The Environmental Sciences Program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and a minor in Environmental Sciences. These degree programs reflect the diversity in the broad field of environmental sciences and take advantage of the disciplinary strengths in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to offer students an opportunity to develop particular areas of expertise. Hands-on, field experience is a crucial component of the B.A., B.S., and minor programs. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in research and study abroad.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in environmental sciences is designed for students who wish to develop particular areas of expertise in one of four tracks, gain hands-on, field experience and engaging in research.

Learning Outcomes

  • synthesize scientific knowledge and methods across disciplines;
  • comprehend and evaluate primary findings in published scientific articles;
  • gain experience conducting independent research and/or reviewing scientific areas of interest; and
  • effectively communicate scientific findings in written and/or oral form.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences is designed for students who wish to specialize in one of four tracks; each focusing on one aspect of environmental sciences with the aim of preparing scientists who can tackle problems that require particular areas of expertise, as well as developing the skills needed for future employment or graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

  • synthesize scientific knowledge and methods across disciplines;
  • comprehend and evaluate primary findings in published scientific articles;
  • gain experience conducting independent research and/or reviewing scientific areas of interest; and
  • effectively communicate scientific findings in written and/or oral form.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Minor in Environmental Sciences

The minor in environmental sciences offers students an opportunity to obtain training and education in environmental sciences through a combination of foundation courses and specialization in one of the four interdisciplinary tracks.

Learning Outcomes

  • demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of scientific knowledge and methods across disciplines; and
  • gain experience conducting independent research and/or reviewing scientific areas of interest.

Want to get started?

Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.

Certificate in Sustainability*

In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, the Certificate in Sustainability program provides knowledge of the multidisciplinary breadth of the field, which is represented by the program's areas of electives: dynamics of natural systems, dynamics of human systems, and communication, ethics, and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

Because sustainability embraces many disciplines, methodologies, and institutional practices, certificate students must:

  • have knowledge of the multidisciplinary breadth of the field;
  • have experience with analyzing real-life problems in and outside of the classroom; and
  • work collaboratively to solve such problems.

Want to get started?

The Certificate Program is open to any student, either non-traditional or undergraduate, with a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. who is not enrolled in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa.