Environmental Science

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Program TypeMinor
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SchoolSchool of Arts & Sciences
Explore the forces that impact our natural environment. Discover ethical and responsible practices to manage, protect, and preserve the planet.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll be introduced to the interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components that shape our world.
- Gain hands-on experience in laboratory courses.
Lab work in environmental chemistry and biology, conservation biology, and range management provides you with practical, real-world experience.
- Deepen your understanding of wildlife management.
Examine the philosophical and sociological framework of wildlife conservation.
- Complement your major.
The environmental science minor pairs with many Mary major degree programs, including biology, biology education, and chemistry, in addition to the wildlife management and conservation biology concentration.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Featured Faculty

Michael Lares, PhD
Program Chair Biology Education
I am a faculty member in the biology program at the University of Mary and have been here for more than 20 years. I teach primarily in the organismal and environmental areas, teaching classes and labs in general biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, ornithology, and a few other areas. I advise students in biology education, as well as those interested in chiropractic and veterinary medicine. My graduate research focused on the functional biology of echinoderms, especially the feeding biology of sea urchins. I also assisted with research at the USDA-ARS on leaf spot diseases of wheat. I am currently collaborating with Emma Perry, Unity College, Maine on the natural history of tardigrades in North Dakota. I am a member of Sigma Xi, a scientific research society, the Board of Directors of the Dakota Zoo, and the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Society. I routinely volunteer at the Dakota Zoo and sometimes run the scoreboard at UMary home swim meets.

Jim Maskey, PhD
Biology Program Chair, Associate Professor
I am an associate professor in the biology program and serve as the biology program chair. I am also the academic advisor for biology majors in the wildlife and conservation and pre-optometry concentrations. I enjoy teaching on topics such as wildlife management, conservation, mammals, parasites, and plant biology.