If you’re curious about science, love problem-solving, want to make a positive impact on the environment, and help to shape a sustainable future, a degree in environmental science with a focus on biotechnology will open doors for you.

SEMO's Environmental Science: Biogeotechnology program blends biology, chemistry, and technology to create solutions for real-world environmental challenges — like cleaning up pollution, developing sustainable energy, and improving agriculture.

What You’ll Do

As an Environmental Science major focusing on Biogeotechnology, you’ll dive into subjects like genetics, microbiology, environmental chemistry, and data analysis. You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs, work with advanced technology, and explore how science can help protect and restore the planet. Many programs also include internships or research opportunities, giving you practical skills employers value.

  • Immerse yourself in coursework that provides a foundation to address environmental issues of today and the future.
  • Gain hands-on experience with a required internship or research that addresses real-world challenges.
  • Become a leader in efforts to develop a sustainable society.

What Can You Do with an Environmental Science: Biogeotechnology Degree?

With this degree, you can make a real impact. Here are just a few career paths you could follow:

  • Environmental Biotechnologist – Use microbes and genetic engineering to clean up pollution or improve sustainability in industries.

  • Sustainability Specialist – Help businesses and organizations reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and meet environmental regulations.

  • Biofuels Researcher – Work on creating cleaner, renewable energy sources from biological materials.

  • Agricultural Biotechnologist – Develop crops that are more resistant to disease and climate change.

  • Conservation Scientist – Protect natural resources and ecosystems through research and policy development.

Environmental Science: Biogeotechnology (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

Outcomes & Careers

  • $100k

    Biological Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a biological scientist is $100,440.

  • $91k

    Environmental Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an environmental scientist and geoscientist is $91,060.

  • $87k

    Environmental Scientists and Specialists

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for environmental scientists and specialists is $86,710.

Environmental Science: Biogeotechnology Major

Degree Map

The environmental science biogeotechnology curriculum includes coursework to prepare you to study and solve environmental problems. Students are required to take two Environmental Science seminars. These seminars assist the students in integrating the science courses with application toward environmental issues. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

88-92 hours – no minor required

Required Courses

  • BI163 Evolution and Ecology (4)
  • BI173 Cell and Organismal Biology (4)
  • EV105 Environmental Biology (3)
  • V106 Environmental Biology Lab (1)
  • EV201 Environmental Science Seminar I (1)
  • EV387 Introduction to Environmental Law (3)
  • EV401 Environmental Science Seminar II (1)
  • CH184 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
  • CH185 General Chemistry I (3)
  • CH186 General Chemistry II (3)
  • CH187 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
  • GO110 Physical Geology (3)
  • MA223 Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)
  • PH120/020 Introductory Physics I (5)
  • PL429 Environmental Ethics (3)
Choose 3-5 hours:
  • CH234/034 Organic and Biological Chemistry (3) OR
  • CH341 Foundations of Organic Chemistry I (3) AND
  • CH342 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2)
Choose 3-5 hours:
  • MA115 Integrated Precalculus A (5)
  • MA116 Precalculus A (3)
Choose 3 hours:
  • EV481-483 Internship (1-3)
  • EV491-493 Research (1-3)

Biogeotechnology Option – 40 hours

  • BI283 Genetics (4)
  • BI332 General Ecology (4)
  • EV365 Environmental Soil Science (3)
  • EV450 Environmental Chemistry (3)
  • GO460 Environmental Hydrology (3)
  • GT101 Introduction to Geographic Information Science I (3)
  • GT102 Introduction to Geographic Information Science II (3)
  • MI101 Introduction to Computer Applications (3)
Electives – 14 hours:
  • BI/BO/BT/ZO/EV/GO/GT 300-599
  • EN309 Writing for Science and Technology (3)

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year    

Fall Semester (15-17 Hours)     
  • UI100 (1)
  • BI163/063 (4)
  • CH184 (1)
  • CH185 (3)
  • MA115 or MA116 (3-5)
  • MI101 (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours)     
  • BI173/073 (4)
  • CH186 (3)
  • CH187 (1)
  • EN100 (3)
  • EV105 (3)
  • EV106 (1)

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Second Year    

Fall Semester (17 Hours)  
  • BI283/083 (4)
  • BI332 (4)
  • MA223 (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (13-15 Hours)    
  • CH234 or CH341/342 (3-5)
  • EV201 (1)
  • GO110/010 (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Third Year    

Fall Semester (15 Hours)    
  • GT101 (3)
  • EV Elective (3)
  • EV Elective (3)
  • EV Internship/Research (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours)     
  • EV365 (3)
  • EV450 (3)
  • GT102 (3)
  • EV Elective (3)
  • General Education (3)

Milestone:achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Fourth Year    

Fall Semester (16 Hours)     
  • EV387 (3)
  • PH120/020 (5)
  • EV Elective (3)
  • EV Elective (2)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (14 Hours)  
  • EV401 (1)
  • GO460 (3)
  • PL429 (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • Elective (4) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri’s opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Hands-on Learning

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through a required internship or research project as part of your coursework. The Department of Biology also uses resources such as Miller Reserve Wetlands Restoration Project, the Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Reis Biological Research Station to offer students experiential learning activities.

Alumna

"My education taught me not only how to speak and read science but also how to actually do science. I am a hands-on learner, so these experiences outside the classroom prepared me well for graduate school and beyond."

Donna Kridelbaugh

A portrait of Southeast Alum, Donna Kridelbaugh.

How Do Students Gain Experience?

At Southeast, a biology education goes beyond the classroom. Our students are gaining valuable experience to complement their classroom work with internships and field experiences at:

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Missouri Department of Conservation
  • U.S. Green Building Council
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Missouri Department of Natural Resources
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Contact Us
Location
Office
Rhodes Hall 224
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701