Environmental Studies - BA
If you have an interest in shaping environmental policy, addressing sustainability issues, and taking on environmental challenges, consider our interdisciplinary program in environmental studies.
Overview
If you have an interest in biology or chemistry and care about finding solutions to environmental problems and addressing sustainability issues, consider our environmental science major. At UHart, we offer you research and internship opportunities to jump start your career or prepare you for graduate studies.
About the Major
In our BS in environmental science program, you choose from two concentrations, one focused on environmental biology and the other centered on environmental chemistry. Both options provide you with the benefit of working with our expert faculty across a wide range of subject matter.
Our coursework, research opportunities, and internship experiences will help you develop cross-cutting and interdisciplinary skills to prepare you to apply scientific research findings thoughtfully when addressing environmental problems.
Career Options and Outlook
You prepare for a rewarding career addressing sustainability and environmental issues for industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Examples of careers include:
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental engineer
- Nature conservation officer
- Wildlife biologist
- Corporate environmental manager or officer
- Air pollution analyst
- Natural resource manager
The median pay for an environmental scientist or specialist with a bachelor’s degree is $71,130, with 8% growth expected through 2028 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Degree Requirements
You must complete a total of 61-76 credits. A total of 12 required core courses (43 credits) provides you with a foundation in various disciplines important to the scientific study of the environment—biology, chemistry, environmental science, ecology, geology, and biostatistics. Required internship/research and capstone experience offer real-world, hands-on opportunities that help you prepare for a postgraduate career.
Twelve Core Courses
- Intro Biology I & II
- College Chemistry I & II
- Intro to Environmental Science
- Descriptive Geology
- Ecology
- Biostatistics
- Precalculus or Calculus
- Applied Environmental Chemistry
- Independent Study or Internship
- Capstone
For more information, and to see a complete list of requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Electives and Concentrations
You complete an additional 18-33 credits in your area of interest. You'd select from two areas of concentration.
Environmental Biology
You take the following courses
- Conservation Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Science Writing
Choose two additional electives such as:
- Connecticut Environmental Regulations and Policy
- Geographic Information Systems
- Quantitative Analysis
Environmental Chemistry:
You take the following courses:
- Algebra-based Physics I-II
- Organic Chemistry I-II
- Quantitative Analysis
- Instrumental Analysis
Choose twos additional electives such as:
- Geographic Information Systems
- Medical Microbiology
- Hazardous Waste Management
For more information, and to see a complete list of requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Internships
We work with students to assist them in securing a meaningful internship experience.
Examples of Connecticut-based organizations
- 4-H Auerbach Farm
- Agricultural and Conservation Commission
- Beardsley Zoo
- CT Agricultural Experiment Stations (New Haven and Windsor)
- CT Department of Environment and Energy Protection College Internship Program
- CT DEEP (State Park) Trail Associations
- CT General Assembly
- Connecticut Sea Grant
- Housatonic Valley Association
- Mystic Aquarium
- Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition
- The Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CEPA)
- The Rockfall Foundation
- Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
Examples of national and international organizations
- Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences
- NGO Sustainability
- NOAA New Virtual Student Federal Service (remote)
- The Nature Conservancy
- Youth Animal Save/Youth Climate Save
- The Climate Institute
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a BS in Environmental Science will be able to:
- Understand and apply key concepts from the ecological and physical sciences, as well as economic, political, and social perspectives, to address environmental issues
- Think critically by integrating multiple disciplines that intersect with environmental concerns to solve environmental problems
- Demonstrate an ability to use research skills to gather empirical, natural scientific evidence that bears on the critical analysis of environmental issues and sustainability
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, about scientific research
- Apply skills of quantitative literacy by analyzing environmental data to assess environmental issues
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