Environmental Studies and Sciences B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Moravian University

Program Overview

Moravian University’s Environmental Science B.S. prepares students to investigate environmental challenges through scientific research, ecological analysis, and an understanding of the relationship between people and the natural world. Combining biology, chemistry, geology, economics, and environmental policy, the program develops practical research and problem-solving skills for students interested in conservation, environmental consulting, environmental monitoring, and sustainability-related careers.

Curriculum structure

The official program page specifies core requirements and electives rather than a fixed year-by-year study plan. The following is a suggested progression based on the published curriculum, not an official sequence of courses by year.

Year 1 – Environmental and scientific foundations

Students build their foundation through ENVR 112: Environmental Science, ENVR 111: Introductory Geology, and MATH 107: Elementary Statistics or ECON 156: Economics and Business Statistics. They also begin developing an understanding of economic systems through ECON 152: Principles of Economics, preparing to analyse environmental challenges using scientific and quantitative perspectives.

Year 2 – Environmental chemistry and analytical methods

Students explore the chemical and biological processes that shape the environment through CHEM 113 and CHEM 114: General Chemistry I and II, alongside BIOL 212: General Zoology or BIOL 219: Introductory Botany. They also study ENVR 210: Introductory Geographic Information Systems, developing foundational knowledge of spatial data and its applications in environmental research and planning.

Year 3 – Ecology, climate, and environmental policy

Students advance into BIOL 360: Ecology, CHEM 205: Environmental Chemistry, and ENVR 244: Climate Science and Policy, examining ecosystem relationships, environmental pollutants, and climate-related challenges. Courses such as ECON 240: Environmental Economics and Policy and ENVR 246: Communicating Science further develop their ability to evaluate environmental decisions and communicate scientific findings to different audiences.

Year 4 – Research, professional experience, and integration

Students consolidate their knowledge through ENVR 370–374: Environmental Studies and Sciences Seminar, a writing-intensive component that incorporates integrative group research projects and presentations. Depending on their interests and approved electives, they can pursue ENVR 384: Independent Research, ENVR 386: Internship, or ENVR 400–401: Honors, strengthening their preparation for professional employment or postgraduate study.

Focus areas

Environmental science, ecology, geology, environmental chemistry, climate science and policy, geographic information systems, environmental economics, biodiversity, marine ecology, environmental health, conservation, scientific communication, and environmental research.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to investigate environmental systems, apply scientific and quantitative methods to environmental problems, understand ecological and chemical processes, interpret environmental data, evaluate the policy and economic dimensions of environmental decisions, and communicate research findings. The programme’s interdisciplinary core and group research seminar also encourage collaboration and evidence-based problem-solving.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The official program information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for the Environmental Science B.S. Students should verify any additional certification or licensing requirements associated with their intended profession. The curriculum’s science courses, geographic information systems training, research opportunities, and internship option can help students build relevant professional competencies.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Moravian University highlights the interdisciplinary nature of its Environmental Studies and Sciences program and the opportunities it offers for research, internships, and practical experience. No verified program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking or graduate employment rate was identified in the official sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Moravian University provides Environmental Science students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with environmental research, field-based study, and practical projects. Students can work with faculty mentors, investigate environmental challenges through collaborative research, and pursue internships that help them apply scientific knowledge in professional settings. The program also offers opportunities for international learning and sustainability-focused student engagement.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): ENVR 210, Introductory Geographic Information Systems, introduces students to spatial data and its use in environmental analysis.
Integrative group research projects: The Environmental Studies and Sciences Seminar includes collaborative research projects and presentations, allowing students to investigate environmental issues and communicate findings.
Independent research: Through ENVR 384, Independent Research, students can undertake individual research with appropriate faculty guidance and approval.
Internships: ENVR 386 provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in an environmental or related professional setting.
Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR): This programme supports student research with faculty mentors through stipends, travel allowances, and research expenses. Environmental Science students may participate in summer research projects.
Faculty-led travel programmes: Eligible students can apply for ELEVATE Global Greyhound Travel Funds to help cover approved short-term travel programmes, including opportunities led by faculty associated with Environmental Studies and Sciences.
Honors Program: Qualified senior students can complete a year-long independent project under the guidance of a faculty advisor, providing preparation for graduate school or research-related careers.
Environmental Coalition (ECO): This student organisation promotes sustainability awareness and environmental action through campus and community engagement.
Career preparation and internships: The Laurie Riley ’82 Center for Career Success offers internship guidance, employer connections, career fairs, and recruitment opportunities to help students prepare for employment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Moravian University's Environmental Science B.S. can pursue careers involving environmental research, ecosystem protection, pollution monitoring, sustainability, and natural resource management. The programme's combination of scientific coursework, research opportunities, communication skills, and practical experience can also provide a foundation for postgraduate study in environmental and related scientific fields.

Potential career paths include:

Environmental scientist
Environmental consultant
Conservation specialist
Environmental technician

Career development and employment preparation:

Career services: The Laurie Riley ’82 Center for Career Success provides career counselling, interview preparation, internship support, employer connections, and recruitment opportunities. Students can also use Handshake to explore employment and internship listings.
Practical experience: Students may pursue internships, independent research, faculty-mentored projects, and summer research opportunities to develop skills relevant to environmental careers.
Employer connections: The university's career centre works with employers and community organisations to facilitate internships, career fairs, and recruiting. Specific environmental-industry partnerships or guaranteed placements for this major were not confirmed in the official sources reviewed.
Employment statistics and salaries: No verified programme-specific graduate employment rate or average salary was identified in the official university sources reviewed. These figures should not be presented as confirmed outcomes.
Accreditation: The official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this major. Graduates should check whether additional credentials are required for their intended career.
Graduate preparation: Research projects, scientific coursework, GIS training, and the Honors Program can help students develop the analytical and communication skills needed for further study or entry-level environmental work.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue master's or doctoral degrees in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, environmental management, climate science, or related disciplines. Moravian also participates in a cooperative 3-2 programme with Duke University, allowing eligible students to complete three years of undergraduate study at Moravian followed by two years at Duke and earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in either Forestry or Environmental Management. Students interested in this route must consult the Environmental Studies and Sciences program director during their first year.