Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The environmental science major at Saint Joseph’s prepares students to be stewards of the planet through investigation of the environment and the ecological challenges it faces.

Natural Physical and Health SciencesThe environmental science degrees integrate a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and geology, around the study of the environment. An important focus of Saint Joseph’s environmental program is on aquatic ecosystems such as Sebago Lake and the nearby Gulf of Maine.

At a Glance

  • Ideal location for field exercises and research opportunities. Situated on the shores of Sebago Lake, Saint Joseph’s surrounding region features lakes, mountains, forests, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Low student-faculty ratios ensure close interaction with professors.
  • Student involvement in research that prepares students for careers and graduate school.
  • Courses provide broad training needed for a career in science.
  • Numerous specialty courses to pursue individual interests.
  • Opportunity to enroll in the Environmental Science Semester, a semester-long, field-based education experience.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science incorporates the principles of biology, chemistry, calculus, ecology, and more. Much of the curriculum is field-based, with opportunities to earn credits through completely off-campus, immersive study. Also available is a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, which has a similarly science-heavy curriculum, though requires two semesters of foreign language study.

Environmental Science Minor

A minor in environmental science is available and requires students to take 20 credits.

Sustainability Studies Minor

A minor in Sustainability Studies is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

Some of our faculty

Mark Green
Mark GreenProfessor
PhD, SUNY at Stony Brook
MS, SUNY at Stony Brook
BS, Allegheny College
Greg Teegarden
Greg TeegardenProfessor
PhD, University of Rhode Island
MS, University of Maine
BA, University of Colorado
Johan Erikson
Johan EriksonProfessor
PhD, Dartmouth College
MS, Stanford University
AB, Dartmouth College

Student stories

Jacob Huberdeau '22

Environmental Science

Jacob1 Jacob Huberdeau Oct2019 097 HR
Jacob2 CWnek StJosephs Academic 018 HR

"I assisted Dr. Green in an attempt to find a solution to the issue of dissolving juvenile clam shells due to acidification of ocean water. On a larger scale, the work we have started has potential to progress into a way to decrease juvenile bivalve mortality in the future. This effect would help to increase the number of bivalves surviving to adulthood where they can be harvested for food."

Valerie1 Valerie Neuhausser

Valerie Neuhausser '22

Environmental Science, Biology

"What makes the ESS (Environmental Science Semester) unique is that learning is done in the field which allows you to physically see and understand concepts and processes. I found that this immersive style of learning is far more effective than a traditional in-class science course and has improved my understanding of the natural world and my ability to think like a scientist."

Valerie2 SJC ESS Pemaquid 019 HR

Jacob Huberdeau '22

Environmental Science

Jacob1 Jacob Huberdeau Oct2019 097 HR

"I assisted Dr. Green in an attempt to find a solution to the issue of dissolving juvenile clam shells due to acidification of ocean water. On a larger scale, the work we have started has potential to progress into a way to decrease juvenile bivalve mortality in the future. This effect would help to increase the number of bivalves surviving to adulthood where they can be harvested for food."

Jacob2 CWnek StJosephs Academic 018 HR

Valerie Neuhausser '22

Environmental Science, Biology

Valerie1 Valerie Neuhausser

"What makes the ESS (Environmental Science Semester) unique is that learning is done in the field which allows you to physically see and understand concepts and processes. I found that this immersive style of learning is far more effective than a traditional in-class science course and has improved my understanding of the natural world and my ability to think like a scientist."

Valerie2 SJC ESS Pemaquid 019 HR

Related programs

Experiential learning

Environmental Science Semester (ESS)

Students spend the semester immersed in science, traveling from Nova Scotia to the White Mountains to the coast of Maine.

→ Learn more about ESS