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Environmental Science Minor

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field exploring Earth's biological, geological, and chemical processes that drive environmental systems and their intersections with human activities.

Visit the program website for more information.

Program Overview

There is a growing need for professionals with expertise in environmental science. This minor provides opportunities to gain experience integrating life science with physical and chemical sciences and environmental policy to understand and mitigate negative human impacts on the earth's land, water, and air.

This program provides science content focused on field, analytical, and technical skills required to enter jobs that address environmental issues like groundwater contamination, pollution, watershed conservation, and ecosystem health.

Courses within this minor are integrated and applied, collaborating with community partners to identify the experiences students need to be competitive in jobs focused on the natural environment.

The environmental science minor is available to all undergraduate degree-seeking students.

Why Study Environmental Science at Grand Valley?

  • There is an increasing demand in the workforce for environmental scientists.
  • Knowledge of environmental science enhances employment marketability.
  • Environmental scientists help promote ecological and human health.
  • An environmental science minor complements several types of majors.
  • GVSU offers a variety of courses in the life and physical sciences.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this program study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Students must complete a minimum of 22 credits in the program. Coursework includes the life sciences (biology and natural resources management), earth science (geology), environmental chemistry, and environmental policy and planning.

Career Options

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Environmental scientists are hired by:

  • Conservation districts
  • Local government
  • Consulting firms
  • Corporations

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

Biology Department

gvsu.edu/biology
3300a Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions