Environmental Science

Discover the challenges facing planet Earth—and ways to address them—as an Environmental Science Major. You’ll explore woodlands and wetlands near campus, immerse yourself in climate research, and take your studies abroad. You’ll have the opportunity to intern at a national park, aquarium, or with the EPA, and apply for a fellowship to fund your travel or research.

Dive deeper into an area of interest with a concentration in biology, chemistry or geoscience or accelerate your career with Wheaton’s 4+1 M.S. in Environmental Science. Plus, connect with our alumni who flourish in fields like conservation, forestry, community planning, wildlife protection, natural resources management, and environmental policy.

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Majors

96%

96% of Environmental Science Majors from the past five years have found employment or achieved a fellowship or service opportunity within six months of graduation.*

Recent Graduates

Sample First Jobs

  • Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Chemistry Technician, Smithers Viscient
  • Environmental Scientist, Tyree Environmental
  • Senior Laboratory Technician, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
  • Service Technician, Novartis

*outcomes data is based on a knowledge rate of 67% for the classes of 2014-2018

Wheaton Affiliated Programs

A sampling of the most popular programs



Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport

Learn about the sea by taking courses in Marine Ecology or Oceanography, Maritime History, Literature of the Sea, and Maritime Policy.

The Coastal and Ocean Studies Program

Semester in Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole

Study terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems ecology and microbial ecology with scientists from the MBL’s world renowned Ecosystems Center.

Semester in Environmental Science (SES) Programs


Organization for Tropical Studies
  • Tropical Biology in Costa Rica
  • African Ecology and Conservation in South Africa

Organization for Tropic Studies Programs

School for Field Studies

Explore semester or summer programs in biology and environmental studies in Australia, British Columbia, West Indies, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Mexico.

School for Field Studies Programs

 

4+1 M.S. in Environmental Science


Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years with Wheaton’s 4+1 M.S. in Environmental Science. This accelerated pathway builds on skills from Wheaton’s Environmental Studies, Biology, and related STEM programs, including Geographic Information Systems and data analysis. You’ll gain expertise in environmental research, planning and policy, with a focus on social justice—skills that are in high demand in the workforce.

Our comprehensive program will prepare you for careers in environmental monitoring, consulting, climate change planning, wildlife management, and advocacy. Fast-track your education and enter the field at a higher starting salary with a Master of Science in Environmental Science.



Departments

Offered by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and Astronomy departments.