The engineering and technology track of Environmental Science provides students with an understanding of the technical aspects of environmental analysis and protection in the areas of energy, water resources, environmentally friendly structures, solid waste, and air pollution. This will enable students to have a much broader and deeper understanding of the complex issues involved in environmental management and policy.

One of the unique and distinctive aspects of our program is that the curriculum is designed to maximize the intersection of Engineering with the Sciences and Social Sciences. This means that some of the courses taken by Environmental Science students are taught by engineers and as such you will learn about Engineering Solutions. This is unique in a Liberal Arts setting.

The Environmental Program offers tracks in Environmental Science and Environmental Policy. The Engineering and Technology track falls under Environmental Science, and a student who follows this path earns a BSc degree in Environmental Science. There are a number of disctinctive engineering courses in this track that are accessible to all students on campus, not just engineers. These include courses in:

Geographic Information Systems
Water Resources and the Environment
Environmental Geotechniques
Environmentally Friendly Buildings
Hydrology
Waste Management and Recycling
Renewable Energy Systems
Environmental Engineering
Engineering Economics

There are several key field experiences that explore the intersection of Science, Policy, and Engineering. For example, the mini-term "Living on the Edge" is focused on natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, etc. and how society mitigates these hazards. This course is currently taught in Alaska and one key focal point of the course is the Alaska Pipeline, which is an Engineering marvel. The focal point of this part of the course is the science that shaped the engineering requirements of the pipeline as it crosses this seismic hazard.

Finally, the Energy Studies minor is related and is another benefit of Engineering in the liberal arts setting. This sequence is designed to be accessible to all students on campus (non-science, science and engineering). Students completing this minor will gain both a technical and policy background that allows them to understand the technical, economic and policy issues surrounding energy and energy usage. Students take two core technical courses, two core policy courses and then choose two additional courses from a list of electives. Students are encouraged to participate in the New Zealand mini-term abroad as part of this program.

One of the other distinctive aspects of the program is a wonderful mix of FIELD PROGRAMS, many of which are focussed on Environmental Science and Engineering. These programs include some amazing things like examining the science and engineering behind the Alaskan Pipeline, investigating the economics behind power generation and energy consumption in New Zealand, understanding geothermal power in Iceland, and others.

The culmination of the BSc in Environmental Policy is the Senior thesis where student work on original research with a faculty member or a research team. Here is a list of recent theses.

The details and specific requirements for the Environmental Science - Engineering and Technology track are here.

Environmental Science overview is here.

Environmental Policy overview is here.

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