Learning Outcomes

Every class, lab and assignment aims to further develop your skills as an environmental scientist. Prior to the start of each class, you will have a chance to review learning outcomes for the course.

Please find an appropriate time and place to discuss concerns with your professor if these outcomes are not being fostered.

When studying toward a B.A. in Environmental Sciences, students will:

• Understand the interplay of social science, humanities,and natural science in the study of the environment
• Have a fundamental understanding of policy, law, management and economics applied to environmental problems
• Develop oral and written presentation skills used in a professional setting
• Demonstrate the ability to investigate, evaluate literature and research an advanced topic in environmental sciences and critique ideas and opinions based on advanced study.
• Demonstrate an overall knowledge and application of concepts related to environmental sciences in a professional setting through applied learning

When studying toward a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, students will:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Earth science
• Understand laboratory and field techniques for data collection and analysis applied to environmental problems
• Develop oral and written presentation skills used in a professional setting
• Demonstrate the ability to investigate, evaluate literature and research an advanced topic in environmental sciences and critique ideas and opinions based on advanced study
• Demonstrate an overall knowledge of and ability to apply concepts related to environmental sciences in a professional setting through applied learning

When studying toward a M.S. in Environmental Sciences, students will demonstrate:

• An understanding of fundamental concepts, issues and policies in environmental sciences
• The ability to critique ideas and opinions on advanced topics in environmental sciences
• The ability to utilize contemporary field research methods and equipment
• The ability to investigate, evaluate relevant literature and research an advanced topic in environmental sciences
• The ability to statistically analyze the data derived from environmentally-related research
• The ability to present information on an advanced topic in environmental sciences using contemporary techniques and technology
• An overall knowledge and application of concepts related to environmental sciences in a professional setting

When studying toward a M.S. in Evironmental Sciences and the M.P. A program, students will be able to:

• To lead and manage in public governance
• To participate in and contribute to the policy process
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• To articulate and apply a public values perspective
• To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry

When studying toward a dual degree in M.S. in Environmental Sciences and a M.A. in Teaching - Middle Grades Education, students will earn two separate degrees:

1. Master of Science in Environmental Studies - Environmental Education and Interpretation concentration [henceforth MS EVS]
2. Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades – Science Concentration [henceforth MAT]

This degree option is specifically for students who wish to work in in environmental science education – a discipline at the intersection of environmental science and public education.

Potential post-graduation opportunities associated with the program include careers in:

• Nonprofit organizations focused on environmental issues
• Nonformal science settings (such as zoos, nature centers, museums, aquariums, etc.)
• Teaching Middle Grades Science in public schools (identified as an area of high need in the state of North Carolina)