B.S. Environmental Sciences - FAQs

What is the difference between the Environmental Sciences degree and the Natural Resources degree?

The Environmental Sciences (ES) degree focuses on examination of environmental issues the world faces from scientific perspectives. The Natural Resources (NR) degree exposes students to natural resources disciplines, with emphasis on the social sciences and human dimensions of natural resource policy and management.

ES students learn how to provide potential solutions to environmental problems, predict environmental change, participate in responsible management of the environment and examine the critical relationship between humans and their environment. NR students gain technical and scientific knowledge spanning a number of natural resource and social science fields, and learn to understand their interdependence. Both ES and NR students choose and specialize in an area of interest.

The ES curriculum contains more technical and laboratory courses, including chemistry, physics and a higher level of math. In general, the NR curriculum contains slightly less math (it does not require calculus) and less laboratory and physical sciences (chemistry, physics) than the ES program. However, certain emphases in NR might necessitate completion of chemistry and related courses (for example: soils). The NR program incorporates a wider range of natural science courses, with a definite emphasis on management applications of scientific knowledge.

Both ES and NR students must complete a year-long sequence in lab biology somewhere other than OSU. ES students need a higher level of biology (equivalent to OSU's BI 211, 212, and 213) and must take the classes at a local institution. NR students are required to complete the equivalent of OSU's BI 101, 102, 103 sequence, either locally or online through an Oregon community college.

In addition, the ES curriculum includes an Observational Experience requirement which is usually met through an internship allowing for hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data in the physical, biological or social sciences related to the environment. Currently, the NR program does not have such a requirement.

Careers in the ES field tend to deal with regulatory, management, political and conservation aspects of environmental issues as well as positions that call for assessing problems and potential solutions from scientific perspectives, along with positions in non-governmental organizations. NR graduates go on to work for federal, state and local land management and planning agencies, non-governmental organizations and legislative bodies concerned with land use policy and laws. Some graduates of both programs continue on to graduate school and law school, and also pursue careers in teaching.

What kind of jobs can this degree prepare me for?

Career opportunities for students graduating with a B. S. in Environmental Sciences will continue to expand. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Forest Service hire qualified graduates, as do private companies, consulting firms and universities. In addition, students planning to teach elementary or secondary school can use a degree in Environmental Sciences. Qualified graduates from this degree can enter OSU's yearlong Professional Teacher Education program (Master's of Arts in Teaching) to become certified to teach in a variety of areas.

Visit Careers for Environmental Sciences majors for more information.

Can I take all the degree requirements for this degree via the Web?

No, the lower division Biology sequence, including labs, must be taken in person at a local community college or university. To ensure that your Biology courses will meet Ecampus Environmental Sciences degree requirements, contact the Ecampus Student Services Center to request prior approval. All other courses are available online, either through OSU or through an Oregon community college (see Oregon Colleges Online or request their brochure at 800-806-2282). Lower division courses may also be taken at other accredited colleges and universities.

I've had some college level course work. How do I get my transcripts reviewed to see how many courses I'll need to complete the degree?

Once you have reviewed the Environmental Sciences Curriculum to see what courses are needed for the degree, you are ready to have an advisor evaluate your transcript. You may contact our Student Services Center at 800-667-1465 and ask to have your transcripts reviewed. You can mail, email or fax your unofficial transcript to us. Advisor contact information and office hours are posted on the Advising section of our website.

Who do I ask if I have questions about financial aid, admissions, course delivery methods, or other questions about online degrees?

For all other questions that do not relate directly to the B.S. in Environmental Sciences, call 800-235-6559 (the OSU Extended Campus main office in Corvallis, Oregon) and they will connect you with the person who can answer your questions.

For additional questions relating to a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, call our Student Services Center at 800-667-1465.

Are there other resources that will highlight services available to me through OSU Extended Campus?

Our Website is full of good information for prospective students. Be sure to visit our Enrollment & Services and About Ecampus pages, where you will find:

A step-by-step Getting Started Guide
More FAQ's about OSU's online degrees and Online Learning
How to subscribe to E-News, our electronic student newsletter
Student and faculty features
Important contact information, and more

OSU Extended Campus