The University of Toledo

Undergraduate Programs in Ecology, Geology, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies

 Click here for a list of degree programs in Environmental Sciences

The Department of Environmental Sciences emphasizes an integrated approach to educating students about the processes that shape our natural environment. Our faculty represents a variety of interests spanning the environmental sciences with a focus on ecology and geology.  This breadth of expertise allows us to best serve our students, who learn to think critically, question established dogma, and develop communication skills.  In addition, courses taught by faculty from throughout the university, including engineers, geographers, political scientists and economists are integrated in our curriculum to enhance each student’s overall understanding of the environment.

The goal of our undergraduate program is to rigorously educate students about the environmental sciences. In addition to a solid foundation of coursework, our faculty members also encourage undergraduates to join in the search for solutions to environmental problems by providing numerous undergraduate research opportunities.

Students in the department are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research. In general, undergraduate research provides for a close relationship with a faculty member, can often lead to publication of the work in a scientific journal, and is excellent preparation for graduate school. Within the Department of Environmental Sciences, there are research opportunities in all fields of ecology, geology, and environmental biology. These mentored experiences enable students to explore an issue of interest to them, while cultivating valuable partnerships with department faculty. 

The Toledo region offers students an ideal natural laboratory for studies in ecology, geology, and environmental sciences because it is located where unique natural habitats and landforms occur in proximity to high human population and natural resource use. Toledo is in northwestern Ohio, on the western shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Maumee River. The greater metropolitan area is characterized by glacial terrains, and agricultural, urban, and natural ecosystems. Local rivers, Lake Erie’s productive fisheries and wetlands, the remarkable diversity of the Oak Openings savannas and woodlands, and wetland remnants of the Great Black Swamp, make the Toledo region a dynamic location for the study of environmental sciences as well as an enjoyable place to live and work. 

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers several degree programs:  

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology (ecology & organismal biology track)

BS in Geology

BA in Geology

Interdisciplinary BS in Geophysics

BS in Environmental Science (ecology & geology tracks)

Minor in Geology

Minor in Environmental Sciences

• General Bachelor's Degree Requirements

The BS degrees provide an excellent basis for graduate work in the environmental sciences as well as a solid foundation for employment in the public and private sectors, and the BA in Environmental Studies serves as excellent preparation for graduate-level training in a professional program such as law, business, or municipal planning.  We also offer an honors program, which provides an opportunity for exceptional students to work closely with a faculty adviser on an independent research topic. This research experience often leads to publication and is an excellent preparation for graduate studies. 

 

Questions
About:	Contact:
General Inquiries	Dr. Christine Mayer (419-530-8377; christine.mayer@utoledo.edu)
Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences/Studies degrees:	Dr. Alison Spongberg (419-530-4091; alison.spongberg@utoledo.edu), or Dr. Timothy Fisher if Dr. Spongberg is not available (419-530-4572; timothy.fisher@utoledo.edu)
Geophysics degree:	Dr. Donald Stierman (419-530-2860; donald.stierman@utoledo.edu)
Departmental Honors citation:	Dr. Stacy Philpott (419-530-2578; stacy.philpott@utoledo.edu)