Academics
The Department of Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences (SEAS) brings together students, staff and faculty working in the fields of environmental, atmospheric and soil science projects. Excellent opportunities exist for students wishing to explore these exciting areas of study.
Emphasis Areas Offered:
The department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with a major in Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences.
Dual Degree
A dual degree program in Environmental Science/Biochemistry is offered by the department and the Division of Biochemistry. A second dual degree program in Environmental Science/Forestry is also offered by the department and the Department of Forestry.
Minor
A minor (PDF) with options in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or Soil Science is also available.
Graduate Program
- SEAS Graduate Program (M.S. and Ph.D. degrees)
Atmospheric Science Emphasis
The study of atmospheric science prepares you for employment as a professional meteorologist in the National Weather Service, the military and other government agencies as well as meteorological consulting firms, broadcast outlets and industry.
The emphasis adheres to federal requirements for employment as a meteorologist, yet emphasizes interdisciplinary studies in natural resources leading to specialization in operational meteorology or environmental science. The course of study also serves as a preparatory curriculum for advanced study in atmospheric science. A major in soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences with an emphasis in atmospheric sciences requires 128 credits (PDF) for graduation.
Environmental Science Emphasis
Addressing environmental problems, such as water and air quality, waste management and land use issues, often requires an interdisciplinary science education as well as an understanding of the social and economic context of the problem. The environmental science emphasis is designed to prepare you for careers as environmental professionals.
Within the environmental science emphasis, you can choose one of three tracks: water quality, land management or air quality. All tracks take a mixture of natural and applied science courses such as ecology, soil science, forestry, atmospheric science or fisheries and wildlife.
Other required classes provide you with technical and outreach skills such as geographical information systems (GIS) and additional communications courses, to prepare for work in environmental careers. You also gain hands-on experience in your field of interest through off-campus internships and practical courses. Each of the tracks requires a 3-credit practical internship in natural resources. You must complete 128 credits (PDF) to graduate, including 21-23 credits in the water quality, land management or air quality track.
Soil Resource Management Emphasis
This course of study prepares you for employment as a professional soil scientist in government, industry or consulting. Courses offered in soil science emphasize the application of basic physical and biological sciences to understanding the function and use of soils. A major in soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences with an emphasis in soil resource management requires 128 credits (PDF) for graduation.
Soil science professionals have a wide range of career opportunities, including working in land-use planning and assessment, agricultural and horticultural production, consulting and sales, landscaping and recreational management. Among the state and federal agencies that employ soil scientists are the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of conservation and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Opportunities in private industry including working in environmental consulting firms and the horticultural and agricultural production and service industries.
Dual Degrees
Dual B.S. in Geology and in Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences with an emphasis in Soil Resource Management
The SEAS Department and the Department of Geological Sciences offer a dual B.S. in Geology and in Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences with an emphasis in Soil Resource Management. The dual degree program requires 132 credits for graduation. For more information on this opportunity, contact a SEAS or Geological Sciences faculty adviser.
Dual B.S. in Environmental Science and Biochemistry
The SEAS Department and the Division of Biochemistry offer a dual B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Biochemistry. Individuals interested in biofuel production, environmental health and safety, and toxicology may wish to choose the dual major offered jointly through the Environmental Science Program and the Division of Biochemistry. From the laboratory to the classroom to the field, this program will expose students to interactions occurring at the molecular level to the field-scale. This dual degree program requires 134 credits (PDF) to graduate, including 26 credits of Environmental Science and Natural Resource-related courses and 37 credits of Biochemistry and Chemistry course work.
Dual B.S. in Environmental Science and Forestry
The SEAS Department and Forestry Department offer a dual B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Forestry. Individuals interested in ecology, environmental quality, and management of forested ecosystems may wish to choose the dual major offered jointly through the Environmental Science Program and the Department of Forestry. From the laboratory to the classroom to the field, this program will expose students to science necessary to manage Earth's critical zone (bedrock to treetops) with emphasis on forested ecosystems. This dual degree program requires 136 credits (PDF) to graduate, including 25 credits of Environmental Science course work, 31 credits of Forestry course work and 17 credits of Natural Resource-related courses.
