B.S. Environmental Science

Pursue Your Passion for the Natural World

Set yourself up for a career protecting nature, keeping our air and water clean, and sustainably managing resources. UW-Stout's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science program prepares you for careers in conservation, environmental health, and sustainable management of our natural resources. With ample hands-on opportunities for water quality research, restoration work, and environmental impact studies, our program focuses on helping you develop practical skills through applied research, lab-based learning, and field experiences that address real environmental problems. Whether you’re planning on grad school or diving straight into your dream job, a major in environmental science will prepare you for a lifetime of impact. 

Career-Focused Curriculum

In your first year, you'll take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and other core disciplines, along with a one-credit Environmental Science Profession course to better identify possible career tracks. As you advance, you'll build in-depth knowledge with specialized courses in specific subject areas.

• Organismal Biology: Plant Biology, Zoology, Ichthyology, Wildlife Techniques, Natural History of the Neotropics (Belize), Vascular Plant Taxonomy, Applied Plant Science for Conservation and Management, and Entomology.
• Ecological Systems: Ecology, Soil Science and Conservation, Restoration Ecology, and Intermediate and Advanced Geographic Information Systems.
• Environmental Health & Chemistry: Epidemiology, Environmental Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry.
• Advanced Aquatic Studies: Aquatic Ecology and Management, Wetland Ecology and Delineation, and Applied Watershed Hydrology.

Pursue the Concentration That Meet Your Career Goals

• Aquatic Biology: Pursue a career in aquatic and wetland ecosystem management and restoration, fishery science, limnological research, and water quality testing.
• Environmental Health: Pursue opportunities in public health and epidemiology, pollution monitoring, environmental remediation, food safety and security, and toxicology research on new chemicals.
• Human Dimensions: Focus on working with stakeholders and community members in environmental management, conservation planning, non-profit leadership, environmental justice, environmental policy, conservation advocacy, and outreach and education.
• Natural Resource Conservation: Dedicate your career to ecological restoration, land management, wildlife and wildlands conservation, ecological monitoring, wetland delineation, and soil conservation.

STEM OPT Extension Advantage for International Students

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.

Industry-Experienced Faculty Instruction

Forget TA-taught classes and 200-person lectures. At UW-Stout, building close relationships with our industry-experienced and academically accomplished environmental science faculty will play a key role in your polytechnic education and your career. Learn more about your future instructors!

Meet the Environmental Science Faculty

Do More on Day One in Our Labs & Facilities

Take your education and research to the next level in UW-Stout's on-campus labs and facilities. Additionally, as an upper-level student, you'll expand your professional experience through site visits that reinforce and contextual topics covered in class.

• Greenhouse: Gain horticultural skills, study bioremediation, and grow native plants for local restoration projects.
• Campus Garden: Learn about sustainable agriculture, market gardening, pest management and volunteer management.
• Center for Limnological Research & Rehabilitation (CLRR): Collect and analyze water samples to study lake pollution and remediation.
• Analytical Chemistry Laboratories: Study water, air, and sediment pollution
• Outdoor Classroom Campus Natural Area: practice restoration techniques and learn about invasive species.
• Natural History Collections: preserve, catalog, and study plant and animal specimens.

Enhance Your Resume With Professional Certifications

In addition to career-focused coursework, you can get a jumpstart on industry-related certifications that complement and distinguish your skills through certification courses offered at UW-Stout or nearby partners.

“Working in the field helps me learn faster and understand concepts. I know a lot of students at other universities and colleges don't get opportunities for hands-on learning like this, and it is good experience for future internships and jobs."

~ Keaton Kuzel

Make an Impact Through Applied Research

Do good and drive innovation by creating real-world solutions to existing societal challenges! Unlike traditional theoretical research, your applied research opportunities in environmental science will focus on translating inquiry into meaningful action and impact. Students have presented at and attended research conferences, including The Prairie Enthusiasts, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, National Council of Undergraduate Research, National Environmental Health Association, and the Ecological Society of America.

Recent Environmental Science Research Topics

• Wetland restoration project success on local WRP wetlands
• Social-environmental science research on Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar Watershed
• Dobb’s Landing prairie management (collaboration with The Prairie Enthusiasts)
• Environmental management plan development and invasive species monitoring
• Rare plant species and moss surveys
• Radiation surveys
• Assessment of pesticides in local well waters
• Human health effects of harmful algal blooms

Guaranteed Internship Placements in Environmental Science

Take your education into the field and earn while you learn through UW-Stout’s award-winning Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP) and other placements. Our professional paid and pro bono credit-earning experiences connect you with leaders in your field, including state and county agencies, conservation corps and conservancies, and other organizations to ensure you’re set up for success long before you graduate.

Recent Internship Employers

Take Your Education Farther with International Study

Enhance your undergraduate experience through faculty-led WinTerm and summer travel courses, university semester abroad experiences, and national student exchange opportunities. 

• Natural History of the Neotropics (BIO-270) provides a chance to study in Belize
• Science, the Environment & Sustainability (BIO-111) offers a chance to study in Hawai'i
• Semester programs are available in Fiji and Australia

Expand Your Opportunities Through Our Professional Partnerships

Unlike traditional degree programs, the B.S. Environmental Science program's close ties with external partners will connect you with leading state, regional, and national partners. While other students are still reading about your field, you’ll be networking, learning, and volunteering with potential employers.

Nonprofit, Public & Private Partners

"The program prepared me to accomplish the tasks that employers in all different fields of science are looking for—from the lab to the field. I never felt unprepared."

~ Tyler Christensen

Graduate in Demand & Ready to Solve Tomorrow's Environmental Challenges

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 6% annual job market growth rate (twice as fast as the general 3% average), so you'll graduate ready to fulfill the demand in a wide range of areas and industries.