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Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science

Acquire skills you need to solve today’s complex environmental problems with a B.S. in Environmental Science from St. John's University.

Environmental science is a growing field in both the public and private sectors. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science at St. John’s University will prepare you for opportunities in a rapidly evolving global community. 

This interdisciplinary program, which is grounded in St. John’s Vincentian Mission, helps you acquire the skills you need to solve today’s complex environmental problems. Environmental catastrophes disproportionately affect poor people in underdeveloped regions. As a graduate of the B.S. in Environmental Science, you will be a leader in remedying these issues. 

As an Environmental Science major, you may be eligible to pursue pathways to graduate study.

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Degree Type
BS
Area of Interest
Science & Mathematics
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Admission

For more information about admission to this and other undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission.

Contact

Laura Schramm, Ph.D.

Program Director and Professor, Biological Sciences

718-990-5558

Courses

To earn the B.S. in Environmental Science, you complete the major sequence and 19 elective credits in addition to your core requirements.

Curriculum requirements (see advisor for any updates)

  • BIO 1000; 1000L Fundamentals of Biology I: Introduction to Population Biology; Laboratory or ESP 1010: Introduction to Ecological Principles
  • BIO 2000; 2000L Fundamentals of Biology II: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology; Laboratory
  • CHE 1210; 1220 General Chemistry I: II
  • ESP 1020: Methods of ENV Analysis
  • ESP 2410: Principles & Practices in Sustainability & Development
  • ESP 2500: Env Mgt Regs And Decisions
  • ESP 2990: Environmental Studies Seminar
  • ESP 4990 Environmental Analysis Senior Seminar
  • GEO 2001 Natural Resources and World Development
  • MTH 1210: Bio-Statistics

You may choose from among the following (see advisor for additional options):

  • ANT 1010 Introduction to Anthropology: Cultural
  • ANT 1020 Introduction to Anthropology: Physical
  • ANT 1030 Introduction to Archaeology
  • ANT 1120 Human Ecology
  • ANT 4270 Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methods
  • ANT 4820 Archaeological Fieldwork
  • BIO 1070 Environmental Biology
  • BIO 1600 Field Biology
  • BIO 2280; 2281 General Microbiology; Lab
  • BIO 2310; 2311 Botany; Lab
  • BIO 3300; 3301 General Physiology; Lab
  • BIO 3370; 3371 Ecology; Lab
  • CHE 2230; 2240 Organic Chemistry; Lab
  • CHE 3250; 3251 Quantitative Analysis; Lab
  • CHE 3420 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHE 3431 Methods in Environmental Chemistry
  • ESP 1020 Methods of Environmental Analysis
  • ESP 1060 Bermuda Sustainability Initiative
  • ESP 2020 Geographic Information Systems
  • ESP 2110 The Coastal Environment
  • ESP 2160; 2170 National and Global Environmental Policy; Politics
  • ESP 2410 Principle and Practices of Sustainable Development
  • ESP 2500 Environmental Management, Regulation, and Decision-Making
  • ESP 2510; 2511 Aquatic Ecology; Lab
  • ESP 3320; 3321 Resource Management; Lab
  • ESP 3490; 3491 Environmental Geology
  • ESP 4000 Special Topics in Environmental Studies
  • ESP 4903; 4906 Environmental Internship Placements
  • ESP 4953; 4954 Undergraduate Research Topics
  • GEO 1001 World Geography
  • GEO 1002 North American Geography
  • GEO 2002 Special Issues in Conservation Biology
  • GOV 2500; 2520 Environmental Law; Environmental Regulation
  • PHI 3720 Environmental Ethics
  • MTH 1220: Calculus
  • PHI 3800; 3810 Philosophy of Science; Physical Sciences
  • PSY 1060 Introduction to Astronomy
  • PHY 1080 Planet Earth
  • PHY 1090 Meteorology
  • PHY 1210 Planet Earth - Form & Structure
  • PHY 1610; 1620 General Physics

Career Outcomes

Sustainability is a growing field in both the private and public sectors, with job opportunities in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. As a graduate with an B.S. in Environmental Science, you will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving global community, directly related to the vision and mission of St. John’s.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the job outlook for environmental scientists and specialists will grow by 11 percent (faster than average) through 2024. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies environmental Science as one of the top five projected highest paid mathematics and science majors at the master’s degree level. Coupled with projected growth in “green” jobs, this data shows that the B.S. in Environmental Science is a key opportunity for students interested in environmental sustainability.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural and social sciences to protect human and environmental health. Some act as researchers analyzing environmental problems and developing solutions. Others work at the policy level in governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Still others work in the private sector for consulting firms that help companies comply with regulations and policies.

Whether your focus is in science or policy, the B.S. in Environmental Science will help you develop the knowledge base, professional experience, and background in research to achieve your individual career goals.

Global Approach to Education

St. John’s offers an international academic experience through study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters. You can live and learn at the University’s Rome, Italy campus and Paris, France location. For more information about studying abroad, please visit Global Education

Opportunities 

In addition to the opportunity to work with internationally-renowned faculty on research projects, you may develop academically and professionally by joining the available student clubs, organizations, and honor societies pertaining to your major.

The Earth Club works to improve the environment and build campus awareness of environmental issues. Club members participate in the University’s Organic Food Garden and help recycle through technologies such as the A500 Rocket® model food composter, which St. John’s is the first university to implement.

Environmental Studies students also gain practical experience from program field trips to Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) Wetlands Nature Preserve and Windmill Pond Ecological Restoration Project, as well as through internships at leading agencies and corporations throughout the metropolitan area. 

Interested in Science & Mathematics, but not sure if Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science is right for you?

Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.