The Program - Why Choose WT ENVR SCI?
The Environmental Science program is a rigorous science-based education program focused on research, service, and development of critical thinking skills based on sound scientific principles. The student will gain an understanding of complex environmental and geological processes and the application and integration of those skills in meeting current and future environmental protection and sustainability challenges.
Specific Focus Areas in B.S. and M.S.
- B.S. Environmental Science – Option I
- B.S. Environmental Science/Geology Emphasis – Option II
- M.S. Environmental Science – Option I
- M.S. Environmental Science/Human and Ecological Risk Assessment Specialization – Option II
- M.S. Environmental Science/Air Quality and Atmospheric Science Specialization – Option III
Professional Certifications
Several of the Environmental Science courses lead to professional certifications. The research, internship, certifications and hands-on-experience provided by WT provide a competitive advantage in the employment market or pursuit of an advanced degree.
WT students are trained for a variety of different career paths.
Private Industry - Environmental compliance, project planning and oversight. Health and safety program oversight meeting company, state and federal requirements.
Governmental Agencies - Oversight of environmental regulatory programs and interaction with private industry and coordination with state and federal agencies.
Public Utilities - Management of alternative energy projects such as wind generator and solar farms. This includes siting and mitigation of hazards.
Petroleum and Mining Companies - Project planning meeting federal and state requirements, hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, compliance with
surface and groundwater standards, site remediation.
Air Pollution and Weather Agencies - Management of air emissions and hazardous waste generation. Deploying air pollution and weather observation systems. Forecasting for private industry, broadcast media, utilities, state and federal agencies.
Research & Internships
Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in emerging research activities and relevant internship opportunities provided by WT and its private, state and federal partners. Many of the internship opportunities are paid providing both valuable experience and financial support to the student. In many cases, these internship opportunities lead to employment upon graduation or funded master’s degree. Examples of these opportunities are:
- Arctic and Antarctica aerosol investigations
- Environmental toxicology, human and ecological risk assessment
- Soil and groundwater modeling for conservation and/or remediation of contamination
- Water bioremediation, conservation and reuse
- Hydrological and atmospheric monitoring and modeling
- Surface and subsurface soil and water bioremediation
- Human health and safety
- Monitoring weather conditions with surface and airborne instruments
Graduate Program
Program Overview
WT offers one of the select few graduate programs in Environmental Science. We have recently expanded our program to include Air Quality and Atmospheric Sciences.
Our faculty provide many opportunities to participate in the global community of environmental protection and policy.
- Classes are typically designed for the working student
- Thesis and non-thesis options are available
- The coursework is designed to engage students with practical opportunities as well as a diverse knowledge framework for professional development
- Full-time and part-time schedules available
- Areas of Specialization include:
- Human and Ecological Risk Assessment
- Air Quality and Atmospheric Science
- General Environmental Science
Degree Benefits
A graduate degree in Environmental Science from West Texas A&M University provides students with a quality education and a wealth of experiences to develop a professional resume as they enter the workforce.
Student Organizations
Environmental Science Society
Contact: Dr. Erik Crosman, Dr. William Jim Rogers
The Environmental Science Society serves to spread knowledge about environmental science and bring awareness to the environmental science program at WTAMU. It is a great avenue for networking, getting involved in environmental activism, and making a difference.
Climate Science Society
Contact: Dr. Naruki Hiranuma
The purpose of the Climate Science Society is to educate and inspire the young minds of the Panhandle on climate science through engaging science experiments with a goal to move to children all over the world.
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Program History
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved West Texas A&M University’s application for an undergraduate environmental science program in 1992, followed by its graduate program in 1994. Because environmental problems involve all aspects of the natural environment as well as the human population, the curriculum is multidisciplinary with a strong emphasis on basic sciences. Required courses for the major total approximately 80 semester hours concentrated in the areas of biology, chemistry, geology, geoscience and mathematics. A feature of the program is a series of courses in environmental science, including an internship to provide practical work experience. Courses in environmental impact statements, law and economics are also included. The program provides a multidisciplinary perspective but also provides adequate depth in technical areas. For students who want additional training in one of the basic sciences, the environmental science degree can be combined with a degree in biology, chemistry or geology.