Seaver College of Science and Engineering LMU.edu
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Seaver College of Science and Engineering LMU.edu
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Academics

The objective of the Environmental Science major is to prepare a student for a career in the field of environmental sciences. Students receiving this degree can either pursue graduate studies or enter the field of environmental science where many jobs are available, for example, with various private businesses, government agencies, and environmental advocacy groups.

  • The Environmental Science major is a rigorous interdisciplinary program involving course work in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science and engineering. The curriculum for the major involves courses that will provide students the following knowledge and skills:

    • Theoretical and technical knowledge of the generation, transport, and fate of pollutants;
    • The impacts of contaminants and other stressors on receiving environments (air, water, land), biodiversity, natural resources, and human health;
    • Resource management and conservation strategies;
    • Design and implementation of field and laboratory studies;
    • Data assessment employing the use of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing; and
    • Conveying technical information through written reports and poster and oral presentations

    Laboratory courses are designed to maximize hands-on experience in collecting samples from various media, and using an array of equipment to characterize samples of soils, water, and air. Many of the environmental science courses include field trips to the adjacent Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay to demonstrate methods for collecting samples, and to study environmental conditions and resident biota. Internships with local environmental organizations and companies are an integral component of the program. The major requires that the student conduct a research project followed by presentation of results upon completion.

    After taking foundational science classes (biology, chemistry, math, physics) during their first two years, Environmental Science majors take a variety of classes during their sophomore, junior, and senior years that focus on applying scientific concepts to the environment. Some of these courses include:

    • Environmental Microbiology
    • Ecology
    • Marine Biology
    • Urban Ecology
    • Urban Coasts
    • Environmental Chemistry: Air and Climate
    • Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Sediment, and Water
    • Contaminant Fate, Transport, and Remediation
    • Principles of Water Quality Management
    • Aquatic Chemistry
    • Remote Sensing
    • GIS

    Please see the LMU bulletin to view complete details and to view the degree requirements.

  • Minor Requirements

    28 total semester hours are required.

    21 Semester Hours

    One (1) Environmental Chemistry course (3 semester hours) selected from:

    One (1) Ecology elective (3 semester hours) selected from:

    One Upper Division Laboratory course (1 semester hour) selected from:

    Note

    • Any substitution must be made with the consent of the Director of the Environmental Science program.
    • A grade of C (2.0) must be obtained in each course included in the minor.

  • Master's candidates who complete the Master of Science in Environmental Science program will: 

    1. Apply critical thinking skills in their profession to identify, evaluate, and develop science-based solutions to 21st century environmental issues and challenges;
    2. Demonstrate and apply ethical, socially equitable, and sustainable practices and principles to issues in their profession; and
    3. Advance in their careers by staying current in the field, working on interdisciplinary teams, and/or obtaining professional certifications.

    Visit the Master of Science in Environmental Science website.

    View the master's program curriculum. 

  • Student learning outcomes for the environmental science majors:

    1. Students will be able to apply the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses.
    2. Students will be able to assess and evaluate effectively global environmental processes embedded in a social and ethical context.
    3. Students will have proficiency in the following: Earth systems science, micro- and macroevolution, ecosystem services, and anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems.
    4. Students will have proficiency in the fundamental concepts of the physical and life sciences.
    5. Students will have basic field, laboratory, and analytic skills in a quantitative capacity.
    6. Students will effectively communicate through written assignments and oral presentations.
    7. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills needed for assessing and solving problems relating to environmental issues and policies.

  • Loyola Marymount University offers bachelors degrees in both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, which can be confusing to some. Here we describe difference between the two degrees.