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.

environmental science semester students in the field conducting researchThe 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.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is also available.

Environmental Science Minor

minor in Environmental Science is available and requires students to take 20 credits of course work.

Sustainability Studies Minor

minor is 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

Sarah Curtin
Sarah Curtin
As a student Sarah Curtin ’19 interned at the Maine Crime Lab and studied milfoil growth in lakes .
Erick Shadler
Erick Shadler
Erick Shadler ’18 studied the deer tick population, and was one of several grant-funded students conducting science research projects during summer.

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.

→ Learn more about ESS