Program Overview

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Environmental Science

Program Type

B.S.

Estimated Time to Complete

4 years

School

Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences and Technology

Delivery Mode

On Campus

Learn how to shape a sustainable world as an Environmental Science major.

York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science degree program blends science and sustainability as you concretely prepare for an impactful career addressing issues in agriculture, forestry, sustainability, policy, and public health.

As an Environmental Science major at York College, you explore the ways humans interact with the environment and study how that interaction manifests in all of the fundamental sciences: biology, ecology, chemistry, and physics.

With multiple field and internship opportunities and access to local lakes, wetlands, fields, and forests, gain the practical experience to enter a career in the quickly expanding field of environmental science.

About the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Key Courses

Environmental Science Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program curriculum teaches key environmental science concepts and theories through in-depth lectures, hands-on lab experiences, engaging field trips, and more.

York College designed this 120-credit bachelor’s degree to incorporate 23-29 credits of electives that allow for exploration into areas like conservation biology, animal ecology, genetics, and sustainable engineering.

Courses

Some of the key courses for the Environmental Science major include:

• BIO 152: Evolution, Ecology and Diversity
• BIO 212: Environmental Biology
• PSY 215: Sustainability and Psychology
• SOC 301: Environmental Sociology
• BIO 404: Ecological Action

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Excel in Careers in Environmental Science

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a strong growth in the demand for professionals skilled in analyzing environmental issues and developing innovative solutions. Those who have graduated with our B.S. in Environmental Science have successfully pursued careers in various areas, including research, education, lab work, and on-site roles in environmental organizations and government agencies.

Students with a B.S. in Environmental Science can explore careers encompassing:

• Ecology
• Environmental education
• Wildlife management
• Conservation biology
• Sustainability
• Climate change policy
• Environmental health and safety

Our Environmental Science majors acquire a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, along with insights into societal, cultural, and economic factors. This combination equips them for influential roles in industrial and commercial laboratories, as well as positions in design, sales, consulting, and fundraising for environmental projects.

Prepare for Graduate Studies

Fields such as renewable energy, environmental policy, and education call for a graduate degree as the next step toward career advancement, leadership, and more technically advanced positions in environmental science.

At York College, we leverage internship experiences, undergraduate research opportunities, and deep collaboration between faculty and students to best prepare those interested in applying for graduate school immediately or a few years in the future. Plus, during application cycles, students can get help with their résumé, application, and letters of recommendation.

Environmental Science Degree Salary Outcomes

Students graduate from the bachelor’s in Environmental Science program qualified to pursue roles performing environmental testing and developing solutions to complex environmental problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions fetch the following median annual salaries (like any profession, earning potential varies depending on role, location, level of experience, and other factors):

• Conservation scientists and foresters — $69,060/year
• Environmental scientists and specialists — $80,060/year
• Environmental science teachers, college-level — $81,060

Internships & Work Experience

Environmental Science Internships

At York College, we value hands-on learning as a core part of your education. The B.S. in Environmental Science degree offers you the opportunity to engage in real environmental projects in an off-campus internship.

Ranging from private companies to local government agencies, internships in the Environmental Science program strengthen your confidence, expand your understanding of the field, and connect you with future employers.

Field and Laboratory Technology

Environmental Science students utilize various devices and equipment while participating in field experiences as part of their coursework. These are the same ones that they encounter in their future professional field and laboratory settings.

During the program, students acquire hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, and our knowledgeable faculty teach them how to use the latest technology in York College’s advanced laboratories. Along with Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science labs, the Naylor Ecological Building serves as a central location for hands-on experience.

Mentorship & Community

Mentored Research Opportunities

Completing research as an undergraduate is crucial for those who want to pursue graduate degrees in environmental science and related fields. At York, we empower Environmental Science majors to conduct research in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

This experience acquaints students with the practical and theoretical aspects of discovering new knowledge in important areas such as sustainability, water quality, and climate change policy through research design.

Academic and Extracurricular Clubs and Organizations

York College has a wide variety student clubs and organizations of various interests, sizes, and purposes. Organizations range from academic honor societies to Greek living, from drama to publishing, from exploring cultures to joining student government.

• Beekeeping Club
• Plant and Gardening Club
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

High-Demand Skills

Apply Your Skills Across Multiple Careers

The B.S. in Environmental Science from York College prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers, from research and leadership to sales and public policy, thanks to a flexible program that allows for personal exploration in areas ranging from computer science to sustainability.

The Environmental Science degree equips students with an in-demand skill set, including:

• Conducting ecological research to contribute to scientific advancements and conservation efforts
• Observational skills developed through lab and fieldwork, crucial for data collection and ecological study
• Utilizing math and statistics to solve environmental problems and interpret complex data
• Effective communication of scientific findings and theories to inform and engage various audiences
• Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for practical applications in environmental management
• Critical thinking developed to integrate science with social, ethical, and policy considerations to assess and address environmental challenges

Environmental Science Courses

Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.

Course Name | Course Code | Credits

• Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity | BIO 152 | 4 Credits
• Environmental Biology | BIO 212 | 3 Credits
• Sustainability and Psychology | PSY 215 | 3 Credits
• Ecological Action | BIO 404 | 4 Credits

Careers in Environmental Science

A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:

• Ecologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Water Quality Specialist
• Environmental Restoration Planner
• Research Scientist
• Land Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with an environmental science degree?

With an environmental science degree, you can pursue careers in environmental consulting, conservation, sustainability, environmental education, wildlife management, government policy, and more.

Environmental science majors typically include laboratory training and coursework in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry and physical science. This opens doors to both hands-on fieldwork and positions in corporate or government settings that influence environmental strategies.

What degree do you need for a career in environmental science?

To establish a career in environmental science, a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a closely related field such as biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, or environmental policy is generally necessary. This foundational education equips you with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to address complex environmental issues.

For those aspiring to specialize further, earn greater salaries, or pursue leadership roles, a master's or doctoral degree may be advantageous and is often required for advanced research or academic positions.

Is a degree in environmental science worth it at the bachelor’s level?

Absolutely. Earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science is a worthwhile investment. A bachelor's in this field provides you with a versatile skill set that is not only valuable in specific environmental careers but also transferable to many other sectors. Graduates can influence meaningful change and find opportunities in a wide range of industries, from government agencies to private companies, all seeking to improve their environmental impact.

Meet the Faculty

• Wendy Boehmler, Ph.D.
• Anthony Botyrius, M.S.
• Cecilia Bove, Ph.D.
• Sean Georgi, Ph.D.

Environmental Science in Action

• Dr. Jennifer Pomeroy Maps Lead Levels in York City to Raise Awareness
• Environmental Science Major Interns Under YCP Alumnus At West Shore Wildlife Center
• Getting to Know Yo(u)rk: How Can I Get Involved in Environmental Efforts On Campus?

Related Programs

• Biology
• Environmental Horticulture
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies