Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Admissions & Aid College of Arts and Sciences
A helicopter is parked on a vast, snowy landscape under a clear blue sky. A UP environmental science student is in the foreground digging in deep snow surrounded by scientific instruments.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

What Will I Learn in the Environmental Science Major?

University of Portland’s bachelor of science (BS) degree program in environmental science explores environmental problems as complex systems. You’ll not only deepen your quantitative skills and foundation in applied science, but you’ll also gain an understanding of the implications of environmental concerns and their interplay with theological, philosophical, socioeconomic, and political matters. Accordingly, you’ll begin to recognize ethical issues intertwined with environmental research and policy.

The environmental science major offers concentrations in biology, chemistry, earth science, and quantitative and spatial methods so you can build a dynamic degree that supports your aspirations. Foundational coursework ensures you can engage with stakeholders in every industry and communicate your work clearly to motivate change.

Environmental Science Courses

Courses in theories and perspectives in environmental studies, statistics, and geoscience build the foundation of your degree. From there, you select your concentration in biology, chemistry, earth science, or qualitative and spatial methods, individualizing your plan of study to your professional aspirations.

Regardless of your chosen concentration, you’ll complete a senior capstone project where you’ll research a current environmental issue facing the Pacific Northwest. Using an interdisciplinary lens and integrating ethical considerations, you’ll work in a team to develop recommendations for an action plan that you will present to the entire University community and industry partners.

Concentration-Specific Curriculum

The curriculum in each of the concentrations allows you to develop both breadth and depth as an environmental scientist through a mix of required and elective coursework, including:

Biology – molecular and cellular biology, ornithology, entomology, marine biology, field botany

Chemistry – organic chemistry, physics, wetlands ecology, geomorphology

Earth Science – physics, climatology, glaciology, nature of plants, freshwater ecology

Qualitative and Spatial Methods – calculus, applied statistics, linear algebra, metrics for sustainability

Degree Requirements

University Core

UP’s Core Curriculum unites you with your fellow students through liberal arts coursework that challenges you to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives in order to understand the global impact of your work as an environmental scientist.

The Core

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More than a Degree

Our student-focused academic environment nurtures your development through hands-on learning and personalized mentorship, and our distinctive opportunities extend far beyond your diploma.

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College Ecology Club (CEC)

UP’s student-led College Ecology Club strives to increase awareness of environmental issues on campus and globally, educating our community through work-based events, outreach, and partnerships with other UP student organizations.

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Student-Led Unity Garden Project (SLUG)

SLUG is an organic, sustainable garden on University of Portland’s campus maintained by UP students. It provides organic foods to the campus and also educates UP community members on the larger connection between our food and the environment. SLUG also organizes residence hall composting programs and sustainability education events.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Through a lens of social responsibility inspired by our Holy Cross tradition, the environmental science major invites you to explore science not just as a technical craft, but also as a powerful instrument for meaningful change.

The UP Difference

Experience UP’s engaging academics and student-focused support led by expert, caring faculty.

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#

“Regional Universities – West” by U.S. News & World Report

:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

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%

of Students Receive Financial Aid or Scholarships

Environmental Science Student Spotlight

“The Environmental Science program at UP provided me with an intimate learning community and a faculty which supported my academic endeavors – even before I arrived on campus as a transfer student at the start of my junior year. Through the courses I took, I gained a scientific foundation for my future research, as well as an appreciation for how deeply science is embedded in our everyday lives. Through the small class sizes and investment of the faculty, I had valuable mentors who helped open my eyes to the opportunities I could pursue both outside of class during my undergraduate career, as well as after my graduation. Even three years after graduating, I was still able to ask my undergraduate advisor for advice (lots of advice) when approaching graduate school applications and decisions.”

Audrey Huff ‘15, Aquatic Ecologist at University of Alaska Anchorage

Careers and Outcomes

UP’s environmental science major affords you cutting-edge scientific knowledge that employers and graduate schools actively seek, leaving you technically prepared and confident for your next step.

Jobs with an Environmental Science Major

The environmental science bachelor’s degree program at UP can connect you to careers in advocacy, consulting, law, government, NGOs, academia, nonprofits, and research in roles such as:

  • Climatologist
  • Conservation scientist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Forester
  • Geoscientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Wildlife manager

Alumni Employers

Our environmental science graduates possess a unique perspective, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a passion for making an impact, which has led to their success at the following companies:

  • Environmental Works, LLC
  • Otak
  • Real Time Research, Inc.
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Westside Economic Alliance

Graduate Studies

With our rigorous curriculum filled with a wide spectrum of disciplines, UP environmental science students have been adequately prepared to pursue graduate programs at the following institutions:

  • Boise State University
  • Colorado State University
  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  • Oregon State University
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Portland
  • University of Washington

Related Degrees

A group of environmental ethics students from the University of Portland pose with signs on the steps of the Oregon state capitol building.

BA in Environmental Ethics and Policy

A close-up of a UP Biology student looking into a microscope, focusing on the lens and eyepiece, with a blurred background.

BS in Biology

A UP biology professor and student smile while they examine a bottle of Willamette river water being sampled for an algae study on a sunny day with the river and hills in the background.

BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology

Become an Environmental Changemaker

In University of Portland’s bachelor’s in environmental science degree program, you can work with dedicated faculty mentors and a passionate community focused on addressing the most pressing environmental challenges locally and across the world.

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