Environmental Science & Policy, B.S.
The interdisciplinary environmental science and policy major is designed to promote undergraduate student understanding about environmental issues and to enable you to make meaningful contributions toward the management of the world’s natural resources.
The major focuses on conservation education through coursework in natural and social sciences with emphasis on student research, case-study and project-based learning.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Policy degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Two Program Tracks
- Science track
Focus your study on the environmental and conservation issues from the perspective of the natural sciences, complemented by course work in economics and policy - Policy track
Take a comprehensive approach to the study of environmental and conservation policy issues and processes, complemented by course work in the natural sciences.
Learning Outside the Classroom
From plant identification and measuring water quality to calculating land values and mapping trails, students studying environmental science and policy have opportunities to learn and gain experience outside of the classroom.
Outdoor classroom activities and field experiences are planned throughout each academic year. You will travel to lakes, forests and mountainous areas to perform a variety of ecological studies and experiments. You also take an active role in nature preservation on campus.
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Research, Internships & Study Abroad
Students are required to complete an independent research project - performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation – and present their findings to faculty and peers.
Internships and study abroad field and research experiences are also strongly encouraged through the environmental science and policy major.
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Student Activities
The College of of Natural Science and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
Career Opportunities
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Science Track
Students graduating through the science track are prepared for jobs in environmental organizations, government agencies, and education and recreation programs. Graduates are in demand for consulting firms that conduct environmental analyses through field data collection and laboratory analysis.
Government and private property owners also need managers for their lands, parks, and natural resources. Other opportunities included environmental monitoring, regulation, landscape and tree care or environmental restoration.
With a strong scientific and technical background in natural resources, you may choose to continue you studies in graduate school in a wide range of fields such as conservation biology, forest management, environmental law and ecology.
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Policy Track
Graduates of the policy track are well-equipped for jobs in environmental organizations, government agencies, education and recreation programs. Natural resource policy specialists are needed by public planning departments, consulting firms, environmental non-profits and natural resource agencies.
Graduates may choose to work in environmental preservation, public policy analysis and policy-making, natural resource management, city planning or resource economic analysis.
Equipped with a broad background in government, economics, and policy make graduates competitive candidates for graduate school in many fields including natural resource policy, environmental economics, public administration and environmental law.
Graduate School
Lenoir-Rhyne also offers dual degree programs in pre-forestry and pre-environmental management. LR is part of the Cooperative College (3-2) program with the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, which offers students the opportunity to proceed directly from three years of undergraduate study at Lenoir-Rhyne to two years of study at the Nicholas School’s Master of Forestry or Master of Environmental Management programs.
Through our Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, Lenoir-Rhyne also offers a Master of Sustainability Studies, which is an option environmental science and policy major may consider if they are planning to pursue graduate studies. The program strives to develop environmentally conscious leaders prepared to steer organizations and communities toward a more sustainable future.
Through LR’s innovative Accelerated Master's Degrees and Alumni Advantage programs, qualified undergraduates can complete the graduate program in less time and at significantly less cost.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
The Alumni Association recognized five LR graduates for their extraordinary service to their communities and the world around them at an April 12 ceremony.
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12 LR students presented their research at the 2024 meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Sciences, earning awards and sharing the thrills of discovery.
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