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.

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

Required Core (41 credits)
- The rigorous required core courses provide you with a solid foundation in Environmental Science.
Electives (12-15 credits)
- Take at least three science courses and one course in another discipline.
Research Capstone (3 credits)
- In this interdisciplinary course, you'll complete an environmental science research project that is based on your interests.
Internship (6 credits)
- Examine your field of study in depth, develop clear career goals, and gain practical skills that you can apply toward your professional goals.
General Education (42 credits)
- Take a variety of courses for Lesley’s new outcome-based General Education program. You'll develop skills and perspectives that will help you to succeed in an increasingly complex global context, and to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world. General Education courses you take may count toward your major or minor.
Free Electives
- With your remaining credits, try out different courses in subject areas you want to explore, or maybe major or minor in another subject.

View Program of Study

Thinking about transferring here?

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.

Fact

Our small average class size means more personal attention and bigger opportunities for learning.

Come visit us in-person or virtually.

Visit Lesley

Landscape view of the lab with students working in their lab coats.

New lab offers students rigorous pathway to science careers

Prepare for your dream job through work experience at places like:

New England Aquarium
Boston Museum of Science
Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Flatlay of lab kits with each item labeled

Recreating the lab experience at home

Faculty and staff curated 170 unique lab packages for students to bring science alive during the pandemic and remote learning.

Read about the lab kits.

Alumni Satisfaction

Ranked #20

by alumni

According to a survey published in Forbes, Lesley ranks #20 nationwide for providing a high-quality education that is worth the cost.

View the survey results.

Undergraduate Programs

92%

of our 2020 graduating class is employed or furthering their education.

Applying to Lesley

Lesley University is SAT Blind

We know that a single standardized test can't sum up your accomplishments and abilities. That's why we don't require SAT scores when you apply. Instead, we'll focus on the strength of your application, including your essay and activities.

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.

Urban Wildlife Information Network Partnership

Scientists in the Urban Wildlife Information Network are performing studies using camera trap data. As a science student at Lesley, you'll analyze data from 20+ urban and rural sites in Massachusetts, focusing on biodiversity patterns and single species occurrences. Work with faculty in Independent Study, or incorporate the data into your capstone research or an internship. We also have our own camera traps for conducting comparative studies with other monitored sites.

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:

Environmental Science + Sociology and Social Change = Climate Justice Activist
Environmental Science + Biology = Environmental Biochemist
Environmental Science + Political Science = Environmental Policy Officer

Gain Skills and Expertise

Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our Environmental Science program:

Develop critical thinking, inquiry skills, and scientific literacy
Integrate civic engagement and social responsibility with scientific research
Cultivate highly marketable skills in geographic information systems (GIS)
Participate in interdisciplinary research opportunities that allow you to explore topics from many angles

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:

Environmental Scientist
Biochemist
Commercial Horticulturist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental/Civil Engineer
Environmental Health Officer
Environmental Protection Manager

Careers

Where You Could Work

Graduates of environmental science programs pursue a wide range of careers across a variety of industries, including:

Laboratories
Engineering Organizations
Research Institutions
Government Agencies
Environmental Programs
Nonprofit Organizations
Law Organizations

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.

Find out more about Cambridge and Boston.

Faculty

View Full Program Cost

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Financial Aid

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.

Apply Now

Environmental Science

Explore the human relationship to nature scientifically.

Program Structure

Our small average class size means more personal attention and bigger opportunities for learning.

Come visit us in-person or virtually.

New lab offers students rigorous pathway to science careers

Prepare for your dream job through work experience at places like:

Recreating the lab experience at home

by alumni

of our 2020 graduating class is employed or furthering their education.

Lesley University is SAT Blind

Mount Auburn Cemetery Collaboration

Small College, Big University

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Faculty

Julie Shoemaker

David Morimoto

Apply Now

Next steps to apply