The quantity of freshwater available world-wide is diminishing as usage by individuals and industries continues to increase. Water quality is deteriorating due to factors such as climate change and pollution. According to the United Nations, 48 nations will face freshwater stress or scarcity by 2025.
“Water is a major focus in environmental sciences right now,” says Camille Scheibner, an environmental science instructor at Lakeland College. “Only 2.5 per cent of the water on the Earth’s surface is freshwater so it’s very important that water is properly monitored and managed.”
If you’re interested in a career that involves protecting and preserving water resources, check out Lakeland College’s environmental sciences diploma program at the Vermilion campus. The environmental monitoring and protection (EMP) major helps you gain the highly specialized and in-demand skills that government agencies, regulatory bodies and industries are looking for as they work to protect water.
Emphasis is placed on assessing water quality and managing water resources. Courses include environmental sampling, freshwater habitat protection, bioassays and biomonitoring, and groundwater monitoring techniques. You’ll live the learning through countless hands-on labs and field trips.
“We study all areas of water management including surface water and groundwater water quality and quantity. Students learn about the technology and techniques used to proactively monitor and protect water so it can be utilized by all users including wildlife, people and industry,” says Scheibner.
In addition to water, students majoring in EMP also learn how to sample and analyze air and soil, learn how to manage environmental risks, and study environmental regulations.
“Environmental law was especially valuable to me as I now work for a regulatory agency and work with the development, application, and enforcement of regulatory requirements,” says Dalene Wilkins, a member of the Class of 2006.
Graduates of the EMP major are ready to enter the workforce or they can continue their education in the bachelor of applied science: environmental management program at Lakeland or transfer to another institution to earn a bachelor of science degree.
Learn more about the environmental monitoring and protection major on the website, or contact:
Camille Scheibner
Instructor, School of Environmental Sciences
Lakeland College
780 853 8585
