What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science is defined as the study of the interaction between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and represents a framework for studying problems that fall outside the realm of traditional scientific disciplines. Environmental science is also concerned with the relationship of human activities and the supporting environment. It provides the framework for making rational environmental decisions and solving pollution problems.

Where will you use Environmental Science?

Opportunities exist for Environmental Scientists in the private, educational, corporate, and governmental sectors. Some career areas to consider are: Environmental Chemistry, Offshore Oil Recovery, Biofouling, Remote Sensing, Environmental Protection, Global Climate Monitoring, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, or Natural Habitat Restoration.

Why Environmental Science at Florida Tech?

At Florida Tech, the environmental sciences program is solidly based on course work in chemistry, biology, mathematics, meteorology and physics, combined with many specialized environmental science and related elective courses. Two undergraduate options-environmental science and meteorology-and two graduate options-environmental science and environmental resource management-are available. Graduate course work in environmental science is normally developed around the specialized areas of remote sensing, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental systems and environmental restoration. Research in environmental science has been largely water oriented, with major research funding primarily occurring in the areas of hydrology, limnology, environmental modeling, remote sensing, environmental chemistry and contaminant transport. Most of this research has been Florida based, because of the state's strong dependence on water and the increasing environmental problems caused by the growing population. Funding sources include international, federal, state, local government agencies and private businesses.

Our undergraduate program:

The first two years emphasize core courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, meteorology, physics and calculus to prepare the student to solve complex problems involving the environment. The final two years in the environmental science option emphasize specialized courses in atmospheric science, chemistry, environmental satellite systems, toxicology, solid and hazardous wastes, wastewater treatment, environmental regulation, and marine and environmental pollution. Students in the meteorology option take courses in synoptic meteorology, atmospheric dynamics, physics and climatology. All students take courses in the humanities and computer programming, and have some flexibility to select elective courses depending upon their career interest. The entire program is structured to provide the student with a solidly based scientific framework for making rational environmental decisions.

Our Graduate Program:

The graduate program includes an M.S. and Ph.D. program in environmental science, an M.S. in meteorology and an M.S. program in environmental resource management. The M.S. program in environmental science has two options: with and without thesis (requires comprehensive examination). The environmental resource management program requires completion of an internship in which the student usually conducts an assignment away from the campus to gain on-the-job experience. The M.S. thesis program and the Ph.D. program complement faculty interests in environmental research.

Look at our catalog for more information about this program.