Environmental Science
College of Arts and Sciences
Students interested in making a difference by solving real-world environmental issues through hands-on experience can find a place in Doane University's Environmental and Earth Sciences Department. The majors prepare students for careers and graduate study in government, science, law, business, and non-profit organizations.
Established in 1974, our department nurtures students' perspectives on environmental issues and provides them with a thorough knowledge of environmental topics. As environmental problem-solvers, students examine a range of subjects that arise from the interaction of humans with the environment.
Doane University's Environmental Science program focuses on the interactions and interdependent relationships between Earth, Air, Water and Living Organisms. With the Science Teaching option, graduates will be able to teach all sciences to grades 7-12.
Environmental Science VS Environmental Studies
Available Minors:
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Environmental Studies
University Affiliations
Doane is a University Affiliate of the National Council for Science and the Environment and the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors. Doane is also a member of the EcoLeaders program and has signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment.
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The Doane Difference
Comprehensive CurriculumÂ
Environmental Science provides an understanding of how science affects our environment. The focus is on the interactions between the solid Eath, its air, its water and its living organisms, and on the interdependent, dynamic relationships between these four components.
Understand Your Impact
The Environmental Studies major addresses environmental topics by providing a broadly integrated understanding of the social, business, political, governmental, and policy facets of environmental challenges.
A Promising CareerÂ
As the nation's emphasis on the environment continues to grow, there is an ever-growing demand for environmental jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics students seeking a career in this field can look forward to a far stronger job market than graduates of many other disciplines.
Program Information
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
2018 Median Pay: $46,170 per year
Job Outlook: +9% from 2018-2028
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. Environmental science and protection technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
2018 Median Pay: $71,130 per year
Job Outlook: +8% from 2018-2028
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand.
Conservation Scientists
2018 Median Pay: $61,340 per year
Job Outlook: +3% from 2018-2028
Conservation scientists manage the overall land quality of parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. Conservation scientists work for governments (federal, state, and local), on privately owned lands, or in social advocacy organizations.
Past Student Internships
- Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
- National Park Service-Homestead National Monument
- Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality
- SWT Energy Inc.
- Upper Big Blue River Natural Resources District
Senior Capstone Project
Seniors may choose from one of the following options for their capstone project.
- Practice-Based Learning (PBL) - Provides internship and research opportunities to gain experience, professional contact, and a potential future employer. Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
- Service Learning Internship - Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (National Service Learning Clearinghouse). Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
- Research Option - Provides the opportunity to work with a Doane faculty member on a research project. Facilities include the Lied Science and Mathematics Building.
- Student Teaching - Environmental Science majors completing the Science Teaching emphasis apply student teaching as their capstone. Students begin this emphasis during their first semester as freshmen at Doane and satisfy Secondary Education requirements.
View detailed course information
Requirements for the Environmental Science Major:
Complete the following courses:
One course chosen from the following:
Note:
Complete A, B, C, D, E or F:
A. Biology Emphasis
Complete
Complete a minimum of seven credits from the following groups:
Group 1:
Group 2:
B. Computational Thinking Emphasis
Complete
Complete one course chosen from
Complete a minimum of three credits chosen from the following:
C. Chemistry Emphasis
Complete eight credits from the following:
Complete a minimum of three credits from the following:
D. Political Science and Policy
E. Agriculture and Natural Resource
Complete at least 9 credits from the courses below.
Note
F. Agribusiness Emphasis
Complete one course chosen from
Complete a minimum of six credits from the following:
Four-Year Plan
Requirements for Science Teaching Emphasis
Complete the following courses:
Select a or b:
a. Biology
All requirements listed under the catalog section Secondary Education.
Wildlife and Conservation Organization
Project SERVE & Noyce Scholars
Kappa Alpha Omicron
Three Year Degree Guarantee
Are you focused on your career path and motivated to move ahead at a faster pace? We haven't modified what it takes to graduate with a Doane degree. Instead, we thought progressively about how you can meet graduation requirements at an accelerated pace. Save on tuition and get into the job market or graduate school more quickly while still receiving a world-class liberal arts education from Doane.
3-2 Programs
The 3-2 Program offers Doane Students a path to a Master's Degree at a significant savings. Highly qualified students wishing to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree can do so in five years rather than the traditional six to eight years while enjoying the benefits of beginning their education at a small university.
MindExpo
Included in the curriculum is a research opportunity that begins in the junior year with the preparation of a research proposal and selection of a mentor. The project is then completed during the following two semesters of the senior year and culminates in a presentation at Doane MindExpo. Students participate in paid summer research experiences, which support students researching with faculty.
Studying at Doane has been one of the best experiences—I've been able to conduct research, present at conferences, and have my work published.
Helena Valquier-Flynn ’18
Biochemistry
Doane has been awesome about helping me with my schedule so I can focus my energy on all of my interests.
Bret Andrew ’18
Biology