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Environmental, Soil and Water SciencesMajor

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

Overview

What is Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU like?

Description

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.

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At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Areas of Emphasis

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

  • Environmental Assessment and Reclamation
  • Soil and Water Sciences

Fast Facts

What makes Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU unique?

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

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

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 WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

AGRN 455:
Reclamation of Disturbed Soils

Principles of soil science, geology, hydrology, and engineering will be applied to surface mine planning, overburden handling during mining, soil replacement and amendments, revegetation practices, acid mine drainage control and treatment, hazardous wastes, and land management of disturbed areas. (Field trip required.) (Also listed as ENVP 455.)

ENVP 355:
Environmental Sampling and Analysis

Introduction to environmental sampling methods and analysis. Lecture and hands-on experience will include sampling plan development, sample point selection, sampling equipment use, containers and preservatives, sample analysis, chain-of-custody and protective equipment.

ENVP 460:
Environmental Impact Assessment

Application of physical, biological and social science principles to assess environmental impacts. Review and prepare environmental assessments, permits, site assessments and ecological risk assessments for environmental decision-making.

GEOL 462:
Introductory Hydrogeology

Basic principles of hydrogeology, emphasizing geologic occurrence of ground water, vadose (soil) water, wells, springs, ground water interaction with streams, and ground-water chemistry, pollution, and pollution restoration.

POLS 338:
Environmental Policy

Explores the formulation and implementation of environmental policy, using both a policy process approach and policy analysis. Includes a discussion of the scientific, technological, risk, economic, and political variables which affect policy making in this area.

RESM 440:
Foundations of Applied Geographic Information Systems

An introductory course designed to provide the necessary background and techniques to use GIS technology to analyze and solve spatial problems. An emphasis is placed on acquisition, management, and manipulation of spatial data.

RESM 480:
Environmental Regulation

Course focusing on laws and policies applicable to the environment. Students will learn to read and interpret statutes, regulations and cases that impact water, air, toxic substances, land and endangered species.

WMAN 446:
Freshwater Ecology

Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of inland waters with emphasis on the structure and function of stream ecosystems.

WMAN 449:
Stream Ecosystem Assessment

Self-paced lectures and exercises culminating in a one-week trip to the mountains of West Virginia for hands-on study of stream fishes, invertebrates, water and habitat quality, geomorphology, and ecology.

Cost and Aid

How much does Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU 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.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

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

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Ways to Save

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

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

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 WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

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 WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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