University of North Carolina Department of Environmental Studies

Never in history has an understanding of the natural world and our effect on it been so critical. The Environmental Studies program at UNCA combines the disciplines of biology, ecology, chemistry, public policy, physics, economics, psychology, sociology, and management in order to provide a challenging interdisciplinary perspective on the environmental issues facing our world today. Our goal is for students to leave here with the knowledge and ability to think critically, creatively and responsibly about environmental issues in order to make well-informed decisions in their professional and personal lives.

UNCA offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies, with degree concentrations in Earth Science, Ecology and Environmental Biology, Environmental Management and Policy, and Pollution Control, plus individualized courses of study. The Environmental Studies degree is enhanced with a required internship that provides real-world experience and potential employment opportunities from many public and private organizations located in the Asheville area, elsewhere in the U.S., and abroad.

Graduates of the Environmental Studies Department are well prepared for graduate studies and employment in the public or private sectors related to the environment. Typical employment opportunities are found in environmental testing or consulting firms; government agencies such as U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources; nonprofit groups; and environmental divisions of large corporations.

Degree Concentrations:

Earth Science

Geology and soils-related courses meld to provide an understanding of earth processes, with an environmental emphasis. In addition to soils and geology courses, students may choose from a variety of others, including geographic information systems, hydrology, and waste management. Course work may be tailored to emphasize soils, environmental geology, and general geology.

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Forest and wetland ecology, freshwater biology, and wildlife management are just a few of the areas that may be explored, depending on the student's professional interests. Students may choose from a variety of advanced environmental science, ecology, botany, and zoology courses.

Environmental Management and Policy

This concentration's interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of the scientific, economic, political, and social complexities of contemporary environmental management challenges. As well, students learn about the tools for evaluating and carrying out management strategies. The goal of the concentration is to provide students with the broad education and experience necessary for careers in natural resource and environmental management.

Pollution Control

The Pollution Control concentration provides students with basic knowledge and skills related to water quality, surface and groundwater hydrology, and the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities. The curriculum includes air pollution monitoring and control technologies.

Individualized

This concentration provides the opportunity for design of a curriculum unavailable in the concentrations above. Like all majors, students complete the core courses in Environmental Studies but specialized courses are tailored to a common theme through consultation between the student and department chairperson. Examples of individualized options completed include Environmental Education, Environmental Planning, Environmental Journalism, and Human Ecology.