Environmental Science, B.S.

The environmental science program at Saint Louis University focuses on developing a scientific understanding of Earth’s natural systems and their interconnections with human society. The SLU program represents a collaboration between several departments to provide a degree opportunity that bridges traditional academic boundaries. The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Geospatial Science hosts the program, and provides student advising and mentoring.

Environmental science encompasses the study of Earth’s environment, which comprises the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, with emphasis on human interactions with these spheres. Students will learn how these spheres interact with each other in the natural world, how human activities influence the environment, and how the ever-changing environment affects people. The environmental science program is designed so students first gain a thorough foundation of knowledge in all spheres and then focus on one or more sub-disciplines such as soil, water, energy or climate change. The breadth-plus-depth structure of the program prepares students for advanced study toward M.S. or Ph.D. programs in scientific disciplines, professional schools such as law or public health, or for immediate employment in industry or government.

Curriculum Overview

The environmental science curriculum is built upon a breadth-plus-depth model that combines a comprehensive background in the natural sciences with specialized training in a chosen area of interest. All students entering the environmental science program are required to complete a core set of preparatory and skill development courses that provide a rigorous introduction to the environmental sciences.

Students then choose a specialized track that provides more advanced instruction in a specific discipline germane to environmental science. The track requirements are individually defined by the collaborative departments and are roughly equivalent to completing a minor in the specific area of interest. All students are encouraged to complete an internship or a capstone project.

Although students in the program will take many of their upper-division classes in other departments, all students within the program have full access to departmental resources, including excellent computer and research laboratories, field- and laboratory-based research opportunities with department faculty, departmental field trips and internship opportunities in the St. Louis area. Opportunities for research and field experiences in biology and chemistry are also available to qualified students.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Weekend field trips, canoe trips and social events are scheduled throughout the year. One perk associated with this major is the opportunity to join other faculty and students on annual, weeklong field trips across the country. Visit environmentally important sites and get to know the faculty, other students and alumni who join the trips.

Undergraduate students in the environmental science program have the option to pursue internship opportunities through the host department or in collaboration with other departments on campus. Students also have the option to participate in a capstone project designed to provide a real-world perspective as part of their undergraduate training. In addition, students may choose to participate in faculty research projects, many of which include funding specifically to support the participation of undergraduate students.

Careers

Demand for graduates with a comprehensive knowledge of natural systems and their interactions is strong and projected to increase in the face of greater public awareness of the influence of humans on the natural environment. With judicious planning, the program serves as excellent preparation for graduate degrees in medicine, the sciences, law and other disciplines where a strong background in environmental science is desirable.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will know the founding principles in their field of study, as well as the facts and content appropriate to the field.
2. Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to reason about issues in their discipline.
3. Graduates will be able to solve quantitative problems in their discipline.

Environmental science students must complete a minimum total of 74 credits for the major.

*

At least 6 credits in EAS/GIS.  No more than 3 credits at the 2000 level.

Non-Course Requirements

All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in their earth and atmospheric sciences major courses and required related credits (biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences, physics, etc.) by the conclusion of their freshman year. Students that fall below a 2.0 GPA will be placed on probation. If a student fails to obtain at least a 2.0 GPA in their major courses and required related credits by the conclusion of their sophomore year they will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.