Environmental Studies, BA
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
The environmental studies major at Saint Joseph’s prepares students to be stewards of the planet through investigation of the environment and the ecological challenges it faces.
The 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. Also available is a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, which includes two semesters of foreign language study.
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. Read more
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies 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. Additionally, this degree program requires two semesters of foreign language study.
A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is also available.
Environmental Science Minor
A minor in Environmental Science is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.
Sustainability Studies Minor
A minor is Sustainability Studies is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.
Some of our faculty
Greg Teegarden
Professor, Sciences Department
- PhD, University of Rhode Island
- MS, University of Maine
- BA, University of Colorado
Johan P. Erikson
Professor, Sciences Department
- Post-doctoral fellowship, Cornell University
- PhD, Dartmouth College
- MS, Stanford University
- AB, Dartmouth College
Mark A. Green
Professor, Sciences Department
- PhD, SUNY at Stony Brook
- MS, SUNY at Stony Brook
- BS, Allegheny College
Student stories
Erick Shadler
Erick Shadler ’18 studied the deer tick population, and was one of several grant-funded students conducting science research projects during summer.
Sarah Curtin
As a student Sarah Curtin ’19 interned at the Maine Crime Lab and studied milfoil growth in lakes .
Career moves
Students who major in environmental studies will be qualified for professional careers in government (e.g. EPA, DEP), environmental consulting, and conservation.
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.