Learn about this major

Ohio State’s environmental science major allows you to explore how science can solve today’s most urgent environmental challenges—from climate change to access to clean water. You’ll learn by doing, connect with passionate peers and professors who know you by name, and prepare for a career that makes a difference.
Environmental Science Curriculum
Students in river with fishing net

What You’ll Learn

Whether in the field, lab, classroom, or community, you’ll take hands-on, interdisciplinary science courses that help you understand the environment and how to manage it sustainably. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Ecology
  • Soil Science
  • Natural Resource Data Analysis
  • Water Quality Management
  • Principles and Tools of Ecological Restoration

Choose your Specialization

Customize your academic journey by focusing on one of these areas within the environmental science major:

1 Ecosystem Restoration

Discover how ecosystems function and learn how to restore them through hands-on fieldwork and lab experiences.

2 Environmental Molecular Science

Dive deep into the molecular level of environmental systems. This track is ideal if you're planning to pursue graduate studies on a research track.

3 Water Science

Study freshwater systems and the growing demands on water resources. You’ll learn how to address water quality and quantity issues that impact both natural and human communities.
Students in the woods with binoculars.

“My favorite part about SENR is the small school feeling with the big school resources. Being a part of SENR you meet so many amazing people who all want to help you and allow you to create close connections. Meanwhile, you also have access to so many clubs and experiences that are only offered at a large university like OSU.”

Lydia Schiopota
ES Ambassador
Meet our Environmental Science Students

Launch your Career

Your future in environmental science starts here. 94.6% of our graduates are taking their skills to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, or enrolling in graduate school, within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $45,500. Recent job outcomes include:

  • Water research analyst – City of Columbus
  • Environmental health specialist – City of Columbus
  • Ecosystem restoration specialist – Resource Environmental Solutions
  • Environmental stewardship associate – Walking Mountains
  • Soil conservationist – U.S. Department of Agriculture

Why Choose Environmental Science at Ohio State?

As an environmental science student at Ohio State, you’ll have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty to study the environment right here in Columbus, across the state of Ohio, and around the world. Explore our hands-on learning spaces for environmental science students.

Olentangy Wetlands

Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

Located in Columbus by campus, this 52-acre urban research facility will allow you to spend time outside for your major courses.
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Stone Lab

Stone Laboratory

This small island on Lake Erie offers you big opportunities to take summer courses where the lake is your classroom, or pursue aquatics research.
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Student using microscope

Major-Related Research

By engaging in research with a faculty member in SENR or other research groups across the university, you’ll be part of new discoveries that improve the quality of our environment.
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Ready to shape your future and the planet’s? Whether you’re a high school student, a current Buckeye exploring majors, or currently a student at another institution, we’re here to help you take the next step.