LEES Department Mission
The mission of the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences is to promote the acquisition of scientific knowledge and development of critical thinking skills in our students. Our department prepares students for entry into professional schools in the health fields; graduate programs in the biological, ecological, natural resource management, geological, and environmental sciences; and careers in those fields. Students are provided the opportunity to enhance their academic experience in the life, earth, and environmental sciences with specialized courses in multiple subject areas and participate in both laboratory and field research opportunities. The Department of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences houses museum quality collections of biological and geological specimens for use by students, faculty, and qualified outside researchers. We furnish well-equipped laboratories and field equipment for use in research by both students and faculty. The faculty members serve the region with educational and consulting expertise in select areas of the biological, ecological, environmental and geological sciences.
Program Missions
Biology: The mission of the Biology Program is to promote the acquisition of biological knowledge and development of critical thinking skills in our students. Our program prepares students for entry into professional schools in the health fields; graduate programs in biological, cellular/molecular, wildlife biology, and ecological studies; as well as careers in those fields. Students are provided the opportunity to enhance their academic experience with specialized courses in multiple subject areas and participate in both laboratory and field research opportunities. The Department of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences houses museum quality collections of biological specimens for use by students, faculty, and qualified outside researchers to expand knowledge of biodiversity. We furnish well-equipped laboratories and field equipment for use in teaching and research by both students and faculty. The faculty members serve the region with educational and consulting expertise in select areas of biological sciences.
Companion Animal Science: The mission of the Companion Animal Program is to provide students with a broad overview of pets, their care, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, health issues, and the various roles of these animals including their close connection to humans. This program is intended to prepare individuals for employment or graduate studies in the fields of companion animal science and animal welfare. The courses will cover material on domesticated companion animals with an emphasis on dogs and cats.
Environmental Science: The Environmental Science program is a rigorous science-based education program focused on research, service, and development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills based on sound scientific principles. The student will gain an understanding of complex environmental and geological processes and the application and integration of those skills in meeting current and future environmental protection and sustainability challenges.
Wildlife Biology: The mission of the Wildlife Biology program is to prepare students for careers as wildlife biologists, wildlife managers, environmental educators, game wardens, and related occupations. We also prepare students for entry into graduate programs. We provide students with the opportunity to enhance their academic and field experience in wildlife biology with specialized courses, field trips, and internship and research opportunities. Our department provides well equipped laboratories and field equipment for use by students in their classes and research.