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Environmental Science

Environmental Science
Major & Minor

Program Website

The Environmental Science Department is a multidisciplinary effort under the Geography Department. As the need to preserve the earth`s natural resources becomes inevitable, both geography and environmental science are fields of critical demand.

As geographers, we approach the analysis of environments by emphasizing space, place, and the effects of landscape processes at local regional, and global levels. Although environmental science is fairly recent as an interdisciplinary field, it is a natural fit with geography, the original discipline of analysis for environmental problems.

Faculty
Faculty members are involved in the campus Environmental Responsibility Council, programs for reforestation in Latin America, as well as the coursework offered under the ESS major/minor programs at Stetson University. The faculty is dedicated to active and experiential learning programs involving fieldwork, both in central Florida, and abroad.

  • J. Anthony Abbott, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Department of Geography; environmental science coordinator; political ecology; agrodiversity; Latin America.
  • Bruce Bradford, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, chair of the Geography and Environmental Science Department; population geography; quantitative analysis and economic geography; focus on the former Soviet Union.


Special Features
Both geography and environmental science curricula take full advantage of Stetson University`s unique location in Central Florida. The area immediately available to students and faculty in DeLand is noted for its natural beauty, mix of biodiverse landscapes, and unique freshwater systems. We are lucky that geographers and environmental science majors benefit from a mix of wet and dry ecosystems, a scientific and ecological crossroads of environments, useful for local and regional research. Nearly all of our majors conduct their research for their Senior Project locally.

Course Information
There are two foundation courses in Environmental Science. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, course descriptions leading to a degree in Environmental Science are found by referencing individual departments such as American Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Environmental Science, Political Science, and Religious Studies.

Internship Opportunities
Students participate in internships with public or private institutions to hone skills and apply experience.

Career Opportunities
Geographic information scientist, computer mapping, environmental consultant, teacher/professor, environmental law, impact assessment specialist, environmental engineering

Alumni Highlights

Stuart Bartlett, Field Scientist, DEP (Jacksonville, FL)

Brenda Brooks-Solveson, Graduate Student in Environmental Science, Florida Gulf Coast University

Catherine Ciak, Aquatic Ecologist, National Park Service's Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network

Jennifer Cotch, Senior Environmental Scientist, DEP (Orlando, FL)

Sherry Gardner, Conservation Information Assistant, Nature's Conservancy Florida Protection Department (Altamonte Springs, FL)

Melissa Knight, a Peace Corps volunteer who aided her local community by designing watershed management units for reforestation and agriculture projects

Kirsten Marshall Mattson, Environmental Educator, Low Country Institute (Beaufort, SC)

Ashley Palmer, Graduate Student at Baylor University

Paulina Pfarrer, Environmental Analyst, Geo-Centers (Washington, D.C.)

Lauren Staly, Environmental Scientist, DEP (Orlando, FL)

Kevin Sullivan, GIS specialist, Taylor Engineering (Jacksonville, FL)

Matt Zirkelbach, Graduate Student in Environmental Studies, Florida International University

 


Contact:
Tony Abbott
386-822-7008
tabbott@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 10

Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science
in Environmental Science

Our Graduates Attend:
University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Florida, Florida International University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, University of Georgia, Rhode Island School of Design, Stetson University College of Law, Baylor University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Our Students Intern at:
City of DeLand, Volusia County Department of Environmental Management, Florida State Parks System, U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, various private environmental consultants

Stetson University
Office of Admissions
Unit 8378
421 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, Florida 32723 29.034476-81.302825

Phone Number : 386.822.7100
Toll-free Number : 800.688.0101

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