B.S. in environmental science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dickinson College

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Dickinson College is designed for students who want to understand environmental challenges through scientific investigation, interdisciplinary learning, and practical problem-solving. Students explore natural environmental systems, human impacts on the environment, and scientific approaches to sustainability while developing the research, analytical, and communication skills needed to address real-world environmental issues.

Curriculum Structure

The degree follows a four-year pathway that combines foundational environmental studies, natural sciences, applied scientific methods, and advanced coursework. The course sequence below follows Dickinson's suggested curriculum; individual course choices depend on major requirements and available offerings.

Year 1: Building Environmental Foundations

Students begin with ENST 161: Environmental Connections, which introduces environmental challenges and examines the relationships between people, society, and the natural world. They continue with ENST 162: Integrative Environmental Science, developing an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental science alongside foundational natural science courses that prepare them to investigate ecosystems and environmental processes.

Year 2: Developing Scientific Knowledge

In the second year, students deepen their scientific understanding through courses in the Foundations of Environmental Science category, which provides the disciplinary knowledge needed to understand environmental systems. They also explore Humanities, Arts, and Environment and Society and Environment, while beginning applied environmental science coursework to connect scientific concepts with human activities and environmental challenges.

Year 3: Applying Environmental Science

Students focus increasingly on Applications of Environmental Science, choosing courses that use scientific tools and methods to investigate environmental problems. Depending on their selections, they can explore subjects such as Advanced Applications in Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Ecology, and Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, developing more specialized knowledge of environmental analysis and research.

Year 4: Advanced Study and Research

In the final year, students complete advanced environmental science coursework and ENST 406: Senior Seminar, bringing together their knowledge of environmental systems, research methods, and human–environment interactions. They continue their chosen scientific specializations and strengthen their ability to evaluate evidence, communicate findings, and formulate informed responses to environmental challenges.

Focus Areas

Environmental science, ecosystem ecology, environmental chemistry and toxicology, wildlife conservation, natural resource management, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental sustainability, human–environment interactions, and applied environmental research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to evaluate scientific evidence and research methods relevant to environmental problems, analyze complex human–environment systems using natural science knowledge, formulate informed responses to environmental challenges, recognize the ethical dimensions of environmental issues, and collaborate and communicate effectively with environmental professionals and diverse stakeholders.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program prepares students for science-based environmental careers and further graduate study through its emphasis on natural sciences, applied environmental methods, and research. Dickinson College's official program pages do not identify a specific external professional accreditation for this major, so no program-specific accreditation should be claimed.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Dickinson College reports that 96% of its graduates are employed, interning, or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The college's environmental department also highlights its recognition by The Princeton Review, which ranked Dickinson No. 2 on its 2023 Top Green Colleges list. These are college-level and environmental reputation indicators, not a program-specific employment rate or ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Dickinson's Environmental Science program emphasizes learning beyond the classroom through hands-on coursework, scientific investigation, fieldwork, and opportunities to work with faculty on environmental research. Students can explore applied techniques for studying environmental systems, participate in independent research, and pursue internships that build professional experience in conservation, sustainability, and environmental management. Specific opportunities include:

Fieldwork and laboratory exercises: Introductory environmental science coursework includes practical investigation through laboratory exercises and fieldwork, allowing students to explore environmental topics using scientific techniques.
GIS and spatial analysis: Courses such as Advanced Applications in Geographic Information Systems provide opportunities to learn how geographic information systems can be applied to environmental challenges.
Faculty-led research: Students can undertake independent study and collaborative projects involving field, laboratory, or library research with Dickinson faculty and, where available, researchers at other institutions.
Research opportunities: Students may pursue projects through the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, subject to the relevant opportunity's eligibility and selection requirements.
Internships: Environmental students have pursued placements with organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, Sierra Club, and environmental consulting organizations. Internships are available but are not required for the major.
Sustainability projects: The college's Center for Sustainability Education provides opportunities to gain experience through sustainability initiatives and waste-minimization projects.
Independent study and senior research: Students can work with faculty on research questions and develop their ability to investigate, interpret, and communicate environmental findings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Environmental Science provides a foundation for students interested in environmental research, conservation, sustainability, and the scientific assessment of environmental problems. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles in environmental monitoring, conservation, environmental consulting, and natural resource management, or continue their education through specialized graduate programs. Dickinson's published graduate and career outcomes include environmental research, public-sector employment, conservation work, and further study in sustainable engineering and related fields.

Potential career paths include: Environmental Scientist, Environmental Field Technician, Conservation Scientist, and Environmental Consultant.

Career development services: Dickinson's Center for Career Development provides personalized career advising, career-pathway guidance, workshops, networking opportunities, site visits, alumni connections, and support with internships and job preparation.
Employment outcomes: Dickinson reports that 96% of graduates are employed, interning, or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. This is an institution-wide figure, not an Environmental Science-specific employment statistic.
Internships and professional exposure: Students have gained experience with organizations including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, environmental consulting firms, conservation organizations, and sustainability initiatives.
Research and graduate-school preparation: Faculty-guided research, independent study, and advanced coursework can help students prepare for graduate-level study and research-oriented careers.
Industry and community connections: Internship experiences and collaborations with faculty and external research organizations can help students develop professional connections. Dickinson's published outcomes document these experiences, but do not establish a single formal industry partnership covering the entire major.
Accreditation value: No specific external professional accreditation for the degree is identified on the official program pages. Students should therefore evaluate the degree based on its scientific curriculum, practical experience, and suitability for the requirements of their intended career or postgraduate program.
Employment and salary information: Dickinson publishes examples of graduate destinations and employment outcomes, but the sources reviewed do not provide a verified program-specific salary figure. Salaries will depend on the role, employer, location, and experience.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., graduates can consider master's programs in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Management, Sustainable Engineering, or related fields. Those interested in academic or advanced scientific research may subsequently pursue a Ph.D., depending on the entry requirements of their chosen institution. Dickinson's published graduate outcomes include further study in sustainable engineering, coastal and ocean policy, and other related disciplines.