Study the Environment @ OU

Environmental Design

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design (En.D.) program is an undergraduate program in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture that gives students who want to make a difference the know-how and ability to work on critical community issues. From revitalizing historic downtowns to imagining new neighborhoods, En.D. students learn about problems that are worth solving to make places that matter to people.

Website: https://architecture.ou.edu/environmental/

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies prepares you for interdisciplinary efforts to solve environmental problems. Our majors learn skills and ideas from multiple academic disciplines and experience the cross-disciplinary teamwork that generates effective environmental knowledge. Environmental Studies is inherently interdisciplinary because the environment is all-encompassing. Rather than offering a specific academic discipline alongside others, OU's Environmental Studies Program is a place where disciplines overlap, providing an opportunity to interact across boundaries and create dynamic approaches to the environment that responds to multiple sources of knowledge.

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Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability studies how human societies can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Achieving this goal requires balancing short- and long-term needs related to jobs and economic growth, societal well-being, and environmental health. Students typically have an interest in how individuals, organizations, and societies can affect the environment, and creating a better world in which to live. This degree enables students to develop the necessary technical skills to address relevant environmental and societal problems, including skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical and spatial reasoning, and remote sensing. The nature of the degree allows for flexibility, as multiple electives and degree options are available.

Geography

Geographers integrate knowledge of culture, society, and the economy with an understanding of the earth’s physical system and biosphere to provide a holistic perspective on human-environment relationships. This integrative perspective is vital to understanding and addressing the world’s complex problems, including renewable energy, environmental change, and indigenous cultures in a globalizing world. 

Website: https://www.ou.edu/ags/geography

Meteorology

The School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma is the largest such program in the nation, with approximately 250 undergraduate and nearly 90 graduate students. The School is routinely ranked near the top of the nation in terms of undergraduate awards, such as the annual number of undergraduate scholarships awarded from the NOAA Hollings and American Meteorological Society (AMS) programs. For example, our students received 7 of the 23 Named Scholarships of the AMS. Our graduate students are also quite successful in competing for awards with a Blue Water and Marshall Sherfield Fellowship among the top honors. Our students have received numerous best poster and best oral presentation awards at recent conferences and symposiums. 

The undergraduate and graduate programs are unique due to our co-location with NOAA, Department of Interior, and Department of Energy programs as well as several university strategic organizations, which broaden the education, training, and research portfolio of the School. 

Website: http://meteorology.ou.edu/

Environmental Geology

Environmental geologists apply geological, geochemical, and geophysical techniques to develop sustainable relationships between the earth and its inhabitants. They work to assess the potential environmental impacts of human activities, prevent future pollution, perform environmental monitoring, protect our natural resources, and assist in the cleanup of contaminated sediments and waters. Additionally, environmental geologists work with engineers to support construction projects and prevent damage from natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

Website: https://www.ou.edu/mcee/geosciences/undergraduate_degrees/bachelor-geology

Civil Engineering and Environmental Science

Using the principles of physics, biology, and chemistry, environmental engineers develop methods to meet environmental challenges such as water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid and hazardous waste management, waste recycling, and water resources management. Environmental engineers understand and protect us from environmental hazards, and learn to build solid structures without polluting the environment. OU Students have the opportunity to specialize in water and wastewater engineering, solid and hazardous wastes engineering, or hydrology/water resources with their environmental engineering degree.

Environmental scientists take on the vital role of preservation, conservation and restoration of the environment. OU's environmental science program is designed to produce well-prepared professionals familiar with the intricacies of collecting and analyzing air, water and soil samples; monitoring compliance with environmental laws and regulations; assisting industries in environmental compliance and development of sustainable cost effective technologies; and addressing public audiences on local, regional and global environmental challenges.

Website: https://www.ou.edu/coe/cees/undergrad_programs

Global Energy, Environment and Resources

Drawing on the interdisciplinary framework of IAS, students in this major receive training that emphasizes policy, management, and sustainability in an international context. After fulfilling a Foundations of GEER requirement, students take courses in three areas of concentration: Energy, Climate, and Environment; Global Environmental Sustainability and Ethics; and International Society and Environment. Students then specialize in one region of the world, allowing them to combine their thematic interest with area studies expertise. Students will receive real-world experience by interning or engaging in service learning with either an energy company or an internationally-oriented environmental NGO. This major provides students with the skills they need to succeed in an international field with growing employment opportunities.

Website: https://www.ou.edu/cis/ias/undergrad-academics/majors/global-energy--environment--and-resources

OU also offers many opportunities for graduate study of the environment. Consult the websites of the programs listed above to learn more.