What is environmental sciences and management?
Environmental sciences and management is all about understanding the natural world and how people interact with it. In this major, you’ll explore ecosystems, natural resources and the ways human activity affects the environment. You’ll also learn how science can help protect our planet and support more sustainable, responsible solutions. If you’re curious about the environment and want to make a real-world impact, this major is for you.
What you'll learn
As you pursue your environmental science degree, you’ll study topics like:
- conservation biology;
- ecosystem composition and management;
- environmental sustainability;
- pollution, energy and risks;
- social relations and connections to resource use.
Why study environmental sciences and management at MSU?
MSU is known for research and hands-on learning that tackles real-world challenges. As an undergraduate student, you'll have many ways to build experience early on, such as:
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- The Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) program
- Faculty-led study abroad experiences
Because this major is housed in the Lyman Briggs College, you’ll learn in a close-knit science community with small classes and strong relationships with professors and mentors who can help you find opportunities and stay supported as you work toward your goals.
Student organizations and activities
Outside the classroom, you can connect with other students who share your interests through clubs like the:
- Bee Education and Empowered Club
- Sustainable Spartans
- Environmental and Agricultural Law Society
- Students for Cultivating Change
- Spartan Sierra Club
Whether you're into conservation and community science or just love being outdoors, these groups offer chances to learn, lead and have fun. And with over 1,000 student clubs at MSU, these are just the beginning. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your people and explore your interests.
Alumni pursuits
Graduates with an environmental science degree may go on to graduate study, such as environmental law, or pursue a wide range of careers in environmental science and management.
Alumni could work as:
- Department of Natural Resources officer
- Forest/park ranger
- Conservation officer
- Environmental consultant or analyst
- Surveyor