Program Mission
The Bachelor of Science Program in Environmental Sciences prepares students for immediate employment and graduate studies in the analysis and mitigation of environmental problems. The program focuses on science methodology and applied analysis, applying state-of-the-art field methods, instrumentation, and data analysis to the study of the natural and human environment from an interdisciplinary systems perspective. The curriculum builds on four cores: natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics); mathematics (including calculus and statistics); geographic information science (GIS); and integrated social sciences (including economics, geography, and bioregional studies).
Program Educational Objectives
- Apply and communicate quantitative reasoning and/or mathematical skills or statistical models to field and laboratory data to study scientific phenomena.
- Use geospatial technologies (including global positioning systems, geographic information systems, and remote sensing) to address environmental problems.
- Demonstrate and awareness of ecosystems in the context of coupled human-environmental interactions.
- Competently implement an individual or group scientific project, which my include literature review, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated the following abilities:- A strong working knowledge in foundations of ecology, natural resources, and sustainability.
- Insights into humanity's role in the world's biggest challenges including climate change, sustainable resource use, and environmental health and justice.
- The application of scientific reasoning and analytical methods to study natural phenomena.
- Geospatial literacy through map interpretation and navigation, and the application of geographic information systems to address geospatial problems.
- Design, execute, and communicate scientific projects.
Summary of Student Learning Outcomes
The Natural Sciences faculty formally assess the student learning outcomes summarized in the annual program assessment report. Additional details can be found in department assessment records.
Program Curriculum Map
The curriculum map for the Environmental Sciences program can be found on the catalog web page on the Oregon Tech website, www.oit.edu/catalog.
