Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 71 Credits
Environmental Science is a unique field that explores earth's biological, geological, chemical and physical processes that drive environmental systems.
Overview
Grand Valley’s B.S. in Environmental Science is all about preparing students for the real world. The program blends hands-on, interdisciplinary learning with real projects and experiences that reflect what environmental scientists actually do. Whether students plan to enter the job market right after graduation or pursue advanced degrees, they’ll build a strong, job-ready portfolio.
Students explore environmental issues through life, earth, physical, and chemical sciences—and learn how these fields work together to solve real problems. The program also offers a curated list of electives so students can focus on the areas they’re most passionate about.
Grand Valley's program is unique in that it is built with input from professionals in the field, so students gain practical skills in fieldwork, lab techniques, data analysis, teamwork, and more. Plus, it’s the only program in Michigan where students earn a certification that’s actually required for many environmental science jobs. And with the field expected to grow 6% by 2032, GVSU graduates will be ready to take full advantage.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
B-4-232 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2495
[email protected]
Program Contact
Tara Kneeshaw
[email protected]
(616) 331-8996
Alexandra Locher
[email protected]
(616) 331-3456
Career Opportunities
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 37,072.68 | 10% |
| $ 38,043.80 | 25% |
| $ 48,255.41 | 50% |
| $ 66,138.39 | 75% |
| $ 79,210.83 | 90% |
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Science
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 49,942.27 | 10% |
| $ 60,906.49 | 25% |
| $ 76,657.20 | 50% |
| $ 96,563.00 | 75% |
| $108,798.69 | 90% |
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 40,618.08 | 10% |
| $ 45,134.79 | 25% |
| $ 51,082.69 | 50% |
| $ 65,657.19 | 75% |
| $ 88,783.25 | 90% |
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Science
- Instructing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,406.69 | 10% |
| $ 60,100.88 | 25% |
| $ 85,823.68 | 50% |
| $123,123.26 | 75% |
| $166,433.09 | 90% |
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
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Real-World Experience
During the course of the major, GVSU students will have multiple immersive high impact experiences where they will apply knowledge and skills from several disciplines. This includes field experience, laboratory experience, collaborative assignments and projects, problem-based learning, and internships.
CLAS Voyage
At Grand Valley's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the CLAS Voyage helps students explore their interests, shape their academic path, and prepare for success beyond the classroom.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
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