Environmental Science

Are you seeking a fulfilling career in environmental science? Do you want to enroll in an affordable program that helps you grow in your understanding of the cultural, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability? Earning your environmental science degree at Wilson College is the perfect first step.

Our environmental science degree in Pennsylvania prepares you for careers within private companies, governmental, and non-governmental organizations with a program that encourages you to:

• Gain a broad understanding of the social, ethical, and scientific aspects of environmental problems.
• Achieve a strong grounding in the natural sciences and an orientation in experiential learning. 
• Discover the tools for ethical leadership and humane stewardship of our communities and world.

Majoring in environmental science will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a leader in your community. 

Highlights 

This program provides a comprehensive environmental science education. Many of our courses focus specifically on experiential and service learning for an experience that is:

• Interdisciplinary: Courses cover topics from biology to statistics, offering an interdisciplinary approach.
• Collaborative: Experience the opportunity to learn alongside and collaborate with students who are just as passionate about environmental science. 
• Supportive: Get the help you need from professors available through email, Panopto records, and group and one-on-one Canvas discussions. 
• Focused: Expand your understanding of the principles of environmental science in small, focused classes where your opinion counts.
• Practical: Develop practical knowledge and skills you'll apply to your future profession.
• Customizable: Create a program that fulfills your interests and passions with your choice of electives.

Pursue a hands-on environmental education on our 300-acre campus, situated along the banks of the Conococheague Creek. Our interpretive nature 3/4-mile trail follows this creek, offering several opportunities for students studying environmental science and sustainability. 

We also partner with the Fulton Farm, which is a 50-acre farmstead. Through Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies (FCSS), students can access a seven-acre produce farm that features everything from display gardens to passive-solar high tunnels.

Why Study Environmental Science? 

At Wilson College, our environmental science degree aims to help students connect theory to application and experience, preparing them for successful careers. 

You'll learn to: 

• Develop a basis for broad scientific literacy. 
• Develop the ability to formulate independent judgments that reflect your awareness of environmental, ethical, social, and interpersonal implications.
• Promote an understanding of one’s connection with and responsibilities for serving the community and society.
• Promote understanding of how social forces influence the development of knowledge, ideas, and experiences through the comparative exploration of beliefs and cultures.

Core classes: 

• General Biology I and II
• Conservation Biology 
• Ecology
• General Chemistry I and II or Fundamentals of General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry I and II or Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry in Biological Systems
• Intro to Environmental Science I and II
• Environmental Geology or Environmental History or Environmental History
• Environmental Law
• Introductory Statistics or Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
• Ecological Perspectives Sci/Humanities
• Ethics or Environmental Ethics 

Three of the following electives, with at least one at the 300 level: 

• Invertebrate Zoology
• Introductory Botany
• Marine Biology
• Evolution
• Analytical Chemistry
• Science, Technology and Society
• Agroecology
• Stewardship of Watershed Ecosystems or Stewardship of Watershed Ecosystems
• Environmental Education
• Climate Change: Liberal Arts Perspective
• Internship

Career Paths 

An environmental sciences degree will prepare you to enter the workforce after graduation or pursue further education with a related graduate degree.

At Wilson College, all our environmental science students will complete an internship within their selected area of focus. During the program, students will also have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses in specialized research areas. No matter where you envision yourself in the future, our experienced faculty will help guide and pave the way for you to get there.

Here are a few job opportunities to consider: 

• Environmental policy 
• Environmental educator
• Agricultural scientist 
• Environmental law
• National resource manager 
• Nature conservation officer 

Take the Next Step Today 

Interested in enrolling in an environmental science college in Pennsylvania? You'll be able to achieve your goals here at Wilson College. With 98% of our students receiving financial aid and scholarships, we've made pursuing your passions affordable and accessible. 

Schedule a campus visit or apply today!