Environmental Science

Through the Department of Biological Sciences, Thomas More offers a minor in environmental science. This program contains a solid foundation in the natural sciences and addresses environmental issues and concerns, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The minor emphasizes basic research in ecology, applied research and teaching that directly address local, regional, and global environmental concerns. The minor helps position students for graduate school, and secondarily, for work in public service, government, consulting, and nonprofit environmental organizations.

Thomas More has a very long track record of environmental and ecological research, excellent facilities on the main campus and at the field station, and ties to the environmental and corporate community for research, internships, job opportunities, and financial support that make it well-suited to offer this exciting degree.

As an environmental science minor, students will gain both a depth of knowledge in a defined subject area and a breadth in the exploration of environmental issues; so that possible solutions can be addressed adequately. Students minoring in environmental science are likely to choose a related internship or to conduct a research project with one or more faculty members from the participating departments and community organizations. This combination of coursework and real-world experience and will prepare students for both graduate school and the workforce.

​Thomas More’s faculty are trained in diverse areas of expertise and this is shared with our students through research and teaching excellence. Students will gain their biological training – both deep in breadth and depth – from faculty who are experts in wide areas of environmental science, including: terrestrial plant ecology, environmental methods, geosciences, aquatic biology, and invertebrate and vertebrate zoology.

Thomas More’s alumni have earned graduate degrees in environmental science from a variety of institutions, including: Miami University (OH), Marshall University, Kentucky State University, University of Cincinnati, and Indiana University.

Graduates of our program can also be found in successful careers in very diverse organizations, including: Proctor and Gamble, ORSANCO, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Boone County Arboretum, Q Labs, Teledyne Tekmar, and Terracon.

The Center for Ohio River Research and Education is located at the Thomas More Biology Station. Recently, the field station underwent a major renovation project and now includes a state-of-the-art research facility, with two laboratories, a museum and a classroom. Soon after, the Center for Ohio River Research and Education was established. The faculty and staff at the Center offer students an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the natural world through field courses, research projects and outreach programs that focus on the ecology of the Ohio River. The Center contains scientific equipment, supplies and expertise in the areas of environmental science and provides these majors the unique opportunity to advance their academic careers through field experiences and research projects.

Beginning in 1971 and continuing through the present, faculty and students at the field station have conducted research projects in the areas of bio assessments, fisheries, limnology, microbiology, and toxicology. The Center at the Field Station offers an interactive setting where students become actively involved in doing science.

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