Applying What You Learn

Physical and Environmental Sciences students have many opportunities to apply their learning outside the traditional classroom experience through laboratory and field work, research, internships, work study, study abroad, and more! Talk to your faculty mentor to learn what's available.

Laboratory and Field Experience

All Physical and Environmental Sciences students will take courses with hands-on experience in the lab, in the field, or both! You'll learn how to collect and process samples, analyze and report data, and use state-of-the-art technology in your field. Hands-on experience is so important that even our online Master of Environmental Management degree has a required field methods course.   

Research

Student research projects are an integral part of the undergraduate Physical and Environmental Sciences experience. Each major has courses that teach you important research skills in Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, or Physics. And research is also an option to complete some of our minors. You can also work on an independent research project with a faculty mentor.

Many Physical and Environmental Sciences students participate in paid summer research internships hosted by other universities or research organizations.

Internships

Internships are an important way to apply your learning while working with a partner organization. Many internships in the sciences are paid work experiences where students are hired to perform essential work as part of training programs. Master of Environmental Management students are required to complete an internship as part of their degree program, and undergraduate students in some majors can use internships to meet degree requirements. 

Work Study

The Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences regularly hires students each semester to assist with the operation of the department. Work study students can assist in lab course set up, inventory management, tutoring, or other tasks as needed. Work study is a great way to have a part time job related to what you are studying!

Study Abroad

Study abroad options are available, including as our "sister department" at Northumbria University in Newcastle, England. Northumbria University is located in the heart of Newcastle, a vibrant city in northeast England. The Northumbria region is home to dramatic upland and coastal landscapes and many historic sites (such as Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh Castle).

If you are interested, see Dr. Allen or Dr. Russo for more details. You pay FSU tuition & fee costs and Northumbria room & board costs. See the Center for International Education Study Abroad website for general study abroad information.