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College of Arts & Sciences

Environmental Science

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Why choose environmental science at North Central College?

Environmental science gives students a detailed understanding of complex environmental issue at local, regional, national and global leves using the diverse tools and perspectives of the natural sciences. This interdisciplinary approach, connecting with the perspectives of social science, the humanities and business, offers a valuable major to students in using scientific methods to study environmental issues and processes.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • The study of biology, chemistry, geology, and social sciences to understand and address environmental issues
  • Analyzing the human impacts on natural systems and develop sustainable solutions

then this degree might be for you.

Why study environmental science at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Environmental Problem Solving
  • Introduction to Environmental Economics
  • People and Nature
  • Symposium in Environmental Experiential Component
  • The Science of Climate Change
  • Environmental Literature: Storytelling for Sustainable Futures
  • Environmental Ethics
  • American Environmental History
  • Environmental Careers
  • Environmental Internship

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 Science 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, B.A.

The interdisciplinary field of Environmental Studies gives students a detailed understanding of complex environmental issue at local, regional, national and global leves using the diverse tools and perspectives of the natural and social sciences, humanities and business. The BA Environmental Science emphasizes natural scientific investigations of natural ecological systems.

For additional information and courses in this program, see Environmental Studies.

Core Courses

Electives

12 credit hours from the following, with at least 4 from the 300/400 level:

Eight credit hours from the following, with at least four from the 300/400 level:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Science gives students a detailed understanding of complex environmental issue at local, regional, national and global leves using the diverse tools and perspectives of the natural sciences. This interdisciplinary approach, connecting with the perspectives of social science, the humanities and business, offers a valuablemajor to students in using scientific methods to study environmental issues and processes.

For additional information and courses in this program, see Environmental Studies.

Core Courses

Electives

22-24 credit hours from the following:

Eight credit hours from the following:

Required Support Courses

Environmental Science 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 Science 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.