Environmental Science Bachelor of Science: Aquatic and Earth Science Track

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Drake University

Program Overview

The Environmental Science Bachelor of Science: Aquatic and Earth Science Track at Drake University offers an interdisciplinary education for students who want to understand, investigate, and help solve environmental challenges involving water, land, climate, and natural resources. Combining scientific research, laboratory and fieldwork, geographic information systems (GIS), and quantitative analysis, this program is ideal for students who want to build strong technical skills and prepare for careers in environmental research, water resources, conservation, or further study in environmental science.

Curriculum Structure

The following is a suggested progression through the degree based on the university's published curriculum. Students should confirm their actual course sequence with an academic adviser.

Year 1: Building a Foundation in Environmental Science

Students begin by exploring environmental systems and the scientific principles behind environmental challenges through One Earth: Global Environmental Science (ENSS 035) and One Earth Laboratory (ENSS 036). They also develop an understanding of Earth's physical structure through Principles of Geology (ENSS 041) and Principles of Geology Lab (ENSS 042), while beginning the chemistry or physics sequence required for the degree.

Year 2: Developing Technical and Analytical Skills

Students build on their scientific foundation through Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 065), learning how spatial information can support environmental investigation and decision-making, and Environmental Case Analysis (ENSS 037), which introduces the analysis of environmental problems. Depending on their course sequence, they also progress through physical science requirements and begin exploring topics such as global biogeochemical cycles, environmental justice, and quantitative methods.

Year 3: Specialising in Aquatic and Earth Systems

Students deepen their understanding of environmental processes by choosing courses that align with the aquatic and earth science track. Options include Hydrology (ENSS 162), Global Climate Change: The Science and Policy of Global Warming (ENSS 135), Water Resources and Policy (ENSS 138), and Dynamic Environmental Modeling (ENSS 168). Through selected courses in interdisciplinary science, physical science, systems science, and quantitative analysis, students strengthen their ability to investigate environmental conditions and evaluate potential solutions.

Year 4: Research, Professional Experience, and Capstone

The final stage emphasises independent research, professional preparation, and applying scientific knowledge to real environmental problems. BS students undertake a substantial faculty-advised research project, including a research proposal, data analysis, an oral presentation, and a research paper; relevant options include Environmental Internship (ENSS 196) and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 165). Students also complete Environmental Science and Sustainability Practicum (ENSS 191), the program's capstone course, bringing together their scientific, analytical, and practical skills.

Focus Areas

Aquatic and earth systems; geology; hydrology and water resources; global environmental science; climate change; geographic information systems (GIS); environmental modeling; quantitative and statistical analysis; environmental justice; field and laboratory methods; independent research; ecosystem science; environmental policy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to investigate environmental problems using scientific principles, laboratory and field methods, quantitative analysis, and GIS. They learn to interpret environmental data, connect natural science with human and policy considerations, collaborate with faculty on research, communicate scientific findings through presentations and written reports, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program's published curriculum emphasises scientific research, technical and quantitative skills, field experience, and interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving. These competencies can support preparation for environmental science, water resources, environmental monitoring, conservation, and research-related careers. The official program page does not identify a specific external professional accreditation for this degree; students seeking a particular professional credential should confirm the relevant requirements with Drake University.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Drake University highlights the career preparation built into its undergraduate experience. The College of Arts and Sciences reports that more than 90% of Drake undergraduate students begin careers or graduate school within six months of completing their degrees. This is a university-level outcome, not a placement rate specifically for Environmental Science graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Drake University's Environmental Science and Sustainability program places strong emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. Students can develop practical skills through faculty-guided research, laboratory investigations, field trips, internships, and environmental restoration projects. The Aquatic and Earth Science Track is particularly suited to students who want to investigate water resources, geological processes, ecosystems, and environmental change using scientific methods and technical tools.

Students can explore the following program-specific opportunities and facilities:

- Environmental Learning Center (ELC): Through Drake's collaboration with Metro Waste Authority, environmental science majors can explore prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats, providing opportunities to study ecosystems in real-world settings.

- Faculty-guided undergraduate research: BS students work with a faculty adviser on a substantial research project over at least two semesters. The process includes developing a proposal and hypothesis, conducting research, analysing data, interpreting results, and presenting findings.

- Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in Science (DUCURS): Students can share their research findings at this undergraduate research conference, building scientific communication and presentation skills. The university also highlights opportunities to participate in faculty research, including paid research-assistant positions when available.

- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Courses such as Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 065) and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 165) help students develop spatial analysis skills for environmental investigation and resource management.

- Environmental field trips and research locations: The program highlights field experiences at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, a biological field station in Milford, Iowa, and semester-long marine science opportunities at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Field trips may also connect students with diverse ecosystems and restoration initiatives.

- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: The university identifies a large-scale prairie restoration project involving bison and elk at this refuge, approximately 20 miles east of campus, as an example of the environmental projects students can connect with through the program.

- Environmental internships: Students can gain professional experience in environmental research, nature education, conservation initiatives, community engagement, and environmental communications. Drake's program information also identifies past student opportunities with organisations such as the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

- Capstone and applied learning: Environmental Science and Sustainability Practicum (ENSS 191) provides a culminating opportunity to apply learning to practical environmental challenges. Students can also consider the Environmental Field Course (ENSS 115), Restoration Ecology Practicum (ENSS 101), and Environmental Internship (ENSS 196), where permitted by their degree requirements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Environmental Science Bachelor of Science: Aquatic and Earth Science Track prepares students to apply scientific knowledge, research techniques, and analytical skills to environmental challenges. Graduates can pursue opportunities in environmental consulting, water resources, environmental monitoring, conservation, and scientific research, depending on their experience and additional qualifications. The research-intensive BS structure also provides a strong foundation for students considering postgraduate study in environmental science and related disciplines.

Typical career pathways include:

Environmental Scientist: Investigate environmental conditions, interpret scientific data, and help assess the effects of human activities on natural systems.
Water Resources or Hydrology Assistant: Support water-resource investigations, hydrological monitoring, and environmental data collection.
Environmental Consultant: Contribute to environmental assessments, regulatory research, and sustainability projects.
Environmental Research Assistant: Support scientific investigations through fieldwork, laboratory procedures, statistical analysis, and research reporting.

These are potential career pathways aligned with the curriculum, rather than guaranteed job placements or university-listed graduate job titles.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through several opportunities:

- Career Services: Drake's Career Services team provides career exploration resources, individual support, professional development, and guidance on finding and applying for relevant internships and jobs. Students can begin developing their career plans during their first year.

- Internships and employer connections: The university connects students with internship and cooperative education opportunities through local, national, and international organisations. Environmental Science and Sustainability students have previously gained experience with the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

- Employment outcomes: Drake's College of Arts and Sciences reports that more than 90% of undergraduate students begin their careers or graduate school within six months of graduation. This university-wide statistic provides useful context, but it should not be interpreted as a program-specific employment rate.

- Salary and employment data: Salary outcomes for this specific degree track are not reported in the official program information. Actual earnings will depend on the position, location, employer, experience, and further qualifications.

- Professional development and accreditation: Research experience, GIS skills, fieldwork, and internships can strengthen a graduate's professional profile. The university's published program page does not specify a dedicated external accreditation for this track, so students should verify any accreditation or certification requirements associated with their intended profession.

- Graduation outcomes: Students may enter employment, pursue research-related positions, or continue into graduate and professional education. Drake specifically identifies preparation for graduate study in diverse environmental science fields as an outcome of the program.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this BS degree, students can consider master's or doctoral study in environmental science, hydrology, earth science, environmental management, climate science, water resources, or related research fields. Their research experience and quantitative preparation may be particularly valuable for research-oriented postgraduate programs. Admission requirements vary by institution and discipline, so students should check prerequisite coursework and research expectations before applying.