2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
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 Return to: Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Faculty: Brown, Cervantes, Clay, Crosman, Diaz, Eichler, Karaganis, Maag, Matlack, Miller, Newcomer, Newton, Rogers, Saliu, Stevens, Williams
The Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences is home to faculty whose academic interests and expertise span a diverse range of disciplines. The department offers courses in sufficient number and variety to give students a strong foundation for a wide range of geoscience and life science careers at the bachelor’s level. Graduates are prepared to pursue laboratory-oriented research through graduate study, work as field scientists who divide their time between outdoor investigation and laboratory analysis, or enter applied careers in areas such as environmental consulting, natural resources, wildlife and conservation, and other science-related professions. In addition, our programs provide excellent preparation for preprofessional pathways in the health sciences, including pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-optometry, and related health science fields. The department also offers a degree in Science Education (Science 7-12 and Life Science 7-12). The department has excellent facilities with supporting equipment for field work that includes a fleet of vehicles as well as ample laboratory facilities for teaching and research.
Students pursuing a degree in biology are offered an array of courses that allow them to gain a general background in biology or to specialize in one of several areas (e.g., vertebrate biology, ecology, cellular/molecular biology, microbiology, etc.). Students opting for the biology major often plan to attend graduate school (Master of Science or Ph.D. programs) to enhance their chances of securing employment in the field. Biology graduates find teaching opportunities at colleges and universities, as well as positions with state and federal agencies and private laboratories. Many biology majors also use their degree as a strong foundation for professional programs in the health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and related fields, as well as for advanced study in biology and biomedical research.
Environmental science combines basic and applied science, which focuses on the interaction between people and the environment. The environmental scientist has two challenging, sometimes conflicting, goals: one, to protect the public from environmental hazards; and two, to preserve critical environmental resources. The demand for environmental scientists is likely to increase in the future as the world population grows and the need for safeguarding people and protecting the environment increases. The Environmental Science degree presents the student with two options, one specific for Environmental Science and the other for Geology. The Geology Option serves the needs of students who intend to pursue the profession of geologist upon graduation or to pursue graduate studies in geology.
The Wildlife Program offers a degree for those who wish to become professional wildlife biologists. A wildlife biologist is responsible for preserving lands in a condition that wildlife can use for survival and successful reproduction. Wildlife biologists also provide data for control of hunting seasons and oversee situations where conventional agriculture, forestry and range management cause conditions where some animal species may become pests. They are responsible for reducing negative interactions between wildlife and people.
Undergraduate Majors and Programs
- Biology
- Wildlife Biology
- Life Science Education Certification, Grades 7-12
- Science Education Certification, Grades 7-12
- Biotechnology (until August 2024; no new majors)
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Science Option
- Geology Option
- Pre-Healthcare Professional (includes Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Optometry)
Pre-Clinical Allied Health Programs
West Texas A&M University offers preclinical programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy and others that require at least one year of college work. The University does not offer baccalaureate degrees in these programs. The program of study involves the core curriculum plus prerequisite courses required by the specific program. The department provides advisement concerning prerequisite courses for the chosen program and assistance in locating and making application to the required clinical or professional facility.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
Refer to the “University Core Curriculum ” section of this catalog.
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Discipline - Course Prefix
Anthropology - ANTH
Biology - BIOL
Biotechnology - BIOT
Environmental Science - ENVR
Geology - GEOL
Geoscience - GESC
Natural Science - NSCI
NOTE: See the “Course Descriptions ” sections of this catalog for a complete list of courses offered by the University.
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Teacher Certification Programs
The Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences offers secondary teacher certification in Science and Life Science. Consult the “Department of Education” section of this catalog for certification requirements related to programs offered by this department.
ProgramsMajors / BachelorCertifications, TeacherMinorsCertificates
Return to: Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
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