Science & Mathematics

Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Explore the human relationship to nature scientifically. 

You see the climate crisis getting more serious, and you’re ready to take action and advocate for the environment. With your passion for science and sustainability, you want to forge a career as an environmental scientist, engineer, lawyer, or other innovative change-maker. 

In our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science program, you'll engage in a rigorous scientific curriculum with an interdisciplinary perspective. You'll build a strong foundation in laboratory work as well as take courses in environmental science, ecology, chemistry, and more. You’ll also gain valuable knowledge of geographic information systems, which you can then apply in future jobs. And with our reimagined general education curriculum, you'll have the foundation needed to promote community, justice, and a more sustainable future. 

Examine the impact of human interaction with the natural and physical world. While you already have a deep connection with nature, you’ll learn to explore it scientifically. By developing quantitative analytical skills in experimental design, data collection, and analysis, you can apply your expertise to address issues such as urbanization, population growth, health, food systems, and climate change. 

Make connections that will launch your career with hands-on experiences during your internships, in places like the Museum of Science, Boston Financial, New England Aquarium, Boston Consulting Group, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and many more. Whether you’re in the field, in the lab, or doing online computational work, our faculty are dedicated to ensuring an equitable research experience for all students. You’ll explore your interests more deeply no matter the research type.

Tailor the program to your specific interests, focusing on urban ecology, marine systems, atmospheric science, and more. You can also pair the Environmental Science major with another major or minor, leveraging your environmental science knowledge in a variety of industries. Whatever you choose, you’ll be ready to pursue a range of careers or graduate study. 

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

120 Credits
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

Lesley has three majors that focus on the environment. What's the difference?

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science is a rigorous, science-based program. You'll be immersed in chemistry and other science courses that will give you a strong foundation in scientific inquiry. With a BS in Environmental Science, you'll look at environmental issues from a scientific point of view and be ready for graduate study or a career in the field.

If you're hoping to double major, our BA programs will suit you well. Our BA in Earth and Environmental Science is most useful for elementary and middle school teaching. 

If you're interested in creating a sustainable future through law, policy, education, or advocacy, the BA in Environmental Studies is a great major for you. It's highly interdisciplinary between earth science, social science, humanities, and business.

cemetery tombs and plants

Mount Auburn Cemetery Collaboration

This biodiversity study contributes to the growing knowledge of how humans and urban ecosystems interact with each other. "With 80 percent of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, places like Mt. Auburn allow us to learn more about sustaining a healthy ecosystem for both people and wildlife,” says professor Dave Morimoto.

camera trap image of wild turkey
Urban Wildlife Information Network Partnership
Craft Creative Combinations
As an Environmental Science major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our Environmental Science program:
students from an environmental science class outside in a group

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students and hands-on attention from specialized faculty. In our mathematics and science programs, you'll build your critical thinking, observational, and analytical skills to help solve the world's complex problems.

$73,230
Average salary for environmental science professionals in the U.S.
With job numbers projected to increase by 8% between 2019 and 2029 and average salaries of over $70,000 per year, graduates from environmental science programs enjoy excellent employment opportunities in the Greater Boston area and beyond. From environmental research and advocacy to field work, our program will prepare you for jobs across a range of industries. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Job opportunities for environmental science majors are projected to increase by eight percent in the next ten years. Common job titles include:
Careers
Where You Could Work
Graduates of environmental science programs pursue a wide range of careers across a variety of industries, including:
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing environmental studies, biology, or another science or math major, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. Work alongside faculty researchers in our state-of-the-art science lab and benefit from being in Cambridge, home to 200+ companies and incubator labs that are studying life sciences and clean energy. Discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of internships, professional opportunities, service work, culture, and fun that few other cities can match.

Faculty

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Environmental Science
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.