Environmental Sciences
Look forward to a wide range of topics at the intersection of nature, technology, and society: whether it’s soil science, biodiversity, geographic information systems, environmental law, energy management, or communication… Train to become experts who can communicate, scientifically analyze transformation processes, and guide them toward more sustainable environmental management.
Until further notice, the program’s courses will be held in Höxter. In the medium term, instruction is scheduled to take place in Detmold. Specific information regarding the relocation of programs will be announced several months before the start of the semester.
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
You will bring one of the following educational backgrounds:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Specialized university entrance qualification
- Advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife)
- Vocational qualification
German language level: C1
1. Semester
- Natural sciences (chemistry & biology)
- Ecology
- Soil science
- Environmental awareness and environmental behavior
- Renewable energies I & climate protection
2. Semester
- Physics of the atmosphere
- Biodiversity and species knowledge
- Limnology
- Introduction to water management
- Scientific working techniques
3. Semester
- Applied geostatistics
- Geographic information systems
- Agriculture and environment
- English
- Introduction to empirical social research
4. Semester
- Compulsory elective subject 1
- Geotechnics and surveying
- Environmental law and policy
- Environmental monitoring and accounting
- Water protection and management
5. Semester
- Scientific media competence
- Internship semester or semester abroad with seminar
6. Semester
- Transfer and Practice
- Compulsory elective subject 2
- Social natural conditions
- Environment and Health
- Energy Management
7. Semester
- Social-ecological transformation conflicts
- Field trip and external qualification
- Bachelor's thesis with colloquium
Your training in the natural sciences and social sciences is highly practice-oriented. Partially because of this, as a graduate you can
- deal with issues relevant to nature and the environment, while keeping social aspects in mind
- collaborate to moderate human-environmental conflicts in a cooperative manner among multiple actors
- develop innovative strategies and tools to harmonize environmental processes and social needs
- clarify complex environmental matters and convey them to experts from other fields and laypersons
- analyze and evaluate questions in the natural sciences and independently develop potential solutions
- support and advise on transformational processes in corporate and societal contexts
As a graduate of this degree program, the following career fields will be open to you:
- Specialist planner in ecological institutions
- Consultant in environmental and natural agencies and institutions
- Environmental educator in environmental and natural agencies and institutions
- Scientist at research institutions, agencies, associations and NGOs
- Environmental auditor for environmental analyses and corporate certifications
The Westphalia Environmental Center focuses on corporate environmental issues in the Westphalia region.
The goal of the “Mobile SmartFarmOWL” is to make the region a pioneer in digital agriculture with stakeholders from agriculture and digitization.
Research is conducted alongside regional players on transformation processes in agricultural areas at the Holzminden-Höxter Future Center.
- Protection of water resources
- Waterway conservation, development, and quality evaluation
- Water quantity management
- Waterway and wetland ecology
- Heavy precipitation prevention and modern of associated measures
- Transformation processes in agricultural areas
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to quality education
- directly to clean water and sanitation
- directly to affordable and clean energy
- directly to responsible consumption and production
- directly to climate action
- directly to life on land
- directly to partnerships for the goals
Studying at Sustainable Campus Höxter
Sustainable Studies at the Höxter Campus
At the Höxter campus, much revolves around the environment, sustainability, and digitalization—for example, in the environmental engineering and landscape architecture programs, or in the field of precision farming. Projects like the 2023 State Garden Show demonstrate that sustainability can be exciting, practical, and innovative. This is made possible by modern laboratories, our own botanical garden, and close collaboration with local governments and businesses.
Important Note: Mid-term relocation of degree programs from the Höxter campus
The Sustainable Campus Höxter is one of the three locations of TH OWL. In the future, the degree programs at the Höxter location are to be relocated to the Kreativ Campus Detmold or the Innovation Campus Lemgo. A timeline will be announced as soon as possible. Currently, enrollment in the degree programs offered at this location is still possible. TH OWL will ensure that all students are informed several months in advance and can continue to study and complete their degree programs successfully. You can find all relevant information here.
Information
- Application and enrollment
- Dates and deadlines
- Semester dues
- FAQ about application and enrollment
- Manual of course modules and studyplan
Only the details of the currently valid examination regulations of the degree program as published in the promulgation gazette are authoritative and legally binding. You can find the announcement sheets here.
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advising Office answers questions about studying
- Academic Orientation Services
- Get to know your department!
- Click here for academic advising in your department
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- The Office of Student Registration provides information on the enrollment process
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is here to help!
Still have questions?
Our Student Services will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about the application and enrollment process:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
Email: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Office hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.