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School of Natural Resources and the Environment

Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences, BS

This major prepares you for careers in areas which safeguard the quality of the environment with a curriculum that focuses on interdisciplinary training in a broad array of environmental protection sciences.

You can work with your adviser to select courses from both the environmental protection electives and the specialization electives that match your interests and career goals.

Recent graduates are employed by municipal, state and federal governmental agencies; consulting firms, especially those specializing in land reclamation, water quality or pest management; and companies associated with natural resource industries.

Your Degree Plan The ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

This major combines interdisciplinary training in environmental protection sciences with a specialization in either pest management or soil and water conservation.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Environmental Assessment and Reclamation

  • Environmental Microbiology

  • Soil and Water Sciences

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Learn from nationally recognized experts in the fields of mine reclamation and soil and water conservation.
  • Learn in farms and forests, our Research, Education and Outreach Centers, located throughout West Virginia.
  • Work on one of the oldest and largest certified in the U.S.
  • Paid laboratory job opportunities provide valuable hands-on training.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Hydrologists

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Median Salary: $88,770

Possible job titles include: Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Research Hydrologist.

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Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $206,680

Possible job titles include: Corporate Sustainability Process Manager, Director of Sustainability, Director of Sustainable Design, Sustainability Director.

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Compliance Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Median Salary: $133,560

Possible job titles include: Compliance Coordinator, Compliance Manager, Compliance Officer, Director of Compliance.

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Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. 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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist.

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Climate Change Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Senior Associate, Climate and Energy Program, Senior Climate Advisor, Senior Policy Associate, Staff Climate Scientist.

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Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Executive Director, Project Manager, Watershed Coordinator.

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Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Has a Bright Outlook , Is a Green Occupation , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Ecologist, Research Environmental Engineer, Research Scientist, Researcher.

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Geoscientists

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $92,580

Possible job titles include: Geologist, Geophysicist, Mine Geologist, Project Geologist.

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Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Has a Bright Outlook , Is a Green Occupation , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,730

Possible job titles include: Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Principal Associate, Principal Research Economist.

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Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. Includes environmental protection officers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $81,140

Possible job titles include: Certified Industrial Hygienist, Chief Safety Officer, Health and Safety Manager, Safety Specialist.

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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ's Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences major, first-time freshmen must meet ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences can enroll at ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ family.

Want to know more about Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.