UMW’s environmental science — natural science major explores the relationships among biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and Earth science. Our interdisciplinary program encourages undergraduate research and fosters the analytical, critical-thinking, and communications skills you’ll need as a working scientist or graduate scholar.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in Environmental Science: Natural Science who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science and Geology.
Areas of Study
The environmental science-natural science major gives you a solid background in biological, ecological, chemical, and geological principles. With this foundation, and with guidance from faculty advisors, you’ll craft a course of study that meets your interests and career goals.
Internships
In recent years, UMW environmental sciences majors have served internships with the City of Fredericksburg, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Friends of the Rappahannock, Marstel-Day LLC, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Greenpeace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Honors
Highly motivated and talented students can engage in rigorous honors-designated coursework, interdisciplinary seminars, internships, extended research and creative projects, and community service. Honors students often present at professional conferences and publish in journals, making them highly sought-after by employers or graduate programs.
Requirements
Major Requirements
The environmental science-natural science major requires 40 or 41 credits including environmental science, biology, chemistry, and electives.
Minor Requirements
The environmental sustainability minor requires eighteen to twenty-one credits.
Scholarships
Recent awards include the Peggy Ellis Gill Scholarship for an outstanding physical science undergraduate and the Elsa von Muller Leidecker Scholarship for excellence in academics, service, and research.