BS in Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major at Siena Heights University transforms its students into environmental professionals. After receiving an in-depth understanding of environmental issues and systems, students can then go out into the world as problem-solvers.

Environmental Science is a field that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines, thus allowing a unique look at the relationship between humans and their environment from a variety of perspectives.

The program is grounded in rigorous biological, chemical, and physical sciences with further investigation of economic, political, regulatory, and social systems in their response to environmental challenges of the earth system.

Upper-class students may choose to focus more closely on either the chemical, biological, or environmental management aspects of the program, and must complete a junior and senior research project in environmental science.

At the end of their coursework, students will be able to analyze natural systems in relation to economic, policy, regulatory and social systems, commensurate with a diversity of environmental professional job descriptions.

Fast Fact

Upper-level ES students may choose to concentrate on either the chemical, biological or environmental management aspects of the program, and a graduation requirement includes a junior and senior research project.

Program Distinctions

• Transforming students to environmental professionals in preparing its majors for a broad diversity of career options.
• Delivers a variety of lecture, laboratory, research, and field courses to support career options in both the public and private sectors.
• Provides courses addressing environmental problem-solving, scientific computing, experimental design, research statistics, and instrumentation to address the depth and breadth of environmental science.

Green Initiatives

• Siena Heights University is an active community member in leading green initiatives. Some examples of that involvement include:
• Research and attention are given to green building technologies and design.
• Siena Heights is a member of the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals, Step-It-Up Lenawee, Focus the Nation, the Earth Charter, and Co-Op America groups.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.