Jersey and across the country, and professors are available to discuss graduate school  

Environmental Science - BS Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to integrate critical thinking skills and foundation knowledge from the fundamental sciences to the solution of environmental problems. 
2. Be able to locate and use information, methods, and techniques related to physical environment and apply it to the solution of environmental problems 
3. Understand the whole of the Earth/environment complex of processes and how humans can not only fit in harmony in the complex, but also can manage the Earth’s environmental resources in a proper and sustainable manner. 
4. The application of knowledge, research skills, laboratory methods and field techniques to environmental studies and related fields. 
5. Students will have the ability to handle field data using the tools of the digital age. 
6. Students will have the ability to collect, input, process, and analyze environmental data using research skills and laboratory and field techniques. 
7. Students entering the program can complete all degree requirements in a reasonable period of time. 
8. Students will work effectively with others in Environmental Science laboratories and other assignments. 
9. Students will acquire the oral and written communication skills required for entry into the profession. 

 Environmental Science - BS Goals 

1. To provide Environmental Science majors with fundamental interdisciplinary science skills applied to scholarship and research in our natural environment, with particular emphasis on the development a holistic view of the environment.