Environmental Science Hero
Undergraduate Major

Environmental Science & Sustainability Major (BS)

Engage with and protect the natural world with an environmental science and sustainability degree. Through field work, research experiences, internships, and international travel, you'll become a leader in addressing today's most pressing environmental and sustainability issues.

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Environmental Science & Sustainability Major (BS)

At a Glance

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Major​ & Minor

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On Campus

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Environmental Science & Sustainability Major 

Sustainability and environmental well-being are some of the most pressing matters facing society today. You'll think critically, engage creatively, and act empathetically towards the natural world and its inhabitants when you study environmental science.

Before long, you'll be studying exotic insects in a federally restricted lab and monitoring pollutant levels in local waterways. You'll also engage in research projects that can take you all over the world, from the coffee farms of Costa Rica to the jungles of the Amazon Basin in Peru. You'll direct your own research projects and constantly be sharing your work in class and on the local, regional, and even national levels.

All these experiences will prepare you to be an engaged global citizen and innovator in the field of environmental science.

Program Options for Environmental Science & Sustainability Majors

New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate environmental science & sustainability 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 science 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

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 Science & Sustainability Major with a Minor or Certificate

Political Science Minor

Advantages

Develop your understanding of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives and learn how to legally solve confrontations.

Outcome

Environmental Policy Analyst

Earth and Space Science Secondary Education Certification

Advantages

Obtain secondary certification in earth and space science and graduate ready to mentor the next generation of inquisitive minds. 

Outcome

Science Teacher

Criminal Justice Minor

Advantages

Expand your knowledge of law enforcement to better protect wildlife, enforce environmental regulations and laws, and encourage recreational safety.

Outcome

Nature Conservation Officer

Chemistry Minor

Advantages

Increase your chemistry knowledge base to master the core concepts while participating in labs to provide a hands-on immersive experience.

Outcome

Environmental Chemist

Economics Minor

Advantages

Understanding the relationship between economy and environmental policy will help you find greener solutions in manufacturing, clean energy, and more.

Outcome

Environmental Consultant

Biology Minor, General

Advantages

Deepen your understanding of principles of governing life processes at all levels–molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.

Outcome

Microbiologist

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Environmental Science & Sustainability Majors

Potential Careers

  • Government environmental protection agencies
  • Environmental engineering firms
  • Environmental law
  • Environmental consulting
  • Ecology

Industry Growth

Job outlook for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% by 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
  • Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences
  • Delaware County Regional Water Authority
  • United States Department of Agriculture

Outstanding Career Placement

Over 90% of Widener environmental science graduates work or attend graduate programs in relevant fields.

Source: Annual survey of Widener graduates six months after commencement.

Gain Work Experience

Environmental science students often gain credit for work-related experiences they pursue over the summer. Some have also held internships at research institutions in the tri-state area.

International Education

Collaborating with students and faculty members from foreign universities on research projects provides you with the global experience and cultural knowledge that are highly prized skills in today's economy.

Why Study Environmental Science & Sustainability at Widener?

Environmental Science Experiences

Engage in Global Experiences

Faculty-led short-term study abroad experiences in Costa Rica, Peru, and Honduras will expose you to the diversity of the natural world and enhance your cultural knowledge of human-environment interaction. Put your skills to work through practical research projects, like consulting with coffee farmers in Costa Rica.

Environmental Research

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 scientific 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.

Environmental Science Faculty

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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Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

Environmental Science & Sustainability majors have the opportunity to joining various clubs and organizations across and outside campus to expand their network, including the Environmental Club, the Lambda Pi Eta - National Communication Honor Society, and many more.

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."

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."

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.

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!

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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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    Visit Us

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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.

    Get in Touch

    Explore All Undergrad Programs Undecided? Check Out Exploratory Studies