The Environmental Science Major

Environmental Science
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary major, grounded in the sciences and liberal arts, designed for those who want to pursue career paths utilizing sound ecological principles in environmental decision-making. You will take courses in environmental science, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The program is designed so you will:

• Build a solid knowledge base in regional and global environmental issues
• Gain hands-on experience with analytical techniques
• Develop problem solving skills
• Use up-to-date technology to collect and evaluate information

Our Unique Environmental Science Experience

Lake Erie College is a small, private, liberal arts college that prides itself on close interactions between students and faculty. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree or a Certificate (for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another area). The Environmental Science Program:

• Has approval from the State of Ohio based on the recommendations of a committee of national environmental educators
• Stresses the value of an interdisciplinary liberal arts background to better prepare students for a changing job market now and in the future
• Allows students to tailor their major to individual goals by selecting from a range of program electives
• Brings in regional environmental professionals to teach environmental courses
• Provides students the opportunity to study environmental topics in international field programs taught by LEC faculty
• Provides an innovative science program recognized by the National Science Foundation
Career Opportunities

The job market in the environmental science field is dynamic. Jobs are competitive with employers looking for applicants who have a range of practical skills and who have proven they can perform. Environmental problem solving is a skill with employment possibilities on a worldwide basis. Graduates may work for: environmental compliance departments of corporations and industry, environmental consulting firms, environmental protection agencies, and public and private resource agencies (ODNR, Nature Conservancy).

International Field Experiences

Lake Erie College encourages all students to participate in international experiences. Students may wish to spend a semester at one of our “sister” institutions earning credits towards their degree while learning about other peoples and cultures.

Another international opportunity for students is Study Tours. Study Tours are two-week trips that students may take in their Junior or Senior year. Most of the cost of the trip is included within the tuition. Full-time students who have been at the College for five semesters may also qualify for a subsidized international field experience. Environmental Science majors have participated in trips led by LEC faculty for Marine Biology of the Bahamas (San Salvador, Bahamas), Natural History of the Galapagos, Belize Ecotour, and Tropical Ecology of Costa Rica.

Academic Requirements

A Bachelors degree requires at least 128 credit hours.

All students graduating from Lake Erie College will complete 20 semester hours of basic requirements including courses in Math, English, Computers, Public Speaking, and Foreign Language. These courses are normally completed during the Freshman year.

Students will also complete 24 hours of core liberal arts courses. These courses include the subject areas of critical thinking, aesthetic forms, scientific inquiry, cultures and values, sophisticated texts, and social sciences. Each major has course specific requirements, and any remaining credits will be considered as electives.

Requirements of the Environmental Science Major

The Environmental Science major requires 68 semester hours of course work in the areas of botany, chemistry, biology and ecology. An internship in Environmental Science is required.

Additionally, every student has an Admissions Counselor at LEC that can answer questions about our academic programs. Admissions can be reached at 1.800.916.0904.