Facilities for the Environmental Science major include the state-of-the art Lied Science and Mathematic building. It includes 60,000-plus square feet and incorporates the college's science and mathematics departments. Specialized laboratories and flexible classrooms allow for more in-depth interaction among faculty and students. Our students do not work on their projects in the back of classrooms. At Doane separate research labs are used for student research. For students interested in field work there are locations close to campus as well as the Aldrich Prairie Research Site. This 50 acre award winning site includes a wetland, prairie, and the eastern-most colony of black-tailed prairie dogs in Nebraska. Recent improvements include 700 square foot Environmental Education Building. Areas near campus such as Audubon Spring Creek Prairie, wetlands, lakes, and woodlands also provide opportunities for research. Outdoor research opportunities also exist on the Doane campus. The campus is included in the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and has been certified as wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
The signature curriculum of the Environmental Science major includes expected courses such as Environmental Science and Ecology. It also includes courses such as American Environmental Literature, Environmental History, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Economics, and Environmental Education and agriculture. Biology, Computational Thinking, and Chemistry emphases are include with this major. A two week marine science interterm to the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute in Key West, Florida will begin in January 2012 and be offered alternate years.
The Environmental and Earth Sciences Program is a member of significant environmental organizations such as the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors and the Campus Ecology Program of the National Wildlife Federation. Environmental organizations are recognized on campus and include the Wildlife and Conservation Organization.
Students with other majors and an interest in the environment may complete the Environmental Studies minor.