BS in Environmental Science

Environmental Science

On Campus

On Campus

From remediating air, soil and water contamination to mitigating the effects of climate change, deforestation and wetland destruction, environmental scientists play a key role in protecting the planet and improving human health.

Students wade through a river as they collect samples

Explore complex subjects in the environment

The BS in Environmental Science explores how the various biological, physical and information sciences intersect to shape the natural world, while examining the impact of humans on the environment from multiple perspectives, including political, legal, economic, cultural and sociological. You’ll use these lenses to analyze and interpret scientific data, conduct lab and field research, and examine solutions to many prevalent environmental issues.

Experiential learning is a major component of the program. Alongside experienced faculty, you might choose to conduct field research in climate change, limnology, renewable energy or bioremediation. You'll have an opportunity to pursue work with local nonprofits and governmental agencies or explore study abroad opportunities and faculty-led international courses.

Whether your main interest involves sustainability, agricultural production, environmental remediation or another specialty, this major provides the foundation for a range of careers. You may perform research on potential environmental health risks such as soil and water pollution or work to restore vital pollinators in the local community.

Program Statistics

93% Focused

93% of the world’s 250 largest companies are now reporting on sustainability (United Nations, 2021).

97% Affected

97% of companies have already felt the negative impacts of climate change (Deloitte, 2022).

88% Optimistic

88% of executives agreed that with immediate action, we can limit the worst impacts of climate change (Deloitte, 2022).

Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research and Scholarship

Environment and sustainability programs at Quinnipiac emphasize the value of experiential learning. Within their courses of study, students will have multiple opportunities to partake in volunteer-based projects and faculty-led research experiences internationally or right here in Connecticut.

The Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research and Scholarship (QUIP-RS) provides vital funding for undergraduate students of any major to collaborate with faculty members and conduct research on their areas of interest.

Donate to the QUIP-RS scholarship fund

Student handling baby birds during a field-study. — Biology student Joseph Battaglia ’21 handles baby swallows during a fieldwork session at Lake Chamberlain in Bethany, Connecticut.

Baby bird being examined during a class field study. — QUIP-RS 2021 featured 15 students who conducted original research in 14 different projects.

Student examining baby birds in a bird house built by their class. — Biology student Arlynn Hernandez ’22 (Q-STEP) retrieves baby swallows during a fieldwork session at Lake Chamberlain in Bethany, Connecticut.

Student handling a baby bird during a field study. — In addition to weekly research meetings students also participate in a variety of activities – including sleeping giant guided hike, sports jamboree day, and rock climbing at Prime Climb in Wallingford.

Students examining a bird house for swallows during a field study. — Biology student Sabrina Escobar ’21 (Q-STEP) retrieves baby swallow eggs during a fieldwork session at Lake Chamberlain in Bethany, Connecticut.

Students participate in field work research for birds. — Biology students Sabrina Escobar ’21 (Q-STEP) and Joseph Battaglia ’21 perform research during a fieldwork session at Lake Chamberlain in Bethany, Connecticut.

Pollinator garden blooms on Mount Carmel Campus

Quinnipiac University Professor Sarah Lawson works with students researching pollinator health and nutrition in native bee populations

A pollinator garden is now in bloom on the Mount Carmel Campus, with hopes it will invigorate the biodiversity of native pollinators at Quinnipiac.

The garden contains eight themed beds hosting 200 varieties of native plants. Plants were chosen to bloom in succession for year-round growth, said Assistant Professor of Biology Sarah Lawson.

Preparation for the garden started last fall. Cardboard and mulch were layered to smother grass in the selected area, located outside the Albert Schweitzer Institute. Planting began in April. The first completed bed is a rainbow theme, including scarlet bee balm and yellow poppies, she said.

Riya Miller ’23, MS ’24, is taking advantage of the new garden for her QUIP-RS, an 8-week research project spanning the summer months. She designed her project to study the social hierarchy of the small carpenter bee, she said.

Ultimately, the pollinator bed will act as a blueprint for future sustainable planting around the Mount Carmel Campus, said Lawson.

Read the QU Today Article

Explore the Albert Schweitzer Institute

Career Paths

Our BS in Environmental Science positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers, including:

Agricultural Science
Ecology
Environmental Education
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Health and Safety
Meteorology
Wildlife Education

Many of our graduates also choose to continue their education in post-secondary programs. Students have gone on to earn advanced degrees in data analytics, business administration, law and education.

Our Reputation

Bronze Level

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)

Featured School

The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges: 2023 Edition

Sunrise over the Rocky Top Student Center

Our Approach to Sustainability

We envision a Quinnipiac that is a model for sustainability in southern New England, building its practices and leveraging its campuses to promote a healthy regional ecosystem, and to engage in practices that equip current and future students, faculty and staff to embody sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives, equipping them to thrive in a world increasingly influenced and affected by environmental disruption.

Download our Sustainability Plan

Two people talk at world summit day at the ASI table.

Albert Schweitzer Institute

The Albert Schweitzer Institute conducts programs that link education, ethics and voluntarism for the sake of creating a more peaceful and sustainable world. A dynamic presence at Quinnipiac University, the institute has drawn notable humanitarians both to campus and to its board, and gives students of all majors the chance to engage with local challenges and the broader international community.

Learn how to get involved with ASI

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BS Environmental Science

Explore complex subjects in the environment