UNF: Environmental Science B.S. - Principles & Practice

The ��Environmental Science B.S., available for admission starting spring 2025, was designed to meet student demand and workplace needs. The degree will be delivered primarily through face-to-face instruction with a strong emphasis on community-based learning in Jacksonville and local issues specific to our region, with the goal of placing students in graduate programs around the state or in jobs in northeast Florida. The program of study was designed by a team of interdisciplinary faculty on the IERE Faculty Board and the IERE Community Council, comprised of environmental community and industry leaders in northeast Florida. The degree will be housed in the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE), like the current minor in Environmental Studies, to encourage interdisciplinarity, capitalize on IERE Faculty Board expertise, connect with IERE Community Council and employers, and maximize flexibility and efficiency.

The Environmental Science B.S. degree has two concentrations - Environmental Natural Sciences and Environmental Principles and Practice. The Principles and Practice concentration will provide training and focus in environmental studies including the political, economic, social, behavioral, and ethical aspects of environmental issues. It will prepare students for graduate school and/or a career in environmental management, leadership, resilience, and decision-making. The degree will utilize existing courses from UNF’s six colleges as well as new courses that will be offered by IERE. New IERE courses will be taught by IERE Joint Faculty and focus on two main priorities – coastal resilience (three elective courses), community engagement and professional development (three required courses).