Are you a scientific thinker who appreciates the diversity and complexity of our natural world? Are you passionate about using your talents to make valuable contributions to local, regional, national and international improvements in health, environment and technology. PennWest’s Environmental Science undergraduate degree will get you on your way.
Experienced professors become your mentors as you learn to apply knowledge from many fields to study the management of the environment. This interdisciplinary program offers broad core courses in biology and ecology, supplemented with topics in the Earth sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics and extensive hands-on learning opportunities.
Almost all courses include a laboratory portion where you will study the practical application of the science, learn about the appropriate scientific technology and instruments and learn the biology and management of various organisms. Through various methods such as gathering information and data, considering values and exploring consequences, you will acquire the tools you need to effectively evaluate information about environmental issues and make informed decisions.
You’ll graduate with a career advantage and be ready to make valuable contributions as an ethical citizen of the world.
Credits: 120
Contact:
Chadwick Hanna
hanna@pennwest.edu
724-938-5989
Median annual wage for environmental scientists in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Laboratory, field and internship experiences help build your skills and create professional networking opportunities.
This unique center creates, builds and facilitates environmental programs that bring students, faculty and community members together.
Location: California in-person, Edinboro in-person
The Professional Geology concentration provides the competencies, skills, and knowledge base you need to enter the workforce as a geologist or pursue graduate studies in geology or related environmental and earth science fields. The program exceeds the requirements to become a licensed Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania. Career pathways include wide-ranging opportunities related to water, energy and mineral resource management, geologic engineering and construction, natural hazards, and environmental fields addressing issues such as water resources and pollution.
Location: California in-person, Clarion in-person, Edinboro in-person
Conservation, sustainability and climate change are growing concerns in today’s world. If you’d like to be part of the solution, the Sustainability and Climate Science concentration can get you on your way. This program integrates the human, social, ethical and scientific aspects of environmental issues and includes the rapidly expanding technologic field of Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). As a student, you’ll gain a natural science background sufficient to be conversant on the fundamental scientific issues involved in contemporary environmental problems and will gain the social science skills useful to planning and understanding human interactions with the environment.
As the public becomes more aware of hazards to our environment, there will continue to be a need for dedicated environmental scientists to identify, abate or eliminate sources of pollutants or other threats to the environment and the health of the population. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 7,800 environmental scientists will be hired every year for the next decade. Some will work in laboratories and offices for federal, state and local governments, consulting firms and nonprofit organizations, while others may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.