Bachelor of Science - Environmental Sciences - Land Rehabilitation Option

Program Description

This program is for students who wish to obtain a more general Environmental Sciences degree and design more of their course of study than possible in one of the below options. The required courses in this major are also required in each of the options, allowing for a relatively seamless transfer to one of them if accomplished by the end of the student’s second year.

The Land Rehabilitation curriculum provides understanding in site remediation and restoration ecology, including soil remediation, re-vegetation, fluvial and riparian restoration, investigation of impacted geologic resources, amelioration of contaminated soils and water, integrated management of invasive species, and remediation of sites impacted by industrial, recreational, and land management activities. Emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of hydrologic, soil, and plant processes from both a basic and an applied science approach. Coursework in the chemical, biological, and environmental sciences provides a foundation of knowledge. During the junior and senior years, students take courses in soil, water and plant sciences that range from molecular to landscape in scale. Students will acquire skills in plant identification and landscape inventory including geographic information systems.  Land rehabilitation is critically important to Montana, to the surrounding region, and to the United States. Graduates possess a broad knowledge of land rehabilitation processes, are able to critically analyze and solve problems, and can work in teams to develop and implement effective land management strategies. Studies in Land Rehabilitation will infuse students with critical knowledge and skills needed to analyze and manage lands requiring rehabilitation. Students will also receive foundation skills in writing, communication, arts, humanities and social sciences.

Career Opportunities: Worker and manager for local, state, and federal agencies responsible for land rehabilitation and remediation, ecological restoration, invasive species management, and land resources management. Land reclamation managers for environmental consulting, mining, and highway construction companies. Stepping stone to Graduate School for independent research and advanced coursework in restoration ecology, soil sciences, geology, hydrology, ecology, and the plant sciences. Environmental consulting and non-profit organization related to restoration and conservation.