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School of Education & Health Sciences

Environmental Science Education

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Why choose environmental studies education at North Central College?

Environmental studies/science gives students a detailed understanding of complex environmental issues at the local, regional, national and global level using the diverse tools and perspectives of the natural sciences, as well as social sciences, humanities and business. This interdisciplinary approach offers a valuable major to students seeing to understand the full complexity of environmental issues. Our goal is to prepare students to be environmental leaders in their chosen field by cultivating an awareness of local to global issues, an appreciation of cultural and historical factors, as well as new technological developments.

The bachelor of science in environmental science education major prepares a student for employment as a secondary school educator. It allows students more breadth to their college degree where they pair their environmental science studies with requirements from the education discipline. This degree track is tailored to be compatible and must be completed with a secondary education, bachelor of arts major.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Teaching students of all ages about environmental science principles, conservation, and sustainability
  • Developing and delivering educational programs about natural resources, ecosystems, and conservation efforts

then this degree might be for you.

Why study environmental studies education at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Investigating Biology
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Biostatistics
  • Advanced Biostatistics
  • Introduction to Earth Science
  • Environmental Problem Solving
  • Symposium in Environmental Experiential Component
  • General Chemistry I and II
  • Physics I and II

Wentz Science Center

Take a virtual tour of the Strauss Greenhouse, located in the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center.

Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As an Environmental Studies Education major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Use the campus as your laboratory, studying our green initiatives, such as geothermal heating systems, solar panel arrays and a restored prairie.
  • Make connections to local resources. North Central interacts with two national laboratories, Argonne and Fermi, that are both within 15 miles of campus. Students can work in the forests, prairies and wetlands managed by the DuPage County Forest Preserve. We also have relationships with local environmental nonprofit groups, government agencies and businesses.
  • Make connections to the world. Through our award-winning Center for Global Education, students have many opportunities to study environmental issues around the world. Recent North Central students have taken classes and conducted independent research on environmental issues in Costa Rica, Australia, Africa and China.
  • Apply what you learn. The program requires an experiential component; students can conduct independent research, and participate in environmental advocacy and internships that will help prepare them for careers in the environment and sustainability. Opportunities also exist to work in the College’s Office of Sustainability.

More Department information

Environmental Science Education, B.S.

Environmental Studies/Science gives students a detailed understanding of complex environmental issues at the local, regional, national and global level using the diverse tools and perspectives of the natural sciences, as well as social sciences, humanities and business. This interdisciplinary approach offers a valuable major to students seeing to understand the full complexity of environmental issues. Our goal is to prepare students to be environmental leaders in their chosen field by cultivating an awareness of local to global issues, an appreciation of cultural and historical factors, as well as new technological developments.

The B.S. environmental science-education major prepares a student for employment as a secondary school educator. It allows students more breadth to their college degree where they pair their environmental science studies with requirements from the education discipline. This degree track is tailored to be compatible and must be completed with a secondary education, B.A. major.

Core Courses

Electives

Two of the Following:

Note:

One of the two courses needs to be: ENVI 225, ENVI 230 or ENVI 240 .

Advanced Electives

Eight credit hours in either Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Studies with at least four credit hours of coursework needing to have a lab component:

Completion of the Secondary Education, B.A. major requirements with EDUC 446 taken as the methods course.

Environmental Studies Education Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in environmental studies interned at:

  • Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
  • Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
  • Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Naperville
  • U.S. Park Service, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks
  • The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
  • Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn, IL

Careers

Recent graduates in environmental studies served as:

  • Biologist/ecologist
  • Urban and regional planner
  • Sustainability coordinator
  • Teacher/environmental educator
  • Environmental lawyer
  • Engineering

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central Environmental Studies Education student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.