Environmental sciences is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape our natural environment. In the soil and watersheds concentration, students focus on issues surrounding soil health, water quality and watershed management. Interactions among biota, soil, hydrology and biogeochemical processes are emphasized so that students gain an understanding of soils and watersheds that lead to more sustainable use of our environment.
WHY STUDY SOIL AND WATERSHEDS AT UNH?
UNH is a recognized leader in environmental sciences research related to soils and watersheds. Students benefit from the significant depth and breadth of faculty expertise in the areas of biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science and water resource management. Students have access to numerous undergraduate internships and opportunities to work in faculty research labs at an early stage. Numerous watershed-scale monitoring efforts are available within a short distance from campus for field trips and undergraduate research experiences. Students graduate with a comprehensive skillset that prepares them for work at government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and environmental and university research labs, or for continued study in master’s and doctoral programs.
POTENTIAL CAREER AREAS
Advocacy and regulatory affairs
Local, state and federal environmental agencies
Education and outreach
Environmental consulting
Environmental monitoring
Environmental organizations
Research
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) jointly offer a bachelor of science degree in environmental sciences. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the environment, and control the response of natural systems to human activities. Students graduating with a degree in environmental sciences will have an understanding of these interacting processes, experience working in interdisciplinary teams to apply this understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and lay audiences. While in this program, students will acquire significant experience with field, laboratory and analytical methods appropriate for employment in professional environmental science positions as well as a basic understanding of environmental policy. The University of New Hampshire is a recognized leader in environmental sciences research, and the environmental sciences program capitalizes on faculty expertise in this area. Program faculty emphasize teaching and research in the areas of biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science, and water resource management among many other fields.