Environmental Science

Mariah Whitney
509.793.2149
MariahW@bigbend.edu

Environmental science courses may be taken as part of the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree. These courses may be used toward the Natural Science Breadth requirement or for Specified or General Elective credit. Students seeking Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree should refer to the catalog section “Degrees & Certificates” for a detailed description of the degree, its program outcomes, and courses that will satisfy degree requirements.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that blends the natural sciences with the social sciences in order to better understand how our natural world works, how human interactions and behaviors impact our environment, and how the natural world impact its resident human species. Biology, ecology, chemistry, and geology blend with anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics to name just a few disciplines involved. The issues and problems investigated rarely have simple solutions with many opposing viewpoints and stakeholders which make environmental science a compelling field to study.

Environmental scientists work as ecologists, anthropologists, environmental consultants, climatologists, and conservation scientists, to name a few of the many occupations within the field. Some work for private businesses, others for governmental organizations and others for public entities.

Since programs differ at each college, students should consult program outlines published by the college or university to which they intend to transfer. Students should prepare their quarterly schedules with the assistance of an advisor knowledgeable in this transfer area.