Environmental Studies: Technical
Turn Data Into Solutions
The Environmental Studies: Technical concentration is built for students who love solving problems with precision. From sampling water quality to analyzing GIS maps, this major trains you to measure, monitor, and manage the natural world using science and technology.
Learn by Doing
Your courses will immerse you in lab work, field sampling, and technical analysis. You’ll develop strong skills in areas such as:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Environmental chemistry
- Limnology and hydrology
- Soil science
- Data visualization and statistics
You’ll also work with real environmental data, learning to use industry-standard software and lab instruments to answer urgent ecological questions.
Program Information:
Major | BS
- 53 Credit Hours
Minor
- 26 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for Environmental Studies?
You'll benefit from:
- Extensive lab and field-based coursework
- Faculty who mentor you in research and professional networking
- Internships with environmental labs, consulting firms, or public utilities
- Opportunities to collaborate with students in biology, chemistry, and engineering science
What You Can Do with Your ES: Technical Degree
Environmental Technician
Collects air, water, and soil samples for lab analysis.
GIS Technician
Uses mapping software to analyze environmental and geographic data.
Water Quality Specialist
Monitors and tests public water systems for contaminants.
Hazardous Materials Technician
Manages and safely disposes of toxic environmental waste.
Average Starting Salary for Environmental Sciences: Technical Degree Holders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Environmental Science Technicians earn a median of $50,660/year, with steady growth expected. GIS analysts and technologists average $71,890/year, and demand is expanding in agriculture, disaster response, and climate resilience sectors.
How the Environmental Studies: Technical Program Supports Your Growth
Built For Problem Solvers
Is This Track Right For You?
You might be a great fit for the Environmental Studies: Technical concentration if you:
- Enjoy asking questions and finding answers through observation and data
- Are comfortable using tools, maps, and measurement equipment
- Prefer active, hands-on learning to lecture-only formats
- Want to combine science with real-world environmental work
- Like solving complex problems that require attention to detail
- Are interested in using technology, such as GIS and lab software, to study ecosystems
If this sounds like you, the Technical track will help turn your interests into a meaningful, impactful career. If your interests lean toward restoration, remediation, or resource management, you’ll be equipped to make an impact.
The Department's Mission
Meet the Faculty
Sabrina Brown
Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies
Katharine Gray-Brown
Professor of Philosophy and Peace Studies, Director of the Peace Studies Program, and Dept Chair of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Environmental Studies: Technical Learning Outcomes
Manchester University – Where science becomes stewardship.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Objectives
- Critical Thinking – Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to environmental issues.
- Interdisciplinary Synthesis – Students will demonstrate an ability to integrate the many disciplines and fields that intersect with environmental concerns.
- Ecological Literacy – Students will demonstrate an awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the intrinsic values of ecological processes and communities.
- Communication – Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of communication skills and the ability to write effectively in a variety of contexts.
- Stewardship and Sustainability – Students will demonstrate an integrative approach to environmental issues with a focus on sustainability.
- Professionalism – Students will demonstrate familiarity with the professional practices of environmental careers.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Describe the process of scientific peer review and its role in mitigating the influence of bias in research.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources that not only demonstrates an ability to identify an environmental problem, but also propose options for solutions.
- Demonstrate depth in critical analysis and in writing about environmental problems that span popular and peer reviewed publications.
- Synthesize the interactions of scientific, economic and political perspectives regarding local, regional and global environmental issues in the context of current literature.
- Describe the fundamental structure and function of natural systems, and how humans can alter these systems.
- List and describe local, regional and global environmental issues.
- Demonstrate a general proficiency in the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain empirical evidence for environmental decision-making.
- Demonstrate the ability to write using common scientific or other appropriate formats.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate information orally in a sequential organized fashion.
- Design, conduct and present (orally and in writing) independent research that is consistent with the standards and practices of research in environmental science.
- Identify and justify key stakeholders in the natural sciences that need to be a part of sustainable solutions for environmental issues.
- Formulate an action plan for sustainable alternatives to environmental issues that integrate ecological, social and economic perspectives.
- Produce a CV or resume, and personal statement.
- Complete an internship or research project.
- Display punctuality, professional communication, time management, and self-motivation.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.