PREPARE TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Environmental & Resource Science is an interdisciplinary field where we look at the interactions between organisms and their natural environment. In this program, you will gain hands-on experience in biology, chemistry, and geology in our state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory facilities, or directly in the field. You will examine local environmental issues such as water management during a drought, or collect invertebrates, soil and water samples in the field. In each class, you’ll be looking into some of the most exciting and important environmental issues facing our world.

In this program, you'll have:

• Unique learning opportunities. Our courses integrate technology so you practice using instruments you will encounter in the workplace. For instance,  you might measure stream flow, turbidity and water quality in the Las Vegas Wash, a water source for Lake Mead. You also may do geologic mapping along the Colorado River.
• Real-world impact. The Environmental & Resource Science major was designed with help from local experts and business leaders, with special emphasis on the environmental issues facing communities in southern Nevada. You’ll study the impact of urban sprawl, contributors to poor water quality, and the potential for renewable energy.
• Career preparation. This program will provide a strong foundation for you to work with government agencies, private companies or graduate school. Our alumni work with the Great Basin Institute and Lake Mead National Recreation area. In the private sector, our graduates have been hired by renewable energy companies, environmental consulting firms, and wildlife conservation organizations. Several alumni have gone on to UNLV and DRI graduate programs, as well as, Washington University. To learn more about potential occupations click here.

18% projected job growth in environmental scientists

$74,280 mean annual salary for environmental scientists

14% projected job growth in conservation biologists

CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL & RESOURCE SCIENCE

Graduates of our Environmental Science program often find careers working for government agencies and private companies tasked with monitoring the environment. Take a look at the US Department of Labor Statistics for current job opportunities.

• This program will also provide a strong foundation for graduate study if you wish to pursue an advanced degree. Several alumni have gone on to UNLV and DRI graduate programs, as well as Washington University

STUDENTS

ENGAGING CLASSES

Examples of classes you’ll take as an Environmental & Resource Science major:

Course	Description	Prerequisite(s) and Corequisite(s)	Credits
BIOL 441 - Field Ecology	Introduction to ecological research.	Prerequisites: BIOL 190, BIOL 191, BIOL 220, MATH 126, MATH 127, and STAT 391	4.00
ENV 480 - Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management	Introduction to the use of GIS for environmental problem analysis and management. Covers fundamental concepts as well as technical skills including the nature of geographic data, data collection and conversion, geo-coding, database development and management, spatial analysis, and use of spatial information in management.	None	4.00
BIOL 305 - Conservation Biology	Fundamental issues in conservation biology including biodiversity, invasive and endangered species, reserve design, and environmental legislation to provide a scientific examination of the biological issues underpinning conservation.	Prerequisites: BIOL 190, BIOL 191, BIOL 220,  and MATH 126	3.00