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Overview

Environmental Science & Regional Planning (ES/RP) Program

The program coordinates two closely related fields of study: Environmental Science and Regional Planning. Environmental science is concerned with the study of natural and modified environments and their interactions with biological (including human) systems with an emphasis on the comprehensive understanding of the environmental/ecological context, assessment of beneficial and disruptive impacts, and methodologies to analyze, interrelate and resolve these complex systems. The regional planning curriculum provides an understanding of basic issues, methods, and processes in rural, land use, and environmental planning with comprehensive studies of natural and human systems. Students of both fields acquire the holistic and interdisciplinary perspectives and ecological understanding necessary to prepare them for a variety of roles in the study, planning, and management of resources and the environment.

All graduating students in environmental science will: 1) have a well-rounded, general science background in the physical and life sciences, with solid training in the social sciences; 2) have developed an in-depth, interdisciplinary expertise in an area of concentration within the field (these would include but not be limited to environmental assessment, hazardous waste management, ecosystem science and management, environmental planning, or systems analysis); 3) have developed an interdisciplinary cognizance of the field and practice of environmental science through the study of public policy and planning; 4) have developed effective oral and written communication skills; and 5) have developed skills in problem-solving and management.

Because of the diversity of these fields, the course of study for each student is flexibly designed in a unique, multi-optional interdisciplinary context. Environmental science majors can specialize in agricultural ecology, biological science, human or cultural ecology, environmental education, environmental quality control, hazardous waste management, natural resource management, physical science, systems and environmental land-use planning. Regional planning majors can specialize in a variety of areas including land-use planning, ecological planning, geographic assessment and planning, and environmental policy and planning. Environmental science majors specializing in environmental education may work toward senior high school teaching certificates with endorsements for the major and minors in physical and biological science.

The program is closely coordinated with the Environmental Research Center and other university research units. It is administratively supported by the Colleges of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Sciences and Liberal Arts. The participating faculty resource list for the program includes some 65 members representing many disciplines.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science:

The School offers to obtain the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.

Minor in Environmental Science:

A minor in Environmental Science is also offered.

Graduate Studies:

Master of Science & Doctor of Philosophy:

Our graduate program offers M.S. in Environmental Science, Master of Regional Planning, and Ph.D in Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences degrees with advanced degrees are well prepared for careers in industry and academia.

ES/RP Computer Laboratory:

There are computers available for SEES students in Troy building. They may be accessed at any time without charge. PC usage is prioritized - first for graduate students and then our undergraduate students, unless the computers are being used for a class assignment. The use of these computers is limited to SEES students, faculty, and staff.

Research Facilities:

There are several on- and off-campus research facilities including; 1) the E.H. Steffen Center as a 58-acre complex of greenhouses, laboratories, wildlife holding/feeding facilities and field plots, 2) the Wildlife Habitat/Range Nutrition Laboratory, 3) the 760-acre George Hudson Biological Preserve, and 4) the 27-acre Palouse Natural Grassland Area.

SEES has a state of the art Geographic Information Systems Laboratory including work station, digitizer, plotter, and vector (ARC INFO) and raster (EPPL7) based software. Students in this interdisciplinary program may work with faculty in several other laboratories on campus. The Laboratory for Atmospheric research has extensive facilities and equipment for analysis of air quality, including mobile laboratory capability. The Water Research Center has a wide range of equipment for water quality analysis and treatment, including a boat equipped for research use. Remote sensing facilities include software for processing remote sensing images, such as ERDAS and VICAR-IBIS.