Fall Open House Program Descriptions
The following program descriptions are for the 2024 Fall Open House.
Animal Science / Pre-Vet / Equine
Provides students with the scientific knowledge, skills, and experience to be competitive for entry into veterinary, graduate, or medical schools or employment in animal science-related fields. Companies that conduct large and small animal research or develop and market human and animal health products or feeds/supplements provide numerous employment opportunities for our graduates with B.S. degrees. Students may enroll in hands-on animal practicums to learn about the handling, management, feeding, reproduction, physiology, and behavior of dairy heifers, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and laboratory animals.
Biochemistry
Integrated education in biochemistry and its applications to biological systems. The curriculum follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and has components of both a traditional course-centered approach to teaching and a current content and outcome-centered approach. Prepares students for advanced degrees or careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, chemical industries, government service, communications, law, and many other fields. Options in Biochemistry of Microbial Systems, Biochemical Toxicology, Biochemistry of Plant Systems, and protein and Structural Biochemistry.
Biology / Biological Sciences
Our program offers students many learning opportunities, ranging from inspiring lecture presentations to original and cutting-edge research opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratories. An excellent instructional program, made possible by reflects the university’s commitment to providing its students with the best learning environment. The major in Biological Sciences is a program offered by the Division of Life Sciences, which offers a distinct advantage in designing a course of study beyond the core curriculum. The SEBS experience-based education credits set our program apart as you can do research at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Aresty Center, and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine.
Biotechnology
Provides fundamental knowledge and laboratory skills, focusing on molecular biology and genetics, underpinned by a firm foundation in biology, math, and physical sciences. It applies 21st-century technological skills and biological sciences to solving global and health issues and the diverse social issues relating to biotechnology. The curriculum involves extensive laboratory and research experience and a choice of specialization in one of the following fields: animal, microbial, and plant biotechnology, bioinformatics, and bioscience policy and management.
Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources
The program provides a broad understanding of structure, function, significance of ecological and evolutionary processes, and modern tools for management of biotic natural resources. Students have access to an array of advanced courses, field study, and research opportunities. The program prepares students for careers in conservation, natural resource management, professional education, and graduate school.
Entomology
Focuses on arthropods and their relationship to humans. Builds knowledge of the systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and biochemistry of insects; explores their impact on humans (pest management, disease transmission, toxicology, biodiversity, biomonitoring, pollination, decomposition, and forensics); and exposes students to research and science communication. Students receive broad training leading to careers in agribusiness, government, extension service, environmental science, public health or industry, and preparation for professional education or graduate school.
Environmental & Business Economics
Preparation for careers in business and management. Students learn to think strategically about the business environment within which firms, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations operate and devise appropriate responses to gain a strategic advantage. Students learn core economic, management, financial, and accounting principles, and how to apply economic theories and concepts to contemporary social issues, as well as the formulation of policy. Options in Business Economics, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Food Industry Economics, and Food Science and Management Economics.
Environmental Engineering
The Environmental Engineering undergraduate program is a joint program between SEBS and the School of Engineering. The program offers students a broad and multi-disciplinary education in the fundamentals of environmental engineering as well as proactive learning opportunities to utilize classroom learning in applications and design. The program offers a wide range of courses to help students understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Environmental Planning / Environmental Geomatics
Emphasizes an understanding of planning and management of the physical and cultural environments. Considers our relationship with the land, ethical planning solutions, sustainability, social equity, and a balancing of ecological services. Also offers Minors in Environmental Geomatics, Landscape Planning, Urban Forestry, and Green Technology.
Environmental Policy, Institutions & Behavior
Examines human dimensions of environmental problems, adaptation to resource changes, and responses to environmental hazards. Explores local, regional, and national differences in resource use, social and environmental aspects of health and illness, strategies for management, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions of environmental and resource issues, and roles of industry, governmental, and non-governmental organizations in environmental affairs.
Environmental Sciences
Applies the interdisciplinary study of natural processes and human impacts in the atmosphere, aquatic systems, and soils. The course of study is built on a foundation of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. All students also complete a series of environmental sciences courses that demonstrate the application of the basic science principles to solution of environmental problems. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, industry, legal and science policy professions, and education.
Exercise Science
Through teaching and cutting-edge research, our program in Exercise Science educates students in the life sciences for careers in various areas, including medicine, physical and occupational therapy, athletics training, and exercise physiology. In addition to our highly competitive academic program, the Department of Kinesiology & Health offers a wide array of cross-disciplinary research, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities via internships, fieldwork, and a global studies program.
Food Science
Our program prepares students for secure, well-paying jobs in the food industry. Our program is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) which allows our students to compete for IFT scholarships. Our students study biology, chemistry, physics and math and then apply this knowledge to understand how nutritious, safe, and good tasting foods are made. Our courses cover: design and operation of equipment used in food processing and packaging; techniques used in chemical analyses of food; sensory evaluation of food; the effects of processing on color, flavor, and texture of food; the role of microorganisms in fermentation, spoilage, and foodborne disease; the role of food regulations in food safety and nutrition; and new food product development.
Landscape Architecture
Professional design curriculum leading to a degree that is recognized as a nationally accredited program by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Course offerings cover a diverse range of subjects, including site planning and design, social factors in design, landscape history, architecture, design implementation, computer-aided design, horticulture, and plant ecology.
Marine Sciences
Explores the marine environment and its interactions with the earth, the biosphere, humans and the atmosphere. Builds knowledge of physics, geology and geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, technology, and biology as they apply to marine processes and manage ocean resources wisely. Includes hands-on, experiential learning in the laboratory and in the ocean. The program is organized around supporting independent research. Prepares students for graduate school, and careers in civil service environmental management, high-technology industry, and secondary science teaching. Options within this major are Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Marine Geology, Physical Oceanography, and Directed Marine Studies.
Meteorology
Study of weather, climate, and the characteristics, structure, and processes of the atmosphere. Students learn how to forecast the weather and how to understand climate change. Includes courses in meteorology, weather, and climate, as well as preparation in environmental sciences. The program supplies all the U.S. federal government’s civil service requirements for classification as a meteorologist. Graduates pursue career paths in forecasting, research, broadcasting, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further study at the graduate level.
Microbiology
Emphasizes microbial biology, diversity, and the biochemical basis of microbial life. It examines microorganisms and microbial processes in natural and managed environments and their effects on human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Examines the microbial populations in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, the interactions within microbial communities, biogeochemical cycles, and energy flows.
Nutritional Sciences
Encompasses all aspects of an organism’s interaction with food - biochemical, physiologic, molecular, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of food choice and nutrient metabolism. Options in Dietetics (Accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics), Biomedical Nutrition (Research), Food Service Administration (Management/Marketing), and Community Nutrition (Educational/Professional Youth Work).
Plant Science / Agricultural Business & Food Systems
The Plant Science Program prepares students for careers and further study in the diverse areas encompassed by Plant Science. This includes areas such as agriculture, horticulture, turfgrass management, plant breeding, plant pathology, pest management, as well as plant natural products, and cannabis cultivation.
The Plant Science Program offers one major with three options (Plant Agriculture and Horticulture, General Research and Natural Products), five minors (Agroecology, Horticultural Therapy, Medicinal & Economic Botany, and Plant Science), and three certificates (Horticultural Therapy, Medicinal & Economic Botany, and Turfgrass Science), providing students with a fully customizable education that demonstrates excellence and expertise to future employers.
Furthermore, our immersive teaching/learning spaces such as research labs, farms, and greenhouses, provide a wide variety of hands on experiential learning opportunities for students to gain relevant work experience prior to graduation. With a degree in Plant Science, students can pursue graduate studies or work in industry, government, academia or the allied health professions.
Pre-Health
Our program is dedicated to meeting the needs of students interested in Medical, Dental, Veterinary Medicine, and other health fields. There is no specific pre-medicine major at Rutgers. Students interested in attending medical school can major in anything they wish to, from biology to religion, as long as they complete core courses that include biology, chemistry, and physics set by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association. The science and experiential education curriculum at SEBS makes our students competitive medical school candidates.
Public Health
Prepares students for entry-level careers in population health and disease prevention. Public health professionals work in a wide range of services, including infectious disease control; health problems of children, older adults, and the medically underserved; chronic disease management; health monitoring and surveillance; environmental/ occupational health and safety; and emergency preparedness. Our students learn about the upstream factors influencing community health, particularly poverty, housing, work and unemployment, social exclusion, food security, transportation, health and social services access, and evidence-based, data-driven decision-making. SEBS offers this degree in collaboration with the Bloustein School. What sets our program apart is the experience-based credits where we connect you to field research, study abroad, and international internships to graduate with work experience.