UHCL online environmental science program nationally ranked

March 29, 2016 | Kelsie Cleboski

Nonprofit Colleges Online ranked University of Houston-Clear Lake seventh in affordability among 35 online environmental science master’s degree programs nationwide.

Beyond affordability and flexibility, UHCL’s online Master of Science in Environmental Science degree program also offers a multi-disciplinary approach taught by dedicated faculty members, said Program Chair and Professor of Environmental Science Chunlong (Carl) Zhang. While students in the online program focus on either a general track or an occupational safety and health track, they have access to courses in environmental biology, chemistry, geology and industrial hygiene for a well-rounded view of the discipline.

“Our program provides a good opportunity for students to have a diversity of courses to choose from,” Zhang said. “They choose based on their interests and backgrounds.”

Shanta Goswami Varma, executive director of UHCL’s Office of Online Programs, said this level of choice and flexibility is key to successful online programs. Another important facet, which UHCL’s environmental science program also exemplifies, is a focus on providing instruction that students find relevant and meaningful to their careers and goals.

 “Students are working to enhance their skill sets. If we are able to provide the right things, we will have satisfied students,” she said, noting that students benefit when their coursework reflects the needs of their professional fields and local communities. “What does our community need? That is important.”

Environmental scientists need experience handling research, Zhang said, and UHCL’s environmental science program requires research projects from both face-to-face and online students. In completing the projects, students develop and propose their research focus, collect and analyze data and present their findings to colleagues.

Environmental science involves the study of air, water, soil, wildlife, humans and how all of these factors interact. A multidisciplinary approach to environmental science is key because environmental scientists are called upon to have a wide breadth of knowledge, Zhang said, noting that program faculty are actively expanding online course offerings.

A varied education also helps prepare students for careers in fields as diverse as petroleum, medicine, consulting, government and industry, where they will tackle problems from ozone depletion and water contamination to air pollution and workplace hazards.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is part of the United States Department of Labor, published findings in the Occupational Outlook Handbook predicting that job openings for environmental scientists and specialists will grow by 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, citing increased environmental awareness and population growth as primary causes. The report also noted that, among U.S. states, Texas has the second highest number of job opportunities for environmental scientists.

Students pursue environmental science for a number of reasons, but Zhang points to job security and satisfaction as primary influences.

“Environmental science is truly an ideal profession for one to make a living while make a difference,” he said.

Nonprofit Colleges Online provides information for students seeking to continue their education online. As the organization’s website states, the publication highlights online university programs that are “putting students before profits and education before the bottom line.”

For more information about the UHCL Environmental Science Program, email ensc@uhcl.edu or visit http://www.uhcl.edu/sce.