ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Environmental Science explores the intersection between humans and the natural world. It is a complex field that touches upon aspects of the biological and physical sciences, governmental policies, economics, and social issues; success at addressing environmental issues therefore requires an interdisciplinary approach. Consequently, the Mercyhurst University Environmental Science major educates and trains students in the physical and social sciences so that they are reflectively aware of the natural environment in which they live, are globally responsible of the Earth and its resources, and are prepared to successfully address environmental issues on any number of fronts. Students choose a specific track in Biology Field Studies or Geology Field Studies to help emphasize their particular interest in environmental science.

Fast Facts

You will learn from faculty who live what they teach and are vested in meeting your needs as a student
Students gain hands-on experiences through original research and internship opportunities
Students work closely with the biology and geology departments to create an educational plan that fits their interests
Students gain a strong background in the physical sciences while also learning about the social science aspect of environmental issues
This is a close-knit program with small class sizes that uses modern equipment, labs and classrooms

Learning Outcomes

Go beyond the classroom to learn by getting out into the field and traveling outside of Erie
Conduct original research and present your results at local, regional, and national conferences
Learn by doing when conducting real field tests and surveys

Minors

Environmental Science

BIO 146: ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORGANISMS (3 credits)
BIO 147: ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORG LAB (1 credit)
ENVS 105: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (3 credits)
GEOL 100: DYNAMIC EARTH (3 credits)
GEOL 102: DYNAMIC EARTH LAB (1 credit)

Additional Requirements:

Three additional environmental theme courses that are 200 level or higher approved by the minor advisor.
Two of the additional 200 level courses must be science courses (e.g., BIO, GEO, PUBH, or SCI).

Sustainability Studies

ENVS 105: Introduction to Environmental Studies (3 credits)
SUST 210: Responding to Climate Change (3 credits)

OR

SCI 335: Climatology (3 credits)
Choose four (4) additional environmental-themed courses, two of which must be 200 level or higher.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Environmental scientists' work promotes human health and protects the well-being of animals, plants, and the surrounding environment from harmful pollutants.

EXPERIENCE

Major courses are designed to get you hands-on experiences in the field and in the lab so you are prepared for a future addressing environmental concerns.

CAREER OUTCOMES

Jobs for environmental scientists range from working for federal and state governmental agencies, to work related to environmental remediation, to academia.

Job Outlook

With a degree in Environmental Science from Mercyhurst, you get a well-rounded education by learning the scientific and social aspects of environmental problems and the interaction between humans and the natural world. This is a growing field where job demand will increase by approximately 15 percent, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for environmental scientists range from working for federal and state governmental agencies, to work related to environmental remediation, to academia.