About the School
The School of Environmental Sciences at Charles Sturt University has staff and students on two of CSU's campuses: Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga.
In Albury-Wodonga, the School of Environmental Sciences is located on the Thurgoona campus - Australia's first environmentally friendly university campus. The campus' commitment to the environment can be seen in a wide range of design features, including buildings made from rammed earth and recycled building materials, plus artificial creeks and wetlands, windmills and solar collectors.
New school offices and facilities in Wagga Wagga incorporate ecologists, spatial scientists and an office of the UNESCO Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy program.
Head of School, Ben Wilson says:
'The Thurgoona campus has been designed from the ground up to specifically cater for environmental science students and postgraduates. We practice what we preach. The continual exchange of ideas with the major environmental agencies regarding course structures ensures our graduates are equipped with skills relevant to today's needs, which makes them highly employable.'
Matt Herring (Wildlife Ecologist and graduate of CSU) recently wrote:
"I conduct about 50 field days and seminars a year out in the rural landscape and it is commonplace for parents or prospective students to approach me asking about what studies are necessary to get into wildlife management, ecological consulting, environmental education etc and I'll certainly continue to be a big advocate for CSU".
Studying at the School of Environmental Sciences
The School of Environmental Sciences conducts teaching and research into the management and sustainability of the environment, covering such disciplines as wildlife ecology, catchment management, ecotourism, protected area management, river health and water sustainability, ecosystem conservation, rare and threatened species management, vegetation ecology, cultural resource management and spatial science. The School offers a diverse range of courses and programs in Environmental Management, Adventure Ecotourism, GIS and Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Management, Water Sustainability, Conservation Management, Parks Recreation and Heritage, Ornithology and much, much more.
View our list of Courses to find out more. You may even qualify for one of dozens of CSU Science Scholarships of $4000 per year.
Our graduates come out with an internationally recognised degree, professional contacts, industry experience and great friends. No wonder they are so highly employable. Sheridan Taylor (recent graduate) wrote:
'Since leaving Charles Sturt University two years ago after completing my Bachelor degree in Environmental Science I have been managing environmental restoration works. These were rewarding jobs as I was able to share my experience and knowledge with others from Australia and all over the world to make a difference to the Australian environment.
Two months ago I started [as a] Catchment Management Officer. This position brings together most of my experiences I gained and the knowledge learnt and practiced during university subjects. It also combines the additional experience I gained from university activities
I am finding this job to be very interesting and enjoyable. I enjoy spending some of my days outside helping people to be more environmentally sustainable'
The School also has close ties with the Riverina Institute of TAFE in Albury and the Wodonga Institute of TAFE, enabling TAFE students to gain credit to allow them to move into University programs in Environmental science and Adventure Ecotourism. There are also Cadet Ranger programs for Indigenous students. Study Link programs help you ease into University life, and all our courses can be taken by distance education if you are too busy to get to one of our campuses.
Research at the School of Environmental Sciences
The School of Environmental Sciences is one of the top environmental research schools in the country, with a postgraduate cohort of 60 students researching the big national and international environmental problems. It incorporates members of the Institute for Land, Water and Society and the UNESCO Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy program. With over 40 researchers examining various aspects of environmental management, plus more than 50 research students, there are great opportunities to be part of the cutting edge.