Environmental Science

More than ever before, the world is in need of environmental scientists.

We need managers who know the importance of an old growth forest, a brook trout running a mountain stream, or an elk roaming a fog-filled meadow. Yet, the world also needs sustainable buildings, cities, and resources for humanity. Montreat College’s Environmental Science program is preparing the next generation of Christian environmental professionals to do just that. Our program utilizes a biblical, liberal arts approach and combines coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, geography, and natural resources.

We teach you to critically examine environmental issues while studying in the most biologically diverse region in North America.

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Montreat’s Environmental Science program offers field-based courses that investigate life from the Mountains to the Sea.

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Study and travel to over 20 national parks in our bi-annual American Ecosystems course.

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Internship opportunities with state and federal agencies, conservation groups, and private organizations.

Sample Courses

ES 301 Physical and Environmental Geography

This course will take an in-depth look at the geographic regions of the world known as biomes. The geological, topographical, and climatic dynamics of each area will be related to ecological integrations. The study of each biome will emphasize representative plant and animal species, as well as rates of successional change. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.

ES 305 American Ecosystems

Ecological analysis of field study sites and public education facilities in selected biomes and life zones. Ecosystem comparisons will be developed with particular attention given to the survey of flora and fauna. This course will also study land management and public utilization of ecological regions. Special emphasis will be placed on environmental education programs that educate the public about each biome or life zone. Course location will vary with each offering.

ES 360 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an emphasis on natural resource management applications. Topics covered include: GIS hardware and software components, data capture methods, analysis of spatial information, and map creation and analysis.

Career Opportunities

  • Ecologist / Conservation Biologist
  • Environmental Positions with State and Federal  Agencies
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Lawyer / Lobbyist
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Research Scientist
  • Wildlife Manager
  • Game Warden
  • Geologist
  • Sustainable Development Scientist
  • Soil Scientists / Natural Resources Manager

Faculty

Joshua Holbrook

Joshua Holbrook
Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Studies in Natural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Science and Human Services
joshua.holbrook@montreat.edu

Mark Lassiter

Dr. Mark Lassiter
Professor of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science
Chair, Studies in Natural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Science and Human Services
mark.lassiter@montreat.edu

Jared Spencer

Dr. Jared Spencer
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Studies in Natural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Science and Human Services
jared.spencer@montreat.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Abby Leahy
Natural and Health Sciences Lab Coordinator
abigail.leahy@montreat.edu

Concentrations

 

Natural Resource Management Concentration

Organismal Ecology Concentration

Special Emphasis Concentration

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