
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.
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.
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. Your environmental studies practicum enables you to participate in environmentally focused projects both right here in Connecticut and across the globe. You also have the option to complete a policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., conduct field research in environmental biology, chemistry, or engineering, or work with local nonprofits or governmental agencies. Additional study abroad opportunities and faculty-led international courses are also available.
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 research the effects of climate change on coral reefs, forests and other ecosystems; investigate potential environmental health risks such as soil and water pollution; or work as an environmental consultant for a city, corporation, nonprofit or government agency.
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.
Agricultural Scientist
Ecologist
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Health and Safety Officer
Meteorologist
Luke Desilva, a civil engineering major, worked with Kimberly DiGiovanni, associate teaching professor of civil engineering, and John Greenleaf, associate professor of civil engineering, in testing the water quality and quantity in the nearby Mill River. Using various technologies that he learned about in class, they determined what coliforms lived in the ecosystem.
“The program is beyond anything I expected,” said Desilva. “The students and I gained experiential learning while also participating in activities such as hiking Sleeping Giant, playing volleyball and sharing our research projects.”
Desilva said he hopes that his work will continue through future students.
“The Mill River flows into Long Island Sound,” he said. “My goal is to clean the Mill River and put a rain garden in it. Through my research, I want to show the green infrastructure. Someday, I want to establish a foundation that focuses on collecting water samples, gathering data and studying the results. I also want to mentor a civil engineering student through the QUIP-RS and pick up where I left off. It’s my way of giving back and paying it forward.”
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.
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.
We envision a world where Quinnipiac students, faculty, staff and alumni are agents of sustainability for the communities they engage and enrich — locally and beyond. To accomplish this, QU promotes a culture where students gain and develop an understanding of environmental sustainability appropriate to their majors. Students learn about complex connections among natural environments, built infrastructure, and social and cultural institutions. Learning occurs within the curriculum and through engagement in co- and extra-curricular activities.
We are currently proceeding on three fronts:
Conducting audits of:
Our faculty members’ expertise related to sustainability
Current environmental initiatives
Campus culture
Curriculum
Building curricular and co-curricular elements, by:
Implementing our three new majors
Developing new courses for the University Curriculum
Establishing an eco-rep program
Setting targets to:
Establish an environmental Essential Learning Outcome (ELO)
Integrate sustainability as a theme throughout all co- and extra-curricular programs and activities
In both physical presence and action, Quinnipiac serves as a responsible steward of its natural resources and supports the long-term environmental sustainability of humanity on Earth. QU community members live and engage in sustainable practices, contributing to the creation of a more resilient and environmentally sustainable campus and community.
We currently work to:
Measure:
Waste and energy flows
Water consumption
Transportation options
The use of plastic on campus
Implement:
Recycling education
Food recovery programs
Increased access to existing campus and regional transit services
Water conservation in our landscaping efforts
Programs promoting mindful conservation practices
Envision:
Targeted reductions of single-use plastics
Alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles
A flagship sustainable facility on campus
The presence of environmental sustainability in all pertinent practices is a central value at Quinnipiac. This value permeates our administrative and operational structures and provides the basis for external communication and internal execution of sustainable practices.
To better lead in sustainability on and off campus, we are:
Hiring an in-house environmental health and safety officer
Researching appropriate institutional memberships
Developing and implementing comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems
Working toward the full establishment of an Office of Sustainability with a Chief Sustainability Officer
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.