Environmental Science
What is Environmental Science?
LMU’s Environmental Science major helps students understand the interdisciplinarity of how the world works and the impacts human have on the environment using quantitative methods.
The Environmental Science major provides students with a rigorous understanding of the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental engineering, as well as the practical knowledge and skills associated with environmental research, monitoring, and effective communication of technical data. Internships with local environmental organizations are an integral component of the program.
What do Environmental Science majors do?
Environmental Science majors use their technical background in basic sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) to learn about, examine, and research complex environmental problems, as well as find potential solutions. They explore modern global environmental crises as well as monitor the LMU-adjacent Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay.
Environmental science majors conduct original research under the supervision of faculty mentors; their projects can involve outdoor fieldwork, laboratory studies, statistical analyses, and/or modeling.
Is this major right for you?
Environmental Science might be the right major for you if:
- You enjoy doing hands-on science with important environmental applications
- Plan to be a scientist
- You want to learn more about the science behind important issues such as climate change, air and water pollution, ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability
- You are interested in a career studying, managing, or preserving Earth's resources as a scientist or in environmental policy, planning or law
About our faculty
Our faculty members are experts in fields such as environmental chemistry, geology, and ecology. They are active researchers with experience working in the field as well as the classroom. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science, there are also faculty affiliated with the major who serve on an advisory board. These faculty come from the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil Engineering, and Physics as well as from the Coastal Research Institute and the Center for Urban Resilience.
About our students and graduates
Our students pursue graduate studies or enter the field of environmental science where jobs are available, for example, with private businesses, governmental agencies, and environmental non-profits and advocacy groups.
Majors are well suited for careers in environmental protection, environmental health and safety, environmental education, environmental sustainability, natural resources management, and environmental monitoring and assessment. They can also work in allied environmental professions such as law and consumer advocacy.
Representative courses
Our offered courses for majors have included:
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Environmental Field Sampling and Data Analysis
- Environmental Statistical Analysis and GIS
- Earth System Science
- Principles and Ecology
- Environmental Chemistry: Atmosphere and Climate
- Environmental Chemistry: Water, Soil, and Sediment
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
- Environmental Monitoring: Practice and Impacts
- Environmental Science Capstone
- Environmental Internship
- Independent Research with Faculty