Columbia College Bachelor's of Science in
Environmental Science
Learn about the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment including how natural resources are managed with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree from Columbia College.
Explore environmental science at Columbia College
The natural environment and the use of resources are increasingly significant issues—and this science-based program examines the structure and function of natural systems to help graduates create effective strategies for the resolution of environmental challenges.
Your studies at Columbia College will focus on the interactions between living organisms and the natural environment through courses in biology, ecology, chemistry, zoology and botany. Students spend time in the lab and in the field, developing practical skills in research and scientific methodology. They also examine the structure and function of natural systems for a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between living organisms and the environment.
Opportunities to study:
Plant anatomy
Biodiversity
Ecology
Zoology
Population genetics
Environmental chemistry
Taxonomy
Natural resource management
Prepare for a career in a diverse range of environmental fields
Columbia College graduates have the skills and knowledge to create effective strategies for the resolution of environmental challenges anywhere humans and nature intersect—in fields like conservation, natural resource management, soil science, agriculture or wildlife and fisheries management.
You will have the skills and knowledge to go beyond the immediate issue at hand to look toward long-term solutions through the lenses of natural resource management, policy and sustainability. In addition, your understanding of research methods and statistics for natural sciences will prepare you for advanced graduate study.
Some possible paths include:
Environmental Education Specialist
Conservation Biologist
Field Technician
Botanist
Natural Resource Manager
Water Quality Technician
Soils Technician
Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.
"Whether he’s teaching students going into medical school or working with art majors fulfilling a general education requirement, Strodtman does it with humor and understanding."
Applied principles of advanced ecology with an emphasis on the factors affecting the distribution and abundance of organisms. Cross-listed as BIOL 321. Note: Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 321/ENVS 321; and BIOL 320/ENVS 320 and/or BIOL 320L/ENVS 320L. Prerequisites: C or higher in BIOL 112 and BIOL 112L and BIOL 222/ENVS 222.
Conservation biology is the science of maintaining biological diversity but it extends beyond pure science into areas such as philosophy, economics, law and sociology. This course focuses on biodiversity and how this diversity supports the functions of ecosystems. Threats to biodiversity, particularly from human actions, and strategies for maintaining biodiversity are discussed. Cross-listed as BIOL 222. Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 112.
Survey of animal phyla and vertebrate organ systems. Laboratory is included. Cross-listed as ENVS 353. Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 112 and BIOL 112L.