Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary program with real-world impact with diverse careers in sustainability, climate, and more.

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Environmental Science, B.S.

Located at the intersection of science, technology, and the social sciences, careers in Environmental Science span a myriad of job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, and exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the timely topics of water quality, climate change adaptation and mitigation, recycling, solid waste management, and natural hazards management. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today's world with the numerous environmental challenges we face.

A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making a difference in the world by improving our soils, air, and water resources, and making our nation and planet a better and a healthier place for all The Environmental Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates knowledge from various scientific fields. It features a strong foundation in geosciences with support courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and math. Coursework includes such topics as environmental issues and impacts, energy resources and recovery, climate and climate change, and geographic information systems. Students can find career opportunities within both the private and public sectors. Typical employment opportunities exist in various local, regional, and national government agencies, and as environmental consultants in air and water quality oversight, pollution control and mitigation, environmental analysis and resource assessment, and hazardous and sanitary waste management. The degree program includes a capstone experience with opportunities for academic research, study abroad, field courses to various locations, or an internship in local government or industry. Students can choose the best fit for their career goals with the guidance of their faculty mentor. The Environmental Science major only has one concentration, but there are plenty of options within the major requirements to tailor the degree to that interests you! Environmental scientists work in a variety of careers across all sectors of the economy. Given the challenges of climate change and the need for more environmentally sustainable ways of life, the work of environmental scientists is more important than ever before. The combination of knowledge from geosciences, chemistry, biology, and geospatial technologies positions graduates for careers in a variety of federal, state, and local government positions dealing with the environment, planning, and sustainability. In the private field, many companies large and small need environmental consulting to help improve their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprints. Federal predictions show a much faster level of growth for these kinds of jobs compared to the overall job growth rate for the next decade.

If you live in one of these states: AR; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.

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Flanked by Middle Tennessee State University first lady Elizabeth McPhee, left, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, twins Maxine and BiBi Beasley and their mother, Beth Beasley, of Shelbyville, Tenn., hold the “MTSU Bound” yard sign they received while attending Admitted Student Day and a Celebration of Scholars visit to the President’s House Saturday, Feb. 22, on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The twins plan to study graphic design in the College of Liberal Arts. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Inaugural MTSU Admitted Student Day attracts 1,400 to campus event full of options, opportunities

Camila Reyes acknowledged being “excited about coming” to the inaugural Middle Tennessee State University Admitted Student Day Saturday, Feb. 22.[ Read More ]

Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduates and one faculty member are participating in prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, grant programs this summer. (MTSU graphic illustration by Stephanie Wagner)

Summer not slowing MTSU research: students, faculty in national program

Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduates and one faculty member are participating in prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, grant programs this summer. [ Read More ]

News Briefs

Flanked by Middle Tennessee State University first lady Elizabeth McPhee, left, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, twins Maxine and BiBi Beasley and their mother, Beth Beasley, of Shelbyville, Tenn., hold the “MTSU Bound” yard sign they received while attending Admitted Student Day and a Celebration of Scholars visit to the President’s House Saturday, Feb. 22, on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The twins plan to study graphic design in the College of Liberal Arts. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Inaugural MTSU Admitted Student Day attracts 1,400 to campus event full of options, opportunities

Camila Reyes acknowledged being “excited about coming” to the inaugural Middle Tennessee State University Admitted Student Day Saturday, Feb. 22.[ Read More ]

Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduates and one faculty member are participating in prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, grant programs this summer. (MTSU graphic illustration by Stephanie Wagner)

Summer not slowing MTSU research: students, faculty in national program

Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduates and one faculty member are participating in prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, grant programs this summer. [ Read More ]

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CAREERS

Environmental Science, B.S.


The interaction between the environment and human activities represents a continuously expanding field of career opportunities. Examples include:

  • Ecologist
  • Environmental analyst
  • Environmental compliance and sustainability manager
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental health and safety manager
  • Environmental planner
  • Environmental technologist
  • Hazardous materials administrator
  • Regulatory compliance and sustainability specialist
  • Streams and watershed specialist
  • And many other careers!

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Alcoa
  • Amazon
  • American Red Cross
  • Arnold Air
  • City of Smyrna
  • Coca Cola
  • EHS lab
  • Firestone
  • Goodrich
  • Johnson Electric
  • Microsoft
  • Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Murfreesboro Water and Sewer
  • Murfreesboro Electric Service
  • Nissan
  • Nucore
  • Rutherford County Government
  • Select Services
  • TVA
  • Vanderbilt Medical
  • Veterans Affairs
  • ViJon
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

Located squarely at the intersection of the environment and human activity Environmental Science spans myriad job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the very timely topics of water quality, sustainability, environmental safety, and many others through addressing specific environmental issues and broader environmental monitoring and planning. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today’s world with the numerous environmental challenges we face.

To learn more about the Department of Geosciences, check out our full website!

83% of MTSU students receive financial aid

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