About this Program

The environmental science concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students broadly interested in earth and ocean sciences. Students gain a solid background in basic sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, math, and biology) while also taking courses in geology, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences. The concentration allows students the freedom to focus their upper-level coursework in a disciplinary field in ocean and earth sciences they find most compelling. Student in this concentration will be prepared for a wide range of future scientific pursuits (including graduate studies in appropriate fields), as well as work (or graduate studies) that applies their skills to policy development and interpretation. Specific employment opportunities include work in local, state, and federal government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Program Highlights

  • Students gain a solid background in basic sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, math, and biology) while also taking courses in geology, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences.

  • The program provides student with the necessary training for employment with a B.S. in a wide range of federal, state, local and private venues.

  • The program provides students with the necessary background for graduate work in oceanography, marine sciences, environmental sciences as well as environmental policy.

  • Small class sizes at the upper division level means student work closely with faculty in their discipline as a part of their undergraduate experience.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

$76,220 Median Salary

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

$87,660 Median Salary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Environmental Engineers

$91,180 Median Salary

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

$49,310 Median Salary

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Environmental Science at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $393
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $407
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,073

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

Assistant Professor; Chief Departmental Advisor

345 OCEANOGRAPHY & PHYSICS BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529