Academics
The Department of Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences (SEAS) brings together students, staff and faculty working in the fields of environmental, atmospheric and soil science projects. Excellent opportunities exist for students wishing to explore these exciting areas of study.
Emphasis Areas Offered:
The department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with a major in Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences. A minor with options in Soil Science or Atmospheric Science is also available.
Atmospheric Science Emphasis
The study of atmospheric science prepares you for employment as a professional meteorologist in the National Weather Service, the military and other government agencies as well as meteorological consulting firms, broadcast outlets and industry.
The emphasis adheres to federal requirements for employment as a meteorologist, yet emphasizes interdisciplinary studies in natural resources leading to specialization in operational meteorology or environmental science. The course of study also serves as a preparatory curriculum for advanced study in atmospheric science. A major in soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences with an emphasis in atmospheric sciences requires 128 credits (PDF) for graduation.
Environmental Science Emphasis
Addressing environmental problems, such as water and air quality, waste management and land use issues, often requires an interdisciplinary science education as well as an understanding of the social and economic context of the problem. The environmental science emphasis is designed to prepare you for careers as environmental professionals.
Within the environmental science emphasis, you can choose one of three tracks: water quality, land management or air quality. All tracks take a mixture of natural and applied science courses such as ecology, soil science, forestry, atmospheric science or fisheries and wildlife.
Other required classes provide you with technical and outreach skills such as geographical information systems (GIS) and additional communications courses, to prepare for work in environmental careers. You also gain hands-on experience in your field of interest through off-campus internships and practical courses. Each of the tracks requires a 3-credit practical internship in natural resources. You must complete 128 credits (PDF) to graduate, including 21-23 credits in the water quality, land management or air quality track.
Soil Resource Management Emphasis
This course of study prepares you for employment as a professional soil scientist in government, industry or consulting. Courses offered in soil science emphasize the application of basic physical and biological sciences to understanding the function and use of soils. A major in soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences with an emphasis in soil resource management requires 128 credits (PDF) for graduation.
Soil science professionals have a wide range of career opportunities, including working in land-use planning and assessment, agricultural and horticultural production, consulting and sales, landscaping and recreational management. Among the state and federal agencies that employ soil scientists are the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of conservation and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Opportunities in private industry including working in environmental consulting firms and the horticultural and agricultural production and service industries.
Dual Degree
SEAS and the Department of Geological Sciences offer a dual B.S. in Geology and in Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences with an emphasis in Soil Resource Management. The dual degree program requires 132 credits for graduation. For more information on this opportunity, contact a SEAS or Geological Sciences faculty adviser.
