The Environmental Science B.S. degree (ENVS), designed by academics from the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences, has debuted and is enrolling students.
Math, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and environmental policy form the foundation of the ENVS degree. Upper-level electives let students tailor their studies to their interests and professional ambitions.
Greg Huey, professor and chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, said the new degree will equip students to be future leaders who understand how human activity affects Earth systems and human well-being. “Graduates will be leaders in industry, academia, education, and communication to create innovative solutions to our greatest environmental challenges.”
Inaugural leadership will include two EAS and one Biological Sciences faculty members: Jennifer Glass, associate professor, directs program; Samantha Wilson, academic professional, directs undergraduate studies; and Linda Green, senior academic professional in the School of Biological Sciences, directs experiential learning.
The degree program will commence at the Kendeda Building on Friday
This new degree’s foundational science classes will be supplemented by courses in Public Policy and City Planning, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Policy and Politics, before giving students more course options to suit their career goals.
Wilson said past EAS students have pursued environmental consulting, law, and graduate school. “The variety of environmental career paths drove students to diversify their degree options.”
“This degree will give Georgia Tech students a unique opportunity to customize their environmental science program to their interests and career goals in science, policy, public service, non-profit, government, industry, academia, or beyond,” says Glass. ENVS supports student leadership, diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and belonging.
Green believes field stations, field trips, study abroad, and internships will offer hands-on learning. “This major sustains the Institute’s strategic plan to lead by example, champion innovation, and connect globally—particularly in an area so critical as addressing Earth’s environmental issues.”
Glass said that the Schools of Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences are revising numerous curricula to satisfy UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will spearhead global environmental solutions based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and environmental justice.
Glass says, “We can’t wait for August to celebrate the ENVS launch with our incoming and current students.