The BS in Environmental Science provides an interdisciplinary foundation in the natural and social sciences, for those curious about how our environmental systems support life. Students learn a variety of critical skills such as environmental techniques and other field methods, remote sensing and spatial analysis, and public policy analysis to understand and solve complex environmental problems.
Program Benefits
Hands on research experience: All students complete a minimum of six hours of research experience, including field work
Strong career prospects: The annual median salary continues to outperform the national average
Graduate study preparation: Many of our students continue to study as the master’s level or successfully complete law school
Courses
Our environmental sciences bachelor’s degree program provides you with comprehensive knowledge and skills through a variety of courses, including field work. Study topics such as ecological restoration for range and forest systems, soil science, environmental management, geographic information systems and land use management. Learn techniques in re-vegetation, prescribed fire and grazing, restoration of historic vegetation and more.
Dr. Anne Egelston is an associate professor of environmental policy and director of Environmental Science at Tarleton State University. Her research focuses on solving real-world environmental challenges, particularly how laws and policies impact communities ranging from rural Texas agriculture to urban environments.
Her current USDA-funded research explores how agricultural systems can use economic strategies to conserve soil organic carbon while supporting both farmers and environmental sustainability. Dr. Egelston also studies sustainable development in rural communities and environmental crime in urban areas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in global affairs from Rutgers University.
Environmental Science students at Tarleton State gain hands-on experience through undergraduate research opportunities, fieldwork, and conference presentations. Every student completes and presents an individual research project, while many also travel across Texas to collect environmental data in the field.
Students also have opportunities for study away experiences, including the program’s upcoming trip to Chicago and Wisconsin Dells. Field experiences may include activities such as water sample collection, ecosystem observation, and environmental analysis.
Dr. Parvathi Nair - Associate Professor
Dr. Parvathi Nair is an assistant professor of environmental science in the Department of Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics at Tarleton State University. She is an aquatic ecologist whose research examines how environmental stressors, nutrient cycles, and resource availability impact ecosystems and food webs.
Before joining Tarleton State, Dr. Nair served as a postdoctoral fellow at Texas State University, where she studied how biological communities change across spatial and temporal scales. Prior to that, she conducted marine food web research at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute.
Dr. Nair earned her Ph.D. in aquatic resources from Texas State University, where her dissertation focused on the ecophysiology and food web dynamics of spring ecotone communities in the Edwards Aquifer. She also holds a master’s degree in environmental science from University of Houston-Clear Lake, along with degrees in oceanography, fisheries, and zoology from the University of Mumbai.
Graduates will analyze and evaluate the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of environmental problems, and propose practical, science-based solutions to contemporary challenges, including human impacts on natural ecosystems.
Graduates will effectively document and communicate field activities and investigative results in a clear and professional manner, including technical reporting and figure labeling.
Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in handling, utilizing, and maintaining field equipment, and apply proper methods for environmental sample collection, handling, storage, and QA/QC procedures to ensure data integrity.
Graduates will work collaboratively as part of a team to address environmental and resource management challenges.
Graduates will assess and compare environmental policies, evaluating the roles of location, regional, national, and international governments, non-profit organizations, and economic interests in shaping environmental outcomes.
