The major in Environmental Biology offers a rigorous program of study in science related to the environment. This major is designed to provide students with a foundation in population, whole organism, evolutionary biology and environmental science as well as in chemistry and mathematics.
“The Environmental Biology major opened doors for me to understand global challenges to sustainable development. Learning from a community of brilliant scientists led me to pursue academic creativity with study abroad and in my research interests. I’ve gained an interdisciplinary lens that influences my work in and out of the classroom.”
Environmental Biology is a “liberal science” major where students can explore a wide range of topics and construct a diverse course of study. Numerous current students have combined the Environmental Biology major with a second major or with a minor. There are also numerous opportunities to participate in study abroad programs relevant to the major.
Upper-level electives in the major allow students to explore the myriad applications and contexts of environmental biology through courses in fields like history, government, economics, public policy and international affairs. The Environmental Biology major emphasizes an education in core scientific principles, critical reading and writing skills, and the ability to understand, apply and communicate scientific concepts and results.
Students declare as Environmental Biology majors during the Fall semester of their second year.
Each student has the opportunity to participate in an in-depth independent research or internship experience in conjunction with a member of the faculty with expertise in an area of environmental biology (see faculty web page for more on the expertise of our faculty). Students can receive course credit for research participation by registering for tutorial credit (BIOL-340) and/or by electing to participate in the Research-Intensive Senior Experience (RISE) (BIOL-341 and BIOL-342) option in their fourth year.
Graduates of the Environmental Biology program will be grounded in the fundamentals of natural science and prepared to enter graduate programs fields such as biology (ecology & evolution, genetics, etc.), environmental science, public health, medicine or public policy. Students will also be prepared for careers in fields such as public policy, conservation, science education, public health, and international relations.
