Environmental Science

February 17, 2022 2025-10-15 22:31

Environmental Science

Environmental Science at Rocky Mountain College

At Rocky Mountain College, Environmental Science is more than a classroom pursuit—it’s a hands-on journey into understanding and protecting our natural world. Our program is built on interdisciplinary fieldwork, conservation-focused projects, and immersive outdoor experiences. From your very first year, you’ll step outside to study Montana’s rivers, parks, and ecosystems, developing vital sampling, observation, and analytical skills alongside dedicated faculty.

Located within easy reach of the Beartooth and Pryor Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Yellowstone River, RMC offers an outdoor classroom unlike any other. Our proximity to diverse and pristine environments—paired with engaged, passionate faculty—ensures you’ll apply your knowledge far beyond textbooks.

Why Choose Environmental Science at Rocky

Expect to learn in forests, river valleys, labs, national reserves, and vibrant classroom settings. The program is characterized by:

Intensive hands-on learning: Fieldwork begins your first year, with ongoing exposure to Montana’s diverse ecosystems, local flora and fauna, and modern field survey methods.
Strong community and professional connections: Collaborate with agencies, nonprofits, and local organizations on meaningful projects—like invasive species monitoring, ecological restoration, and river conservation.
Faculty-led research: Conduct and present original research as an undergraduate (with no graduate student competition for opportunities).
A multidimensional education: Explore themes from environmental ethics and politics to field ecology and GIS, drawing from courses across disciplines.

RMC students don’t just study environmental issues—they help create change, lead campus sustainability efforts, and become environmental stewards.

$77K

average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science in Montana according to ZipRecruiter

Major and Minor Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a degree in Environmental Science from Rocky Mountain College will:

Understand global ecological principles and environmental issues impacting air, land, and water
Apply critical thinking and observation to analyze complex environmental problems
Demonstrate knowledge of interconnected ecosystems and species interactions
Use data and ecological insight to solve real-world management dilemmas—and illustrate them through maps, graphs, and presentations
Appreciate and explain how politics, policy, and culture influence environmental decisions

99%

of students receive scholarships or grants

88%

of students are placed in internships

Coursework and Requirements

You’ll study core subjects such as sustainable communities, organismal biology, field survey techniques, GIS, statistics, plant taxonomy, wildlife ecology, ecology of soils, and environmental chemistry or geochemistry. Course options expand further with electives in restoration, philosophy, environmental economics, American West history, and more.

View Course Catalog for full details.

Information

Majors:
Environmental Science

Minors:
Environmental Science

Faculty
Kayhan Ostovar
Megan M. Poulette

Explore Areas in Environmental Science

At RMC, Environmental Science is flexible. Students can major, minor, or combine the program with studies in Biology, Geology, Political Science, Health & Human Performance, or Business for a uniquely interdisciplinary degree.

Environmental Science Major

As an Environmental Science major, you’ll explore the science of ecosystems and conservation, gaining hands-on experience in field research, restoration, wildlife monitoring, policy analysis, and environmental communication. The program equips you to think critically, work collaboratively in natural resource settings, and apply scientific and ethical reasoning to complex ecological dilemmas. You’ll connect ideas across chemistry, geology, biology, and human dimensions for a truly interdisciplinary foundation.

Career Pathways:
Wildlife or Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant or Technician, Natural Resource or Land Manager, GIS Analyst or Environmental Data Scientist, Restoration Ecologist, Environmental Educator or Advocate, Policy Analyst or Environmental Planner, and Graduate student in Environmental Science, Ecology, or Environmental Policy.

Environmental Science Minor

The Environmental Science minor empowers you to bring ecological perspective and analytical skills to any primary major. You’ll learn the fundamentals of environmental and earth sciences, field methods, data analysis, and management principles. With upper-division electives, you can shape the minor to complement your individual goals.

Pair With:

Career Boosts:
The minor enhances your marketability for jobs in research labs, government agencies, education, and more—especially in roles where environmental literacy is essential.

Community Involvement / Stewardship

RMC Environmental Science program and Yellowstone Research Center named Recycle Montana’s recycler of the year.

The faculty and student body at RMC believe that discussing and learning about environmental issues are not enough. We strive to inspire students to create change in their communities and to become involved in local organizations and projects. We have an Environmental Club that is involved in making campus a greener place through a solar panel program, native plant landscaping, recycling programs and other initiatives. If you like to take charge and create change, the opportunities at RMC are endless.

Off campus, students are engaged with a number of different state, federal and nongovernment organizations. All freshmen take part in our annual river cleanup. This project is a fun day on the river and incredibly rewarding. To date we have removed over 105,000 lbs of metal and almost 500 tires. See the YRRC website for more details on this project.

International Travel

Our faculty have worked and conducted research in many other parts of the world. From Central and South America to Africa, faculty introduce environmental issues that are related to global perspectives, which are critical for the development of a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the planet and the role we play as the largest consumers of resources.

Every other year, students have the opportunity to take part in short study abroad academic trips during school breaks or summers to explore environmental issues in other countries and continents.

Visit photos.rocky.edu to see pictures from past trips, including Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Artic Ecology in Churchill, and Tanzania. Longer semester abroad options also exist through the study abroad office.

Career & Graduate School Ready

With field-tested skills, a network of professional contacts, and experience in leadership and research, RMC Environmental Science graduates launch directly into impactful careers. Recent alumni have become:

Field Experience and Mentorship

At the heart of RMC’s program is immersive, collaborative field experience. From your first year, you’ll engage in conservation work, restoration projects, and field studies—each guided by expert faculty who share your commitment to stewardship.

Students gain hands-on skills and professional connections through:

Projects with local agencies and nonprofits (e.g., seed harvesting, invasive species monitoring, wildlife research)
The annual Yellowstone River cleanup, which has removed over 105,000 pounds of metal and nearly 500 tires to date
Participation in faculty-mentored research, with regular student presentations at conferences and symposium
The chance to lead or join the Environmental Club, making a positive impact on campus sustainability

Information

Majors:
Environmental Science

Minors:
Environmental Science

Faculty
Kayhan Ostovar
Megan M. Poulette

Connect and Learn More

Ready to inspire the next generation?

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Environmental Science

February 17, 2022 2025-10-15 22:31

Environmental Science

Environmental Science