B.S. in Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry is a pathway for students who want to combine their interest in chemistry with their passion for the environment.

Our program at Otterbein is unique in that the major combines coursework in science with classes in the liberal arts and integrates hands-on experiential learning into the curriculum. Taking courses such as Environmental Sociology and Sustainability and the Environment in addition to problem-based Environmental Chemistry classes creates graduates who are well-rounded in environmental issues and well-prepared for careers.

Environmental chemists are needed as the world addresses major issues, such as climate change, water quality, and renewable energy sources, to protect and conserve our environment for the future. Graduates with environmental chemistry degrees find careers in atmospheric chemistry, environmental modeling, marine chemistry, geochemistry and pollution remediation. They work for consulting firms; regulatory, state and federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); for-profit companies; and non-profit entities. The career prospects for environmental chemists are strong. Studies have shown there is a high growth labor demand for environmental chemists in Ohio.

Sample Four-Year Course Grid

First-year Fall

  • CHEM 1400/1410 General Chemistry I lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • MATH 1700 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • FYS First-Year Seminar (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

First-year Spring

  • CHEM 1500/1510 General Chemistry II lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • INST 15XX Identity Projects (3 credits)
  • INST 20xx Self, Power, and Difference (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Second-year Fall

  • CHEM 2400/2410 Organic Chemistry I lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • PHYS 1500 Physics I (4 credits)
  • INST 22xx Reflection and Responsibility (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Second-year Spring

  • CHEM 2500/2510 Organic Chemistry II lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • BMB 2650 Biochemical Techniques (1 credit)
  • CHEM 2600 Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
  • INST 24xx Natural Foundations (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Third-year Fall

  • CHEM 3100/3110 Analytical Chemistry lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • INST 26xx Creativity and Culture (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • LFW 10xx Lifestyle, Fitness & Wellness (1 credit)

Third-year Spring

  • CHEM 3000 Junior Seminar (1 credit)
  • CHEM 3200/3210 Inorganic Chemistry lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • INST 28xx Global Cultures (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Fourth-year Fall

  • CHEM 4000 Senior Seminar (1 credit)
  • BMB 4500 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • INST 30xx Integrative Seminar (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Fourth-year Spring

  • CHEM 3400/3410 Physical Chemistry lecture & laboratory (4 credits)
  • CHEM 3600 Advanced Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
  • SYE Senior Year Experience (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Note: three of the electives listed above must be from the following list of courses:

  • HIST 3580 Environmental History
  • PHRE 2400 Sustainability & the Environment
  • ESCI 1010 Physical Geology
  • ESCI 3000 Environmental Geology
  • ESCI 3100 Hydrology, SUST 2010
  • SOCL 2060 Environmental Sociology
  • EHS 2200 Environmental Compliance Audits
  • EHS 2250 Environmental Standards & Regulations
  • EHS 3000 Toxicology & Industrial Hygiene
  • COMM 2400 Argumentation and Advocacy
  • ENGL 3000 Studies in Environmental Literature and Writing
Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of chemistry and hands-on laboratory skills. Knowledgeable
2. Students will utilize effective tools and communication strategies appropriate to the discipline. Multi-literate
3. As intellectually engaged people, students will integrate, synthesize, critically reflect upon, and evaluate chemical knowledge in the major. Engaged
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and use of good safety practices. Responsible
5. Students will examine and recognize ethical issues in the field. Responsible
6. Students will use chemical knowledge to impact environmental issues. Responsible
7. Students will develop a pathway through which their chemical knowledge will support their future goals. Inquisitive

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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