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​Environmental Chemistry

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College of Sciences

Create a Solution for a Better World

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Chemistry
In-Class

Imagine yourself on the sunny Gulf of Mexico, taking a marine biology course at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Or performing research with a doctoral-level AUM professor—research work that, at most universities, is reserved only for graduate students. Or, after graduation, imagine going to work for a nonprofit organization or governmental agency that improves the soil quality so farmers can produce a larger, healthier crop.

With your Bachelor of Science degree in ​Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Chemistry, your helping career is limited only by your imagination. Environmental chemistry is the study of the presence and movement of chemicals in the air, soil, and water. Environmental chemists study how these chemicals, usually contaminants, affect the health of people, wildlife, and ecosystems.

In general, environmental scientists are problem solvers. They research environmental and health problems to determine their causes and come up with solutions. They also use what they learn to make recommendations and develop strategies for managing environmental problems. From wading through swamps studying the impact of encroaching human populations on endangered species, to monitoring pollution levels in lakes and rivers, graduates of AUM’s Environmental Science program get the training needed for a fascinating and rewarding career.

The Environmental Chemistry concentration in the Environmental Science bachelor’s degree program helps students prepare for a graduate degree program from another university or for careers working as a:

  • Water Quality Technician
  • Environmental Chemist
  • Water Treatment Specialist
  • Environmental Assessment Analyst
  • Environmental Planner
  • Environmental Scientist

This degree is perfectly aligned with a Chemistry degree and students can easily earn a dual degree in Environmental Science and Chemistry for the same number of hours. If you like the idea of helping humanity by becoming an environmental scientist, you could also choose from one of these concentrations: Environmental Biology, Environmental Geographic Information Systems or Environmental Health and Toxicology.

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The Know How

What you will know with a ​Environmental Chemistry degree from AUM

We Prepare You To Be The Leader

Know how to get things done for the public good by teaming with other professionals, policy administrators, and the local community.

We Give You A Positive Framework For Serving

Know how to put your skills and knowledge to work for the good of humanity, helping to keep the environment clean.

We Set The Bar For Ethics

Know why the ethical questions surrounding the use (and abuse) of land, air and water are crucial to making environmental improvements, both large and small.

We Help You Launch A Sustainable Career

Know why environmental sustainability is a career for now and the future.

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Game Plan for Success

Your GPS is an academic tracker that provides a step-by-step guide to graduating on time.

Points of Pride

  • Students participate in research with a faculty member and many publish papers and travel to conferences.
  • Faculty have grants from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Department of Education.
  • AUM has a relationship with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab that allows students to take marine biology courses at the Sea Lab on the Gulf of Mexico.

Soaring Warhawks

  • Joseph Massey works at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
  • Melanie Pelham works at the Department of Environmental Services, Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board.
  • Marshall Williams works for the United States Geological Survey, Idaho Water Science Center.

Customize Your Degree

  • Get a double major with Environmental GIS by taking 1-2 additional semesters.
  • Consider a double major in Chemistry to broaden your knowledge and career marketability.
  • Add a minor (like Writing and Editing or ​Statistics) that could help you excel on the job or in graduate school.
  • Apply to the University Honors Program, a diverse community of students who take classes together, work on community service projects, and travel the U.S. and abroad.
Clubs & Societies

Join a Club

Audubon on Campus

The next generation of conservationists, making an impact today.

Chemistry Honors Club

Join other chemistry majors in discussions, activities and research.

We Have the Answers

Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth

Check out our Career Discovery Board on this page to begin exploring your options. Contact us for a personal conversation or send us an email, so we can get the answers you need.

In general, environmental scientists use their knowledge and specific training of earth’s systems (in either chemistry, biology, GIS or health/toxicology) to protect the environment and human health.

It depends on your job title and function, but many environmental scientists work outdoors much of the time, studying environmental issues concerning the earth, air, and/or water of a specific ecosystem.

No, but a lot of graduates do seek more advanced degrees, which expands their career options. Others go directly into the job market in manufacturing, nonprofit, business and government sectors.

Degree Options

Is a Degree in Environmental Chemistry right for me?

With this bachelor’s degree as your educational foundation, you have many career possibilities.

Career/Job TitleEntry-level Education RequirementsJob Growth 2020-2030Annual Median Salary
Conservation Scientist and ForesterBachelor's degree7% (As fast as average)$64,010
Natural Sciences ManagerBachelor's degree (Master’s preferred)6% (As fast as average)$137,940
Environmental Scientist/SpecialistBachelor's degree8% (As fast as average)$73,230
Environmental EngineerBachelor's degree4% (Slower than average)$92,120.00
HydrologistBachelor's degree6% (As fast as average)$84,040

Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Quick Facts

College of Sciences

At AUM’s College of Sciences, you will have hands-on learning experiences, working side by side with scholars and researchers using state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.

Our academic departments include Biology and Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Psychology. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.

Official Name of this Environmental Science Degree Concentration

Bachelor of Science in ​Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Chemistry

Modality

This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.

In-Class
Environmental Chemistry

Required Courses

You will need to complete courses in the university core, biology, related science areas, and electives. Contact the Biology and Environmental Sciences Department for a current listing of courses required to complete the Biology Health Sciences concentration.

The course listings below are only a few of the classes this concentration requires. For a full review of this program in detail, please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor.

Course #Course NameCourse Description
ENSC 1000Introduction to Environmental ScienceKick off your knowledge of environmental science, the scientific method, ecology, energy, environmental policy and an examination of current environmental issues.
CHEM 3500Environmental ChemistryAn introduction to environmental chemistry in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
ENSC 2952Seminar in Environmental ScienceStudents meet weekly to discuss assigned readings, which will vary from term to term.
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