Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary program with real-world impact with diverse careers in sustainability, climate, and more.

Home » Program » Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Science, B.S.

Located at the intersection of science, technology, and the social sciences, careers in Environmental Science span a myriad of job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, and exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the timely topics of water quality, climate change adaptation and mitigation, recycling, solid waste management, and natural hazards management. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today's world with the numerous environmental challenges we face.

A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making a difference in the world by improving our soils, air, and water resources, and making our nation and planet a better and a healthier place for all The Environmental Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates knowledge from various scientific fields. It features a strong foundation in geosciences with support courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and math. Coursework includes such topics as environmental issues and impacts, energy resources and recovery, climate and climate change, and geographic information systems. Students can find career opportunities within both the private and public sectors. Typical employment opportunities exist in various local, regional, and national government agencies, and as environmental consultants in air and water quality oversight, pollution control and mitigation, environmental analysis and resource assessment, and hazardous and sanitary waste management. The degree program includes a capstone experience with opportunities for academic research, study abroad, field courses to various locations, or an internship in local government or industry. Students can choose the best fit for their career goals with the guidance of their faculty mentor. The Environmental Science major only has one concentration, but there are plenty of options within the major requirements to tailor the degree to that interests you! Environmental scientists work in a variety of careers across all sectors of the economy. Given the challenges of climate change and the need for more environmentally sustainable ways of life, the work of environmental scientists is more important than ever before. The combination of knowledge from geosciences, chemistry, biology, and geospatial technologies positions graduates for careers in a variety of federal, state, and local government positions dealing with the environment, planning, and sustainability. In the private field, many companies large and small need environmental consulting to help improve their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprints. Federal predictions show a much faster level of growth for these kinds of jobs compared to the overall job growth rate for the next decade.

If you live in one of these states: AR; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

A job that satisfies...

A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Health and Safety soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making things safer and improving the health and future health of others, be they coworkers, neighbors, or complete strangers. This makes the field satisfying in a way one usually associates with medical occupations. It also makes every day different and every challenge new. "I know that the work I do every day keeps the men and women I work with safe and healthy and able to go home to their families every night," says Eva Wright, a recent graduate of the program who now works for Antea Group in Seattle, Washington.

Using energy wisely

Established in 1999, MTSU's Center for Energy Efficiency (CEE) develops, implements, and advances sound energy management practices for the University and the community. The center provides additional opportunities for students pursuing a concentration in Energy Technology to become involved in projects and initiatives implemented on the campus and beyond. Among its services, the CEE manages the University's recycling program and offers certification seminars, training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals.

News Briefs

A job that satisfies...

A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Health and Safety soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making things safer and improving the health and future health of others, be they coworkers, neighbors, or complete strangers. This makes the field satisfying in a way one usually associates with medical occupations. It also makes every day different and every challenge new. "I know that the work I do every day keeps the men and women I work with safe and healthy and able to go home to their families every night," says Eva Wright, a recent graduate of the program who now works for Antea Group in Seattle, Washington.

Using energy wisely

Established in 1999, MTSU's Center for Energy Efficiency (CEE) develops, implements, and advances sound energy management practices for the University and the community. The center provides additional opportunities for students pursuing a concentration in Energy Technology to become involved in projects and initiatives implemented on the campus and beyond. Among its services, the CEE manages the University's recycling program and offers certification seminars, training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals.

Related Media

New Student Orientation - Sign up for Customs

CAREERS

The interaction between technology and the environment — and the need to manage it safely — represents a continuously expanding field of career opportunities. Examples include

  • Construction safety manager
  • Development director
  • Ecologist
  • Energy consultant
  • Energy manager
  • Environmental analyst
  • Environmental compliance and sustainability manager
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental health and safety manager
  • Environmental planner
  • Environmental technologist
  • Hazardous materials administrator
  • Health and safety trainer
  • Occupational health and safety specialist
  • Regulatory compliance and sustainability specialist
  • Risk management engineer
  • Safety consultant
  • Safety inspector
  • Streams and watershed specialis

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Alcoa
  • Amazon
  • American Red Cross
  • Arnold Air
  • City of Smyrna
  • Coca Cola
  • EHS lab
  • Firestone
  • Goodrich
  • Johnson Electric
  • Microsoft
  • Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Murfreesboro Water and Sewer
  • Murfreesboro Electric Service
  • Nissan
  • Nucore
  • Rutherford County Government
  • Select Services
  • TVA
  • Vanderbilt Medical
  • Veterans Affairs
  • ViJon

REQUIREMENTS

Loading...

FACULTY

INFORMATION

Located squarely at the intersection of science, technology, and the social sciences, careers in Environmental Science span myriad job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the very timely topics of energy generation and conservation, water quality, recycling, solid waste management, and environmental safety, both through addressing specific issues and through environmental engineering design. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today's world with the numerous envrionmental challenges we face.

To learn more about the Department of Geosciences, check out our full website!

CONTACT US

Contact Us

Please fill in the form below and we will contact you very soon

Hidden
Hidden

MTFree - Can you attend MTSU for free?
Scroll to Top