
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:
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
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
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:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
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.
- Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science Degree (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences)
- Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Arts Degree (College of Letters & Science)
- Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science Degree (College of Letters & Science)
Your CALS Experience
47%
Students who participate in research
100%
Seniors who complete a hands-on capstone course
67%
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

Want to learn more about environmental sciences?