Environmental Science
About
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary program that provides a rigorous and comprehensive grounding in the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the natural environment.
Why is Environmental Science in Demand?
- Environmental science is a rapidly expanding field covering a multitude of areas, from environmental toxicology and pollution migration to habitat assessment, green chemistry and biological conservation.
- The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $76,530 in May 2021. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Is it for me?
- Are you interested in biology, chemistry and physics?
- Are you concerned about the science behind environmental problems?
- Do you want to help in developing solutions?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Environmental Science
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You’ll learn how to:
- Think critically, and analyze and solve complex problems
- Use specialized tools and software to collect, analyze and present data and results
- Develop technical writing and oral presentation skills
- Appreciate ethical issues concerning the impact of technology on our world
- Manage your time effectively
- Gain a greater concern for a sustainable environment
Internships
Our graduates have completed internships at organizations such as:
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Sea World of Florida, Education Department, Orlando
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- Systems Integration and Research, Naval Air Station, Patuxent, MD
- Quaker Chemical Company, Conshohocken, PA
- Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor, LLC, Warren, NJ
- Lacawac Sanctuary & Biological Field Station, Lake Ariel, PA
- Schott Glass, Duryea, PA
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
All environmental science majors kick off their studies with courses in biology and chemistry, allowing students to more easily move between majors within the sciences until they find their niche.
This flexibility extends to our upperclass students, where juniors and seniors can personalize their education, thanks to the program’s four required electives. Seniors are also required to complete either an undergraduate research project or an internship in environmental science.
Click here to see the curriculum.
Loyola Science Center
Environmental science classes are held in the Loyola Science Center, which offers dedicated spaces for informal gatherings, student group work, student research, mediated classrooms and labs with state-of-the-art equipment.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
As sustainability moves to the forefront of the national and international stage, an understanding of environmental science has become imperative in the transition to a sustainable society. With a degree in environmental science, you can play a role in creating a world that is sustainable.
Scranton graduates are recognized for their strong knowledge of the biology and chemistry of the environment. They have gone on to a wide variety of meaningful and rewarding careers in industry, government and non-profits across the U.S. and abroad. A Scranton degree not only allows you to immediately begin a career, but also to pursue advanced degrees in such areas as environmental science, biology, chemistry and law.
Closer to home, we offer significant service-learning opportunities in our local community. As a Jesuit institution, we encourage students to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and their community.
Careers
Where will Environmental Science take me?
Many environmental science graduates find employment with government and industrial agencies, as well as nonprofit and educational organizations. Additionally, environmental consulting companies are a popular destination for environmental science majors.
Graduates can work in such areas as:
- Wetland delineation
- Industrial hygiene
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental law
- Groundwater pollution
- Environmental education
Many of these positions are available with a bachelor’s degree, allowing you to jump right into a career after graduation.
Top Graduate Schools
Many Scranton graduates have gone on to earn master’s or Ph.D. degrees at some of the top-ranked graduate schools in their field, including:
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Mississippi State University
- Seton Hall University School of Law
- The University of Southern Mississippi
- University of New Hampshire
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Leading Employers:
You’ll find Scranton graduates working in a wide range of companies and organizations including:
- AmeriCorps
- Environ
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
One of the many things students tell us they love about Scranton is that our faculty are very active in helping them achieve their career goals. As you walk across campus, you’ll often see students chatting with faculty over coffee to bounce ideas.
Whether it’s advising or providing letters of references for a competitive graduate school or that dream job, faculty make it their priority to get to know each student on an individual level. That deep level of understanding means that our faculty are not only dedicated teachers and strong researchers but advocates for you professionally.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Environmental Science
(570) 941-5971
nicholas.sizemore@scranton.edu
Robert Smith, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Environmental Science
(570) 941-6581
robert.smith@scranton.edu
https://www.scranton.edu/faculty/smith/