Environmental Science and Management
218 Science Research and Teaching Center (SRTC)
503-725-4982
www.pdx.edu/earth-environment-society/environmental-science-management
Environmental science and management is the study of the interactions among society and the physical, chemical, ecological, and biological processes that structure and maintain ecosystems. Our work is critical to understanding and developing sustainable ecosystems, human societies, and economies. Environmental Science and Management at PSU focuses on processes that link terrestrial, urban and aquatic ecosystems, consequences of human alteration of those linkages, and development of policies to manage human interaction with the environment. We conduct our research by studying organisms and specific linkages and processes across systems and by studying interactions between organisms, processes, and linkages in a specific ecosystem or watershed, such as the Columbia River Basin. The Environmental Science and Management Academic Area prepares students to develop the skills and interdisciplinary understanding to be scholars and managers of human interaction with, and impact on, environmental systems.
The Environmental Science and Management Academic Area cooperates with several academic areas, departments and centers, including the academic areas of Anthropology, Geography, and Geology; departments of Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Economics, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Sociology; and the School of Business Administration and the College of Urban and Public Affairs.
The Environmental Science and Management Academic Area offers two undergraduate degrees. The Environmental Science degree is focused on natural science, whereas the Environmental Studies degree is focused more on policy and management. The B.A./B.S. degrees in both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies rest on an interdisciplinary curriculum that develops understanding and expertise in environmental science by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and economics complemented by related courses in environmental policy and management. Students should consult with their academic area adviser to assure proper course planning. Students can complete field experiences by working on projects in the University, metropolitan community, and region.
The Environmental Science and Management (ESM) graduate program provides a curriculum that will develop scientists and managers able to analyze and understand environmental systems, predict environmental change and participate in the management of the environment. Each student conducts research and completes a thesis or project; each student develops depth in a specific academic area; and each student develops breadth through a set of core courses that include concepts in physical systems, ecological systems and management. Areas of primary specialization are terrestrial, urban and aquatic ecology as they relate to human impacts and management. ESM offers the Masters of Science (MS), the Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), and the Professional Science Masters (PSM) degrees. The Academic Area also participates in the Earth, Environment, & Society Ph.D. degree.