Department of Land Resources & Environmental Sciences
http://landresources.montana.edu/
Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments. MSU does not have a single Department of Biology. For additional options, see Chemistry (Biochemistry) in the College of Letters and Science, or Animal Science, Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Environmental Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology, and Plant Science in the College of Agriculture.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
Effective management of land and water resources requires a solid fundamental understanding of the processes and relationships in land and natural resources systems, combined with applications of environmental science and applied ecology. The Environmental Sciences curriculum is designed to provide this classroom, laboratory, and field training. Graduates of this degree program will:
1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of biological, physical, and chemical processes important across landscapes;
2. Acquire training in applied ecology, soil and water science, and land resources analysis;
3. Analyze critically land resource problems; and
4. Develop and implement effective land management strategies through experience and collaboration; Graduates will be the scientists most capable of making significant advances and contributions in the 21st century.
Environmental Biology Option
The Environmental Biology option focuses on understanding how organisms interact with their environments and how biological systems respond to human disturbance. This option is ideal for students interested in ecology, conservation, restoration, or using organisms to remediate degraded ecosystems. Study how organisms interact with their environments and prepare for careers in ecology, conservation, restoration, environmental consulting, or graduate research.
Environmental Health Option
The Environmental Health option integrates environmental science with human health, emphasizing the effects of biological, chemical, and physical factors on well‑being. Students receive interdisciplinary training and hands‑on experience that prepares them for careers in environmental health, public health agencies, or graduate and professional programs. Protect human health through environmental science and enter careers as an environmental health professional, health inspector, risk assessor, or pursue environmental health, occupational health and safety, environmental law or medical graduate programs.
Environmental Sciences Option
The Environmental Sciences major provides a broad, flexible foundation in biological, physical, and chemical processes that shape land and natural resource systems. Students gain classroom, laboratory, and field experience that prepares them for environmental problem‑solving careers or graduate study across a wide range of disciplines. Build a broad foundation in environmental science and launch a career in environmental consulting, natural resource management, government agencies, or graduate study.
Geospatial & Environmental Analysis Option
The Environmental Biology option focuses on understanding how organisms interact with their environments and how biological systems respond to human disturbance. This option is ideal for students interested in ecology, conservation, restoration, or using organisms to remediate degraded ecosystems. Study how organisms interact with their environments and prepare for careers in ecology, conservation, restoration, environmental consulting, or graduate research.
Land Rehabilitation Option
The Land Rehabilitation option prepares students to restore ecosystems disturbed by activities such as mining, agriculture, and development. Coursework focuses on applied ecology, soils, vegetation, and reclamation strategies used to return damaged landscapes to functional condition. Learn how to restore disturbed landscapes and prepare for careers in environmental reclamation, restoration ecology, consulting, or land management.
Soil & Water Sciences Option
The Soil and Water Science option centers on the study of soils and water as critical components of healthy ecosystems and sustainable land use. Students learn to assess soil and water processes, manage resources responsibly, and address challenges related to erosion, water quality, and land productivity. Explore soils and water systems critical to sustainable land use, leading to careers in soil science, water quality, conservation planning, or environmental consulting.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems
Agroecology Option
Agroecology explores how crops and pest organisms interact with their environment, and the application of technology to efficiently and sustainability produce crops. Agroecology focuses on application of population principles and community ecology, environmental science, and cropland ecosystems. The curriculum is based on the philosophy that to be able to successfully predict management outcomes and thus make informed recommendations, one must understand fundamental principles of evolution, ecology, soil science, agronomy, and pest management.