B.A. Environmental Science
Courses
120 credit hours
100% career outcome rate
1 degree option
Environmental ScienceFeatured Courses
As a student in the environmental science major at Concordia Nebraska, you’ ll have the opportunity to take specialized courses related to various aspects of the environmental science profession. These classes, designed to equip you for leadership and service in various environmental science careers, are taught by some of our esteemed faculty who have extensive experience in their fields.
GEOG 311
Geography of North America
A systematic analysis of major themes of North American geography with emphasis on problems such as energy and environment. Includes regional analyses of the United States and Canada that carefully examines their physical background and cultural trends.
BIO 317
Ecology and Field Biology
Lecture 2, Lab. 2. A field ecology course. Emphasis placed on fundamental ecological concepts with supportive material coming from the literature and field investigations.
BUS 261
Marketing
Provides students with a thorough appreciation for the benefits and pitfalls of executing a customer orientation. Using market segmentation; management of mature products and introduction of new products. Developing long-term relationships with customers. Identifying and analyzing possibilities in consumer and industrial markets. Management of the marketing mix including product planning, distribution institutions and activities, promotion and pricing.
GEOG 381
Meteorology and Oceanography
An introduction to the properties and processes of the atmosphere and the world ocean. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the application of recent scientific advances in these related fields and how they affect the world we live in.
CTA 301
Public Relations
An exploration of the diverse field of public relations, as it is practiced in large corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and church-related organizations. Students will examine the role, methods and ethical considerations of the profession.
GEOG 461
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
A study of the functionality and application of geographic information systems technology that builds upon the skills learned in Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Students will learn spatial model building, geodatabase management, geo-referencing, and spatial data collection and analysis.
Environmental ScienceSample Schedule of Courses
The following sample course of study is an example of the sequence of courses you might take in order to receive your degree. Please plan to discuss your actual course of study with your advisor, who can help you stay on track to meet your academic and professional goals.
Semester 1
ECON 102
Principles of Microeconomics
Examination of the behavior of microeconomic units such as consumers, firms and industries. Includes analysis of the problems of monopoly, urbanization, income inequality and poverty. International economics and the world economy are discussed.
credits
BIO 112
General Biology II
Lecture 3, Lab. 2. A study of general biology, a continuation of General Biology I: organismic biology, structure and function of plants and animals, reproduction, growth and development, population biology, evolution as a paradigm and ecology.
credits
PHYS 110
Principles of Physics
Lecture 3, Lab. 2. A study of general physics through experiments, lectures and discussion. Science as a way of knowing — Scientific methodology and practice; mechanics of particles and of waves; momentum, energy and conservation laws; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; light; relativity and quantum mechanics.
credits
FYE
First-Year Experience
A unique course designed to provide first-year college students with knowledge, tips and tricks to support their collegiate career.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
19
Semester 2
GEOG 311
Geography of North America
A systematic analysis of major themes of North American geography with emphasis on problems such as energy and environment. Includes regional analyses of the United States and Canada that carefully examines their physical background and cultural trends.
credits
CHEM 115
General Chemistry
Lecture 3, Lab. 3. General principles of chemistry: atoms and molecules, chemical reactions and reaction stoichiometry, phases of matter, electronic structure, bonding, molecular shapes, and intermolecular forces.
credits
MATH 122
Introduction to Statistics
The fundamentals of elementary statistics, data collection and analysis, probability, distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 3
GEOG 291
Geography of Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Sports and outdoor recreation are extremely important components of American life and are multi-billion dollar industries. Where and why these activities take place is very geographic; this course examines the spatial distribution of sports and outdoor recreation in the United States. Students will utilize GIS mapping software and other Internet-based mapping programs to examine the distribution of different types of sports and outdoor activities, conduct research on select topics, learn from guest speakers, and participate in fieldwork. Same as ESCI 291.
credits
BIO 317
Ecology and Field Biology
Lecture 2, Lab. 2. A field ecology course. Emphasis placed on fundamental ecological concepts with supportive material coming from the literature and field investigations.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 4
GEOG 320
Resource Management in the National Parks
Course provides students with a practical, field-based experience with contemporary resource management and conservation issues in units of the National Park Service. Topics include historical development of individual parks and the entire NPS, visitor impacts, park planning, resource policy, exotic plant and animal species, wildlife management, in-park transportation concerns, public safety, and wilderness management. Students will visit and camp in selected national parks.
credits
GEOG 281
Physical Geography and Geology
Lecture 3, Lab. 2. Introduction to the climactic and physical processes shaping the Earth’s crust and the interrelationship between humans and the natural environment. Students will learn through the interpretation of maps and remotely sensed imagery, laboratory activities, and a multi–day field trip. Same as ESCI 281 and SCI 281. Course Fee.
credits
BUS 261
Marketing
Provides students with a thorough appreciation for the benefits and pitfalls of executing a customer orientation. Using market segmentation; management of mature products and introduction of new products. Developing long-term relationships with customers. Identifying and analyzing possibilities in consumer and industrial markets. Management of the marketing mix including product planning, distribution institutions and activities, promotion and pricing.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 5
GEOG 315
Environmental Science
This course provides a broad introduction to the field of environmental science. Topics include global warming, energy issues, food and agriculture, biofuels, pollution, wildlife management and conservation, human population, and natural systems.
credits
GEOG 381
Meteorology and Oceanography
An introduction to the properties and processes of the atmosphere and the world ocean. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the application of recent scientific advances in these related fields and how they affect the world we live in.
credits
CTA 301
Public Relations
An exploration of the diverse field of public relations, as it is practiced in large corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and church-related organizations. Students will examine the role, methods and ethical considerations of the profession.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 6
GEOG 391
Urban Geography
The spatial evaluation of cities; including the history, site and situation, external relations, internal characteristics, the rise of urban centers, comparative aspects of cities, their present development and urban problems are examined.
credits
GEOG 361
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Lec. 1, Lab 2. This course provides in introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology through the use of ESRIs ArcGIS software. Students gain a working knowledge of GIS software and how it is used in various disciplines via laboratory exercises, lecture, guest speakers, and a class project.
credits
BUS 281
Business Communication
The intense study of business writing and speaking using audience analysis. Implications for organizational communication and structure are considered. Major assignments include writing letters and reports for targeted audiences, analysis of organizational rhetoric as related to those products, self-presentation and audience analysis in interview situations, and editing skills.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 7
GEOG 461
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
A study of the functionality and application of geographic information systems technology that builds upon the skills learned in Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Students will learn spatial model building, geodatabase management, geo-referencing, and spatial data collection and analysis.
credits
GEOG 385
Global Positioning Systems and Drone Technology
Course provides students with an introduction to the Global Positioning System (GPS). Students will learn the history of GPS, how the system operates, and how it can be used in a variety of disciplines and professions. Students conduct a variety of exercises and research projects utilizing GPS functionality and integrating it with GIS and other Internet-based mapping programs such as Google Earth. Course fee.
credits
ESCI 351
Environmental Law and Policy
This course examines the key environmental laws, policies, and regulatory agencies of the United States. These are examined to provide a historical context as well as a contemporary understanding of environmental decision making at the federal, state, and local level.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 8
GEOG 490
Capstone Seminar
The capstone seminar provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply learning from their entire college experience. Students will develop and complete a project in conjunction with the course instructor or other approved mentor. Approved projects will require students to use skills, methodology and knowledge to address important issues, explore key arguments, and critique common practices germane to their academic discipline. Internships and fieldwork experiences may also be acceptable projects. The course will also prepare students for the transition from college to graduate/professional school.
credits
GEN ED
General Education
General education from across the university
credits
Total Credits
12
Environmental Science Faculty
As experts in environmental science, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet the faculty