The environmental science major at Ramapo College educates students to understand environmental complexities at local, regional and global scales from a scientific perspective. Students learn an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to environmental problem solving, while gaining essential laboratory, field, communication, analytical and learning skills. Specific areas of emphasis include ecology (ecosystem dynamics, conservation, biodiversity), geology (paleoclimate, history of life, geologic resources), chemistry (reaction equilibrium in environment, contaminant analysis, chemical instrumentation) and physics (climate change, alternative energy sources, green technology). Graduating students are both prepared for continuing their studies in graduate programs, and for entering the work force as environmental scientists in education, industry and government. .
Program Goals:
Graduates should be able to:
1. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of fundamental environmental principles, principally from a multi-disciplinary, scientific perspective;
2. integrate knowledge across the scientific disciplines that deal with the environment;
3. obtain and critically evaluate authoritative information on environmental issues (e.g., from peer reviewed scientific journal articles, technical reports);
4. use the scientific method, rigorous research design, field and lab methodologies, quantitative problem-solving skills, statistical analysis, and team research to help identify and address environmental problems;
5. prepare high-quality, scientific research reports and oral presentations based on original data and literature review;
6. effectively communicate with the public.
