Environmental Earth Science, B.A.

Marist's Environmental Earth Science program connects scientific learning with practical experience through field-based coursework, geographic information systems, research, and internships. Its location in the Hudson River Valley gives students access to regional environments for studying water, climate, geology, and ecosystem processes, while research and internship opportunities help students explore potential career paths.

Students can develop practical skills through the following opportunities:

• Field-based learning: ENSC 325, Water and Climate, uses hands-on fieldwork to explore the hydrologic cycle, climate systems, and the interactions between natural and human systems.

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): ENSC 230, Introduction to GIS, provides hands-on training in digital mapping, editing geographic data, spatial queries, and geographic analysis.

• Geology laboratory: ENSC 212, Introduction to Geology Lab, complements geology coursework and supports the study of rocks, minerals, and geological processes.

• Undergraduate research: Through ENSC 440, Research I, students conduct an environmental research project under faculty supervision and present their findings or other research deliverables.

• Professional internships: ENSC 398, Internship, offers supervised workplace experience at an approved off-campus organization, such as a government agency, environmental laboratory, consulting firm, or advocacy organization.

• Hudson River research opportunities: Marist's Environmental Science and Policy program describes the River Lab, located at the Cornell Boathouse on the campus riverfront, where students can study river water and wildlife. Its relevance to a student's individual course plan should be confirmed with the department.

• Environmental research placements: Marist identifies organizations such as the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the National Park Service, Scenic Hudson, and Dutchess County's Environmental Management Council among its School of Science internship sites. These are examples of past placements, not guaranteed opportunities for every student.

Marist's Environmental Earth Science, B.A. provides a foundation for students interested in environmental work, Earth science education, and further academic study. Graduates may pursue entry-level roles in environmental organizations and public agencies or continue their education in environmental science, natural resource management, planning, or education. Marist also offers a pathway for students interested in teaching Earth science through additional graduate-level teacher preparation.

Potential career paths include:

• Environmental Educator: Communicate environmental concepts and promote awareness of conservation and sustainability.

• Environmental Field or Sampling Technician: Assist with environmental monitoring, field observations, and sample collection.

• Environmental Analyst: Support the interpretation of environmental information and contribute to environmental assessments.

• Earth Science Teacher: Pursue the additional graduate-level education and certification requirements needed to teach Earth science in secondary schools.

Students can prepare for these opportunities through Marist's career support, internships, and academic pathways:

• Career services: Marist's Center for Career Services supports students with internship searches, career fairs, networking events, and connections with employers and alumni.

• Internships and professional experience: The Environmental Science and Policy program includes an internship or faculty-directed research option in its published curriculum. This helps students develop practical skills and explore career opportunities before graduation.

• Employment outcomes: Marist reports that 97% of School of Science graduates are employed or pursuing graduate study within six months of graduation, based on a five-year average. This is a school-wide statistic and not a specific outcome for the Environmental Earth Science B.A.

• Salary information: The official university sources reviewed do not provide a verified salary figure specifically for graduates of this degree. Earnings vary by job role, location, experience, and additional qualifications.

• Professional connections: Marist identifies environmental agencies, consulting firms, research organizations, and environmental advocacy organizations as potential employment settings for its environmental graduates. Past internship sites include the National Park Service, Scenic Hudson, and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

• Accreditation and career value: The B.A. provides a broad academic foundation, but no program-specific professional accreditation was verified. Students pursuing secondary-school teaching should confirm the current requirements for the relevant New York State teaching certification.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the B.A., students can consider graduate study in environmental science, Earth science, environmental planning, natural resource management, environmental policy, or related fields. Students interested in teaching can explore Marist's pathway into the master's program in Adolescence Education (Grades 7–12), which is designed to support preparation for Earth science teaching certification. Those interested in scientific research or university-level teaching may consider further postgraduate study, including a Ph.D., depending on their academic goals.