Bachelor's in Environmental Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northwestern University

Program Overview

Northwestern University’s Environmental Science major, offered through the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS), brings together natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities to help students understand environmental challenges such as climate change, conservation, sustainability, energy, and natural resource management. Designed for students who want to combine scientific investigation with real-world problem-solving, the program develops skills in environmental data analysis, field and laboratory research, and understanding the relationship between human society and the natural environment.

Curriculum Structure

Northwestern’s Environmental Science major follows a three-part structure: related courses in science, mathematics, and economics; a four-course environmental science core; and advanced studies combining scientific and societal perspectives. The following four-year outline is a suggested progression based on the published curriculum introduced in Fall 2025, rather than a fixed course schedule for every student.

Year 1 – Building a Scientific Foundation

Students establish their scientific and quantitative foundations through mathematics, chemistry with laboratory work, and supporting courses in areas such as biology, physics, statistics, or economics. They can also explore introductory environmental topics through courses such as EARTH 101 – Earth Science for the 21st Century, which introduces climate change, natural resources, energy, and environmental hazards, helping them connect fundamental scientific concepts with contemporary environmental challenges.

Year 2 – Understanding Earth Systems and Environmental Change

Students begin the required core sequence with EARTH 210 – Earth Systems Science and Climate Change, EARTH 211 – Data Analysis in Earth and Environmental Sciences, and EARTH 212 – Ecology and Environmental Change. These courses develop an understanding of interactions among the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, while building skills in interpreting environmental data and examining how ecological systems respond to natural processes and human activity.

Year 3 – Exploring Environmental Science and Society

Students progress into advanced studies, selecting courses that reflect their interests in environmental processes, quantitative analysis, sustainability, or policy. Options include EARTH 310 – Quantitative Environmental Analysis, EARTH 361 – Scientific Programming in Python, and EARTH 363-1 – GIS Level 1, subject to the current approved course lists and prerequisites. This stage helps students develop practical skills in computational analysis and spatial reasoning while connecting scientific evidence to environmental decision-making.

Year 4 – Advanced Specialization and Independent Research

In their final year, students complete their remaining advanced studies and skills requirements, bringing together scientific analysis and an understanding of environmental issues. Students interested in research can undertake EARTH 399 – Independent Research, potentially working toward an honors thesis under faculty supervision; eligible students may also present their findings or contribute to scientific publications. Advanced courses and research options allow students to build a stronger foundation for environmental careers or postgraduate study.

Note: Course selection and timing depend on prerequisites, course availability, and advising. Students who entered Northwestern before Fall 2025 may follow the earlier curriculum.

Focus Areas

The major offers flexibility through advanced studies in environmental science and society. Students select approved courses across scientific and societal subject lists, allowing them to explore areas such as climate science, ecology, environmental health, sustainability, environmental economics, environmental policy and culture, natural hazards, geochemistry, and geographic information systems. The program also requires coursework that develops practical skills in computing, quantitative analysis, spatial reasoning, or analytical and field methods.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to explain how environmental systems function and how physical, chemical, and biological processes shape the Earth. They learn to collect and record spatial observations, use mathematical and computational tools, analyse scientific data and research literature, and understand the economic, legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of environmental issues. The curriculum also develops the analytical, fieldwork, and laboratory skills needed to investigate environmental questions and communicate evidence-based findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Northwestern’s Environmental Science major provides interdisciplinary scientific preparation for environmental research, consulting, sustainability, natural resource management, and related fields. The official program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the major, so students should not assume that it carries a dedicated program-level environmental science accreditation. Its combination of scientific coursework, technical skills, and research opportunities can support entry-level professional development and further study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Northwestern’s Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences offers students opportunities to work with faculty and graduate researchers, participate in field trips and seminars, and pursue projects that may lead to honors theses or scientific publications. The department also identifies environmental consulting, government agencies, research, sustainability, and natural resource management among the possible career pathways for environmental science graduates. However, the official sources reviewed do not provide a program-specific employability ranking, graduate employment rate, or average salary for this major.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Northwestern’s Environmental Science major gives students opportunities to apply scientific concepts through fieldwork, laboratory investigations, computational analysis, and faculty-supervised research. The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences supports projects that can involve collecting environmental samples, analysing instrumental data, and conducting research in local or international locations. Students can also develop technical skills in geographic information systems, scientific programming, and environmental measurement through approved advanced courses.

Key practical learning opportunities include:

Faculty-Supervised Research: Work with a DEEPS faculty member on environmental research, potentially involving field observations, sample collection, laboratory analysis, or computational methods.
Independent Research – EARTH 399: Undertake an independent research project for academic credit. Students interested in graduating with honors must complete the required research credits and prepare a thesis that meets departmental criteria.
Scientific Programming in Python – EARTH 361: Develop computational skills for analysing scientific information and working with environmental datasets.
Geographic Information Systems – EARTH 363-1 and EARTH 363-2: Build spatial analysis and mapping skills relevant to environmental monitoring, conservation, and resource management, subject to course availability.
Instrumentation and Field Methods – EARTH 360: Explore practical methods for collecting environmental and Earth science data using field and measurement techniques.
Analytical and Geochemical Methods: Approved advanced coursework can include stable isotope methods and geochemical analytical techniques, helping students investigate chemical processes and environmental change.
Field Trips and Field Research: DEEPS students can participate in departmental field trips and research projects, including opportunities that involve locations beyond the local area. Specific destinations and participation requirements depend on the course or research project.
High-Performance Computing and Research Instruments: Undergraduate research may involve high-performance computing clusters, mass spectrometers, and seismometers, depending on the research topic and the supervising faculty member.
Summer Research and Internships: DEEPS maintains a directory of summer research opportunities and highlights programmes such as EarthScope student internships and GeoCorps America. These can provide research or professional experience, but eligibility, compensation, and placement depend on the individual programme.
Environmental Science Seminars: Departmental seminars and research activities give students opportunities to learn about current scientific work and interact with researchers and other students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Northwestern’s Environmental Science major prepares students to explore careers involving environmental research, scientific analysis, sustainability, and natural resource management. Its interdisciplinary curriculum and opportunities for fieldwork, computational analysis, and independent research can help graduates build skills relevant to government agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, and conservation organisations. Students can also use the degree as a foundation for graduate study or professional education in related disciplines.

Potential career roles include:

Environmental Scientist: Study environmental conditions, analyse scientific evidence, and contribute to projects addressing pollution, climate change, and ecosystem health.
Environmental Consultant: Support environmental assessments, compliance work, sustainability initiatives, and environmental management projects.
Conservation or Natural Resource Specialist: Assist with habitat protection, ecosystem management, and the responsible use of natural resources.
Environmental Research Assistant: Collect samples, analyse environmental data, and support research projects in universities, government laboratories, or scientific organisations.

These are potential career pathways rather than guaranteed graduate outcomes. Specific roles may require additional technical experience, professional training, or postgraduate qualifications.

Career development and progression opportunities include:

Northwestern Career Advancement: Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) supports students with career exploration, internship advising, full-time job searches, graduate school planning, and pre-law advising. Its services include individual appointments, résumé and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, networking workshops, and access to Handshake, an online platform for internship and job opportunities.
Departmental Career Guidance: DEEPS encourages students to discuss internship and summer research plans with faculty and departmental advisers. Students can seek guidance from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and programme staff when identifying opportunities aligned with their academic interests.
Summer Research and Professional Experience: The department maintains a directory of undergraduate summer research programmes and highlights opportunities such as EarthScope internships and GeoCorps America. Some opportunities are paid, while others have different funding arrangements, eligibility conditions, and locations.
Employment Statistics and Salary Figures: The official sources reviewed do not provide a verified employment rate or average starting salary specifically for Northwestern Environmental Science graduates. Salary outcomes vary by occupation, location, experience, and additional qualifications; students should consult reliable occupational data and university career reports for current figures.
University–Industry Connections: NCA provides employer recruitment resources and access to job and internship listings, while DEEPS points students toward opportunities in environmental consulting, government, research, and natural resource management. The official sources reviewed do not identify a specific guaranteed industry placement or exclusive corporate partnership for this major.
Long-Term Professional Value: The degree develops transferable skills in scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, computational methods, environmental data interpretation, and research. These capabilities can support career progression across environmental consulting, government, sustainability, research, and related fields.
Graduation and Research Outcomes: Students who pursue independent research may work toward an honors thesis and, depending on the project, contribute to scientific presentations or peer-reviewed publications. These experiences can strengthen applications for research positions and graduate programmes.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Environmental Science major, graduates may pursue a master’s degree in environmental science, environmental management, climate science, sustainability, ecology, environmental engineering, or a related discipline. Students interested in academic or scientific research can consider Ph.D. programmes, depending on their preparation and research interests. The department also identifies law, medicine, and other professional pathways as options for which environmental science can provide a foundation, provided students complete the relevant prerequisites and meet each programme’s admission requirements.