B.S. Environmental Science
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Learn to Address Environmental Issues Head-On
Earth matters. A changing environment needs highly educated people who can address both scientific and societal challenges. Nova Southeastern University’s B.S. in Environmental Science program prepares you to help solve the problems created by the impact of human activity on the environment. You’ll gain a comprehensive knowledge of the earth’s physical, chemical, and biotic systems.
Field studies. Internships. Visits to local ecosystems. NSU is located in an epicenter of biodiversity and development. You’ll experience biology and sociology come alive as you struggle to find solutions to local and global problems. In addition to courses in Everglades ecology, chemistry, and environmental law, you can explore electives that delve into cell biology, biodiversity, and geographical information systems.
Why Should You Major in Environmental Science at NSU?
- Field Studies - Local and international opportunities to promote environmental awareness and develop your skills.
- Internships – Develop career strategies, gain practical field experience, and create networks for employment opportunities.
- Research Opportunities - Conduct joint research with faculty and graduate students and have opportunities to present at national conferences.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Core Courses (56 credits)
- Biology I/Lab
- Biology II/Lab
- General Ecology/Lab
- General Chemistry I/Lab or General Chemistry I/Lab Honors
- General Chemistry II/Lab or General Chemistry II/Lab Honors
- Environmental Science
- Natural History of South Florida
- Introduction to Geology
- Environmental Science Lab
- Environmental Geology/Lab
- Everglades Ecology and Conservation
- Internship in Environmental Sciences
- Geography of Ecotourism
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Applied Statistics
- Environmental Ethics
Major Electives
Select at least 22 credits from the following courses.
- Introductory Cell Biology
- Vertebrate Zoology/Lab
- Microbiology/Lab
- Genetics/Lab
- Evolution
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Organic Chemistry I/Lab
- Organic Chemistry II/Lab
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biochemistry/Lab
- Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems and Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems Field Course
- Environmental Issues
- Special Topics in Environmental Science
- Independent Study in Environmental Science (1–3 credits)
- Survey of Geography
- Geographical Information Systems
- Geography of Natural Resources
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Marine Biology/Lab
- Marine Biology/Lab - Oceanography/Lab
- Survey of Marine Mammals
- Food Web Dynamics
- Plankton Ecology
- Biology of Fishes/Lab
- Ecology of the Galapagos Islands and Ecology of the Galapagos Islands Field Trip
- General Physics I/Lab
- History of Science
- Research Methods
- Environmental Sociology
Open Electives
Select 9 credits from any courses offered at NSU.
Experiential Learning/Internships
During your undergraduate years, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real-world experience through field studies. These include opportunities to promote environmental awareness and build skills that will be useful in future professional and graduate environmental studies.
Additionally, environmental science majors are required to complete an internship before completing the program. Internships are matched to your interests and serve as a capstone to your studies.
NSU students enjoy internships at organizations like:
- Zoo Miami
- Marine Environmental Center at the Carpenter House
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
- Broward County Board of County Commissioners
- South Florida Water Management District
- Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
- Frost Science Center
- Broward County Port Everglades
- National Association of Underwater Instructors
- Nova Blance Foreman Elementary School
- Flamingo Gardens
Career Opportunities
Start Your Career in Government and Nonprofit Agencies
With your environmental science degree, you’ll be prepared for a number of career opportunities, including everything from analyzing data in an office or laboratory to gathering air and water samples on the field. You can work in non-profit organizations, private and governmental sectors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for environmental scientists and specialists will grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average rate. No matter what path you choose to follow, a career in environmental science helps you make a difference and gain expertise in something that matters to everyone—our world
Average Starting Salary
According to a 2020 report from PayScale.com, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science make an average of $59,750 per year.
Shark Destinations
You’ll find NSU environmental science alumni at companies like Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Jungle Queen, and New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. They hold titles such as Naturalist, Hydrologic Technician, Research Associate, Environmental Educator, and Environmental Scientist. *
*Data provided by NSU’s Office of Career Development