The following was submitted for the CASE Dean’s March 2026 Newsletter.

Since its founding, S&T’s Environmental Science program has emphasized interdisciplinary scholarship, experiential learning, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing that environmental challenges rarely fall within a single field, the program integrates biological, geological, engineering, economic, ethical, and policy perspectives. Students develop both breadth and specialization through elective pathways in areas such as conservation management, biodiversity, water science, environmental policy, and environmental geosciences.

The program’s location in Rolla enhances this mission. Situated near Missouri’s premier natural landscapes –including the Current River National Scenic Riverways and the Mark Twain National Forest — students engage directly with the environments they study. Signature experiences include faculty-led study abroad programs in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest and Andean cloud forests, where students collaborate with local and Indigenous communities, and the Ozark Research Field Station — the only biological field station in the University of Missouri system — which supports immersive coursework and research in ecology, cave biology, conservation, and forest science. Students may also earn certifications in wildland fire management and participate in prescribed burns across the state.

Students consistently excel in applied and competitive settings. All majors graduate with hands-on, industry-aligned experience, often complemented by relevant certificates and minors. In a recent national energy case competition, an Environmental Science team— the only one from an environmental science program—earned the Special Award for Most Innovative Solution for developing a socially equitable, climate-informed energy model. Students further gain experience through internships with organizations such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Missouri State Parks, Missouri Department of Conservation, Clayco, Hitachi, Nutrien, and the St. Louis Aquarium.

Equally central to the program is its culture of engagement and mentorship. Students contribute to campus life through organizations like the Student Association for Fire Ecology, Birding Club, Caving Club, and ECO Miners, while organizing Earth Day events, supporting summer camps, and collaborating with faculty on research. Regular advising events, seminars, and field station activities foster a close-knit, supportive community.