B.S. in Environmental Science

 

Ongoing changes to our environment are cause for concern among scientists, environmental workers and activists, people living in environmentally sensitive areas and, for the most part, the general population.

 

While most people agree that sustaining the environment for future generations is of the upmost importance, how to accomplish that task is not as clear. Fortunately, many highly regarded scientists are endeavoring to answer questions associated with climate change and working to assure environmental sustainability.

 

If you are interested in Chemistry and the Biology of the earth’s natural systems, Alvernia’s new Environmental Science program can help you prepare for a career in which you can make a difference for the future of the planet.

 

With a degree in Environmental Science from Alvernia University, you will be a scientifically prepared professional who is equipped to address scientific concerns relating to the environment, human life and sustainability. You will graduate having completed traditional biology, chemistry, physics and math courses along with environmentally-related courses while also gaining a strong background in sustainability.

 

We are extremely proud of our science programs and facilities at Alvernia. Environmental Science courses are taught in the O’Pake Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility with two floors of laboratory and classroom space, all offering the latest in educational technology.

 

As an Environmental Science major at Alvernia, you’ll learn more than what is contained in textbooks. You’ll experience “real-world learning” that will enable you to link your classroom experiences to the larger community and, indeed, the world.

 

Careers in Environmental Science

A degree in Environmental Science from Alvernia University can prepare you for a number of varied careers. While you might work in a traditional laboratory or research setting, you also may consider seeking employment as an environmental restoration planner, or an environmental coordinator.

 

You might be interested in a career as an environmental scientist, environmental chemist or environmental biologist. You may pursue a job as an environmental review officer, environmental technician or an environmental protection specialist.

 

Or, you might choose to enter graduate school after earning your Environmental Science degree. Many Alvernia graduates have furthered their studies at prestigious universities. Alvernia’s Career Development staff can provide assistance with résumé preparation, interview skills and job and graduate school searches

 

The need for highly educated and skilled workers in jobs relating to the environment will continue to grow as the need to address environmental issues becomes increasingly urgent. Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected grow 15 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. That is a rate higher than the average for all occupations.

 

 

Curriculum

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You'll need to complete 54-55 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours.

Required Courses (59 credits)

  • BIO 103 Principles of Biology w/ lab
  • BIO 104 Zoology w/ lab
  • BIO 221 General Microbiology w/ lab
  • BIO 320 Ecology w/ lab
  • BIO 440 Biodiversity
  • CHE 104/110 General Chemistry I w/ lab
  • CHE 105/111 General Chemistry II w/ lab
  • CHE 107 Laboratory Safety
  • CHE 201/210 Organic Chemistry I w/ lab
  • CHE 202/211 Organic Chemistry II w/ lab
  • CHE 212 Analytical Chemistry w/ lab
  • CHE 221 Instrumental Analysis w/ lab
  • CHE 320 Environmental Toxicology
  • CHE 430 Environmental Chemistry
  • SCI 402 Senior Seminar
  • SCI 406 Research I and SCI 407 Research II -or- SCI 480 Science Internship

Related Requirements (32-37 credits)

  • PHY 103 Earth Science
  • PHY 200 Physics I w/ lab
  • PHY 201 Physics II w/ lab
  • MAT 209 Probability and Statistics
  • MAT 230 Calculus I
  • BIO 203 Biosphere
  • BIO 205 Botany w/ lab
  • BIO 230 Sustainability Principles and Practices
  • BIO 325 Environmental Law & Policy

Recommended Courses

  • MAT 131 Pre-calculus
  • CES 330 Sustainability Field Experience

Successfully completing these courses: BIO 203, BIO 230, CES 330, BIO 205, BIO 320, and PHY103, qualifies you for a minor in Sustainability.

Environmental Science Minor

Students who major in another area can minor in Environmental Science by completing the following courses – a total of 19 credits:

  • BIO 103 Principles of Biology
  • BIO 440 Biodiversity
  • CHE 104/110 General Chemistry I w/ lab
  • CHE 430 Environmental Chemistry

Additionally, choose one course from the following:

  • CHE 212 Analytical Chemistry
  • CHE 221 Instrumental Analysis
  • BIO 221 General Microbiology
  • BIO 320 Ecology
Experiential Learning 

Through internships, students have opportunities to apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom in a variety of professional settings. In addition to providing exposure to the activities and expectations of a real-world workplace, internship experiences help students develop their network of professional contacts.

Tuition

To determine the cost of this program, please visit our Tuition page.  For a personalized estimate, please contact an admissions counselor at 610-790-8269 or at admissions@alvernia.edu.

Financial Aid

100% of Alvernia students receive some form of scholarship and/or aid. Our admissions counselors can help you identify the aid that is available to you and for your program. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.

Accreditation

All programs offered by Alvernia University are approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

 


Learn More

For more information about Alvernia’s Environmental Science Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu, or reach out directly to:

 

Dr. Eric Recktenwald

Interim Science Department Chair

Bernardine Hall 120

610.796.8247

eric.recktenwald@alvernia.edu

 

Majors

clock at sunset
Request Info
Frank A. Franco Library
Visit Us