Five Reasons to Study Environmental Science at Westminster

Westminster College recently updated its Environmental Science major, and with good reason. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Environmental Science is becoming one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. The major also is popular at institutions worldwide because of the exciting intersection between core scientific fields and the latest in environmental research.

Westminster recently caught up with Environmental Science Advisor Dr. David Schmidt — responsible for bringing Shady the Dinosaur to Westminster — to ask five key questions about the revamped program. Read further to see how Westminster’s Environmental Science major stands out from what is offered at other colleges and universities.

1. What do students study in Environmental Science?
   Environmental Science is a very broad field containing elements of a variety of disciplines that include biology, chemistry, and geology. Students study the relationship between humans and the surrounding living and non-living environment. They also learn about sustainable practices that ensure the availability of resources for future generations.
2. Why did Westminster recently update its Environmental Science major?
   We wanted to be able to offer a more streamlined major that is competitive with Environmental Science programs from other institutions. We also wanted a major that was exciting to students as well as one that could utilize the strengths of our faculty.
3. How did the College update the Environmental Science major?
   The major now includes three specific areas of Environmental Science in which students can major: Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, and Environmental Geology.
4. What do most graduates in Environmental Science do after graduation?
   Many of our students have gone on to graduate school or work at a variety of careers that include the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, National Park System, and hydrological engineering firms, to name a few.
5. What would you tell prospective and current students about studying Environmental Science at Westminster?
   There are more exciting opportunities for undergraduates at Westminster as opposed to a large university. This would include travel, research, and internship opportunities (read the latest on Westminster’s rare triceratops find, Shady the Dinosaur, this summer). Additionally, students at Westminster receive a lot more interaction and attention from the faculty: Students get to know the faculty, and the faculty will get to know the students.

For more information on Environmental Science at Westminster, please visit our website, or contact [email protected] or [email protected].