What you'll learn studying environmental science and conservation at UW-Platteville
Are you the type of student who would rather be outdoors studying nature than sitting in a classroom? If you said yes, you are going to love it here. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is located in the rugged, unglaciated Driftless Region—the most ecologically distinct region in the north-central United States. We are nestled among thousands of square miles of ancient hills, valleys, monadnocks, and clear, cold trout streams. The natural beauty you will discover in the Driftless Region also serves as a living, outdoor laboratory for your education.
As an environmental science major with the Department of Environmental Sciences and Society, you will work closely with expert faculty who will immerse you in the environmental sciences of this northern ecoregion. Like to travel? We do that, too, with several field-based and research courses that will take you to places such as the Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and the Amazon. Our courses are rooted in the connections between humans and the natural world, and most are small enough to provide hands-on, detailed experiences in the outdoors, classroom, or state-of-the-art research spaces like our TREES Lab and GIS Labs. Whether you choose to pursue an environmental science degree through our major, minor, or certificate, the experiences you gain here will provide the foundation for a lifetime of environmental engagement and stewardship.
Careers in Environmental Science and Conservation
Environmental degrees prepare students for a variety of fulfilling careers. You will leverage your interest in and knowledge of natural science to identify, analyze, and resolve problems related to the environment. Depending on which path you take, you could work in a laboratory or you could spend a significant amount of your time outdoors.
Our research-based curriculum is an ideal launching pad for students interested in a career in research or graduate school. You’ll graduate ready to work in park ranger, natural resource management, wildlife management, cartography, geographic information systems, and many other positions. Some of the careers UW-Platteville program graduates have pursued include:
- Cartographer
- Conservation scientist
- Ecological consultant
- Ecologist
- Environmental biologist
- Environmental chemist
- Environmental educator
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental geologist
- Environmental health and safety officer
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental specialist
- Forester
- Geographer
- Marine biologist
- Meteorologist
- Microbiologist
- Research veterinarian
- Water quality scientist
- Wildlife biologist
- Wildlife veterinarian
An increased awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution has led to new roles in the environmental sciences. Careers in this field are expected to continue growing in the coming decade, creating opportunities for motivated people who are passionate about the natural environment.
Discover by doing
In addition to UW-Platteville’s challenging and engaging environmental science classes, students in this program also have numerous opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a minor, you can take advantage of research opportunities, internships, and university events — all designed to help you learn and make the most of your college experience.
