Environmental Science

Good Planets are Hard to Find

Doane's Environmental and Earth Science department provides students with the knowledge they need to succeed in environmental careers.

If you are interested in making a difference and excited about solving real-world environmental issues with hands-on experience, then the Environmental and Earth Sciences Department at Doane is the place for you!  Established in 1974, our curriculum nurtures students' perspectives on environmental issues and provides them with a thorough knowledge of environmental topics.  As environmental problem solvers students examine a range of subjects that arise from the interaction of humans with the environment.  Two Bachelor of Science degree majors are offered.

The Environmental Studies major addresses environmental topics by providing a broadly integrated understanding of the social, business, political, governmental, and policy facets of environmental challenges. 

The Environmental Science major addresses environmental challenges by applying scientific knowledge coupled with the required selection of one Emphasis Area.  The six Emphasis Areas are Agriculture and Natural Resources, Biology, Chemistry, Political Science and Policy, Computational Thinking, and Science Teaching.

What is the difference between Environmental Science and Environmental Studies?

As the nation's emphasis on the environment continues to grow, there is an ever-growing demand for environmental jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics students seeking a career in this field can look forward to a far stronger job market than graduates of many other disciplines.

The majors prepare students for careers and graduate study in government, science, law, business, and non-profit organizations. 

Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environmental Studies minors are also available.

Courses include:

• environmental science
• agriculture and geology
• environmental history, economics, policy and sustainability
• alternative energy and climate change
• geographic information systems
• marine science

Senior Capstone Project

Both majors complete a senior capstone project, selecting from four options:

1. Practice-Based Learning (PBL) - Provides internship and research opportunities to gain experience, a professional contact, and a potential future employer. Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
2. Service Learning Internship - Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (National Service Learning Clearinghouse). Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
3. Research Option - Provides the opportunity to work with a Doane faculty member on a research project. Facilities include the Lied Science and Mathematics Building.
4. Student Teaching - Environmental Science majors completing the Science Teaching emphasis apply student teaching as their capstone. Students begin this emphasis during their first semester as freshmen at Doane and satisfy Secondary Education requirements.

Students present their results at MindExpo, Doane’s own celebration of students' creative efforts. They may also participate in paid summer research projects.

University Affiliations

Doane is a University Affiliate of the National Council for Science and the Environment and the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors.  The university is a member of the EcoLeaders program and has signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment.