Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference in the world? The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of North Carolina Asheville is the right program for you.
Why Study Environmental Science at UNC Asheville?
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
We believe that hands-on learning is essential to developing a deep understanding of environmental issues. Our program offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, including field trips, internships, and research projects. As an environmental science major, you’ll be able to work alongside faculty on research projects that address real-world environmental challenges and apply for funding through our Undergraduate Research Program (URP).
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Environmental students distributed fresh produce cultivated in their agriculture class to those in need following Hurricane Helene.
See how students joined a habitat restoration project at the French Broad River in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
“I have felt my brain’s capacity to synthesize information grow tremendously. Also, pursuing this degree has allowed me to practice applying wildlife conservation measures right on campus!”
Paulina Jones, Class of ’22
“My advice to current UNCA ENVR students is to not rule any opportunity out. Even if it doesn’t seem to be a direct route to where you want to be, something may present itself that ultimately leads you to something great. Try different things, like undergrad research and internships that challenge you and give you real, useful skills, and know your worth when pursuing jobs after graduation.”
T. Blake Hudson, Class of ’23
“After graduating from UNCA, within two months I began my job as a project scientist for the environmental consulting firm Trileaf. I conduct migratory bird studies, indoor air quality assessments and environmental site assessments. Bird studies are by far my favorite. My favorite class at UNCA was Wetland Ecology because I use the skills I gained from that course daily!”
Alex Piuta, Class of ’17
After graduating UNCA in 2017, I spent six months in Costa Rica working as a naturalist and am now working with The Nature Conservancy NC fire team…My UNCA ecology degree helped me get here by teaching me forest ecology and management skills, plant and animal identification, monitoring and research practice through undergraduate research, and by empowering me to think creatively, even when it comes to science!
Grace McCleod, Class of ’17
“After graduating, I worked as an education intern for the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest and realized how much I wanted to combine my love for animals with my love for education. After the Cradle internship, I ended up as an AmeriCorps member at the WNC Nature Center, working in the education department. We were able to find grant funds to turn that temporary AmeriCorps position into a full-time job. I am now the Outreach Education Specialist for the Nature Center. I travel to schools, libraries, retirement communities, early childhood centers, summer camps, and community centers to provide low-cost animal education programs to the underserved populations in western North Carolina.”
Tori Duval, Class of ’13
Learn Environmental Science Outside the Classroom
We believe that learning doesn’t just happen inside the classroom. The bachelor’s in environmental science program offers a range of extracurricular activities and events that allow students to engage with environmental issues in a meaningful way. For example, you could participate in a campus-wide sustainability initiative, undertake a service-learning project, map the faults responsible for forming the Appalachian Mountains, or join an environmental student organization
UNC Asheville’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains puts over a million acres of biodiverse forest at your fingertips, and hands-on learning is at the heart of the environmental science major. Internships are built into the curriculum and through the McCullough Fellowship, and qualifying students can receive funding to conduct sustainability research in Asheville. Students passionate about leading environmental stewardship efforts can join our Student Environmental Center.
Meet Your Faculty Mentors
UNC Asheville environmental science faculty members are experts in a wide range of environmental fields, including ecology, conservation biology, geology, hydrology, environmental policy, and environmental justice. Our faculty are dedicated to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional careers.
David Gillette
Professor and Chair of Environmental Science
| Office: 155 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6366 |
| Email: dgillett@unca.edu |
Irene Rossell
Professor of Environmental Science, Mountain South Professor
| Office: 154 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5185 |
| Email: irossell@unca.edu |
Dee Eggers
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
| Office: 139 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6654 |
| Email: eggers@unca.edu |
Jake Hagedorn
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
| Office: 160 Rhoades/Robinson |
| Phone: (828) 232-5183 |
| Email: jghagedo@unca.edu |
Casey King
Lecturer of Environmental Science
| Office: 006 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 350-4556 |
| Email: cking10@unca.edu |
Jackie Langille
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
| Office: 156 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6453 |
| Email: jlangill@unca.edu |
Andrew Laughlin
Associate Professor
| Office: 161 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3993 |
| Email: alaughli@unca.edu |
Brittani McNamee
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
| Office: 140 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-4554 |
| Email: bmcnamee@unca.edu |
Landon Ward
Senior Lecturer of Environmental Science
| Office: 137 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 350-4558 |
| Email: lward@unca.edu |
Ashley Case
Lecturer of Environmental Science
| Office: 137 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: 232-5182 |
| Email: acase1@unca.edu |
Environmental Science Degree Careers & Outcomes
A B.S. in environmental science opens doors to a variety of careers in sustainability, conservation, and policy. Our program prepares students through a combination of coursework and experiential learning. We also offer career-focused courses that provide practical skills and knowledge, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field identification of plants, animals, and rocks and minerals. UNC Asheville equips its students for future success, whether it be in graduate school or working for government, education, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. For 15 years in a row, the Fiske Guide to Colleges has identified the our environmental science program as one that provides excellent training for students’ careers.
Our graduates work in the public sector at the federal, state, and local level, for local and national non-profits, and in the private sector as environmental consultants, or in industry. Employers of recent graduates include the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Geological Survey, City of Asheville, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Bunnell Lammons Engineering, Duke Energy, and Sibelco Mining Corporation. Recent graduates have gone on to earn M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at schools such as Clemson University, Duke University, NC State, Pennsylvania State University, University of Georgia, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, and others
Related Programs
Ready to Make an Impact? Start With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science
By earning your Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at UNC Asheville, you’ll join a community of students and faculty who are committed to environmental education and sustainability. Through the environmental science major, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers in environmental sustainability, conservation, policy, and more.
Contact Us
| Environmental Science Department |
| Phone: (828) 251-6441 |
| Email: envs@unca.edu |
