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Undergraduate Major

Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Major (BA)

Explore the powerful and unique intersection of environmental health and sustainability management within this science-focused major that will prepare you for an array of career opportunities in rapidly growing industries. 

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Major (BA)

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Major​ & Minor

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  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Major 

Interested in science, health, and business but aren't sure which to choose? At Widener, you don't have to. Our unique environmental health and sustainability management bachelor's degree will empower you with comprehensive knowledge and skills to thrive in a multitude of industries.

Why Earn a Degree in Environmental Health and Sustainability Management?

  • You'll be prepared for an agile, innovative career with a unique combination of high-demand skills ranging from managing teams and operations to performing technical-scientific experiments and evaluating evidence. 
  • You'll become a skilled critical thinker, effective communicator, and collaborator—ready to partner across many disciplines.
  • You'll help create green solutions that address the environmental issues that define this century.

In this innovative program, you'll graduate ready to make a difference in the rapidly growing and evolving green economy. You won't just be prepared for the jobs of today—you'll be ready for future careers that may not yet exist.

Program Options for the Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Major 

New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate environmental health and sustainability management major track.

Program Details

  • Full-time, 4-year program (transfer students may complete their degree in 3-4 years, depending on accepted credits)
  • Completed in-person at our Chester, PA campus

Loading... requirements for the environmental health and sustainability management major.

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
 
While Widener does not offer a master’s degree in the same field as this major, you can still select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth.

Learn more about our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 Program

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Interested in gaining real-world work experience before you graduate? As a student, you can tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors, alumni, and Career Design & Development professionals to find your perfect fit.

You'll have multiple opportunities to gain internship or externship support, including the Widener Works program—an externship program that takes place over winter break. Widener also offers an Experience MORE program which helps financially support students who have unpaid or low-paying internships.  

Learn more about internships

Pair Your Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Major with a Minor or Certificate

Professional Writing Certificate

Advantages

Learn to communicate complex environmental ideas clearly and effectively to influence others.

Outcome

Environmental Consultant with the EPA

Environmental Science and Sustainability Minor

Advantages

Grow your understanding of environmental relationships and graduate ready to protect and innovate sustainable natural resource management.

Outcome

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Engineering Minor

Advantages

Deepen your knowledge of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Outcome

Sustainability Consultant

Mechanical Engineering Minor

Advantages

Gain a broad understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals plus a specialization in mechanical design, thermal sciences, or dynamics and vibrations.

Outcome

OSHA Inspector

Business Minor

Advantages

Develop a foundation covering all fields of business to gain a skill set that's often sought after by employers.

Outcome

Business Operations Specialist

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Environmental Health & Sustainability Management Majors

Potential Careers

  • Environmental scientist
  • Health and safety officer 
  • Environmental protection technician
  • Business operations specialist
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Public health manager

Industry Growth

Job outlook for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 as the world population grows, and grows more concerned about environmental protection.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Recent Employers

  • Academy of Natural Sciences
  • Ecological Society of America
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • The Boeing Company

Why Study Environmental Health & Sustainability Management at Widener?

widener staff member wearing green sustainability shirt

Belong to a Culture of Sustainability

Widener's commitment to sustainability runs deep. Here, you'll find sustainability-informed curricula, faculty involved in environmentally-conscious research, and a campus community engaged in sustainability-related events.

Biology student and faculty

Participate in Diverse Research Opportunities

From day one, you'll be encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research with your professors. You'll have the chance to present to the community at local, regional, and national forums and conferences. Complete your education with an independent capstone project, culminating with the presentation of your senior thesis on Student Project Day.

Students talking on campus

Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

The complex challenges we face in our world today truly require solutions from broadly trained interdisciplinary thinkers. Through this unique program, you'll gain a rich understanding of the business of the environment and the many different fields and industries it impacts and collaborate with peers across business and science majors. 

Environmental Health & Sustainability Management majors also have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Environmental Club, the Alpha Chi Sigma, and many more.

Social work mentorship

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

Lean more about faculty mentorship
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Our Faculty

Chad H. Freed
Chad H. Freed
Associate Professor

"Our program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in research, service learning, and international projects (Costa Rica, Peru, China) outside of regular academic coursework that you get from other institutions."

Brian Larson profile image
Brian V. Larson
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate SBA Programs & Professor

"I love connecting Widener students with the many strong leaders in Philadelphia's exciting sports market. Students benefit tremendously from both the networking opportunities and the insider knowledge that comes from these connections."

Scott E. Van Bramer
Scott E. Van Bramer
Chair, Environmental Science and Sustainability

"Science programs at Widener are designed so that students learn how to make decisions and answer questions. An undergraduate degree is not about learning to follow directions, it is about learning to look for questions, finding answers, and learning how you know."

Bruce W. Grant
Bruce W. Grant
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science

I engage my students through courses and 1:1 independent projects in ecological research locally in Chester and internationally in Latin America, as well as through service learning projects in urban gardening with a local elementary school. At Widener you will grow in skills, confidence, and empowerment in your career path. Visit and find out more!

Stephen R. Madigosky
Stephen R. Madigosky
Professor of Environmental Science and Biology

Now more than ever, students are needed in all sectors of society who can think critically and wholistically about the complex environmental problems facing our world. This program is purposely designed to train the next generation of professionals who will help solve these issues.

View All Faculty

Recent News

Two students in lab coats, masks and goggles work in a lab with equipment and a notebook

Breaking Down Silos to Protect the Environment

Widener is preparing students to live, work, and lead in the green economy through interdisciplinary academic programs that take a broader look at environmental health and sustainability.

View All College of Arts & Sciences News

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

Paths to Savings

Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

(including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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Request Information

Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

Tuition & Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Apply

Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.

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