Environmental sciences is making a difference in the natural environment

Environmental sciences uses the fundamentals of the natural sciences—biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics—to understand the environment and find solutions to real-world environmental challenges.

As an Environmental Sciences major you will:

  • Explore specialized topics that span relationships between animals and their environment, climate, water, soil, geospatial processes and information, and environmental laws and regulations 
  • Focus your studies on a specific environmental discipline such as ecology, physical environment, geospatial sciences, or environmental policy and social perspectives
  • Develop the skills and knowledge to solve real-world environmental issues with hands-on experience 

Career Paths

Environmental sciences graduates are prepared for careers in environmental assessment, monitoring and remediation, consulting, education, natural resource management, and ecological restoration.

Here are just a few examples of what our environmental sciences graduates are doing with their careers:

Environmental

What CALS alumni do:

Air Quality Scientist

Natural Resources Program Specialist

Conservationist

Geologist

Hydrologist

Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Consultant

Where CALS alumni work:

REI

Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Earth Partnership

AECOM

Stantect

Research

What CALS alumni do:

Conservation Field Assistant

Biological Science Technician

Chemistry Lab Technician

Environmental Scientist

Physical Scientist

Where CALS alumni work:

Bayer

Triumvirate Environmental

Epic

Government

What CALS alumni do:

Conservationist

Air Quality Scientist

Communication Specialist

Environmental Scientist

Natural Resources Program Specialist

Where CALS alumni work:

State of Wisconsin

US Environmental Protection Agency

US Forest Service

WI Department of Natural Resources

What can CALS offer you?

CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

Want to learn more about environmental sciences?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

Why get an environmental sciences degree in CALS?

A degree in environmental sciences is offered in both the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S). The major requirements are the same in both colleges, but the college requirements are different.

Students in CALS earn a bachelors of science degree in environmental sciences. College requirements include a first-year seminar, an international studies course to develop global perspectives and coursework in physical, biological, natural, and social sciences. Additionally, students complete a capstone course that helps integrate concepts they’ve learned in the major. 

For a complete breakdown of the degree requirements across the programs, check out the UW–Madison undergraduate Guide.

Your CALS Experience

Students who participate in research

Seniors who complete a hands-on capstone course

Students who complete an internship

Advisor & Contact Information

Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

CALS Academic Affairs

116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003

Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences

Soils Building
1525 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706

soilenvsci.wisc.edu