Environmental Science (B.S. or B.A.)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Rowan University

Program Overview

Rowan University’s Environmental Science programme prepares students to understand environmental change, investigate ecological challenges, and develop practical solutions to issues such as pollution, climate change, and natural resource management. Students combine biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental research, with the B.S. offering a stronger scientific and mathematical foundation for technical careers and graduate research, while the B.A. provides greater flexibility for students interested in environmental consulting, management, science communication, or education.

Curriculum Structure

The following is an indicative progression based on Rowan’s published Environmental Science curriculum. The actual order of courses may vary according to degree choice, prerequisites, and elective selection.

Year 1: Exploring Environmental Systems

Students begin with The Environmental Experience (EVSC 01.110), which introduces field methods through visits to environments such as streams, salt marshes, forests, and coastal areas. They also take Environment in the Headlines (EVSC 01.115) to explore the science behind current environmental issues, alongside foundational subjects such as Chemistry I (CHEM 06.100), Introduction to Evolution and Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 01.104), and Physical Geology (GEOL 01.101).

Year 2: Developing Scientific and Research Skills

Students strengthen their understanding of living systems through Introduction to Genetics (BIOL 01.106) and Introduction to Ecology (BIOL 01.204), while building analytical skills through Statistics I (STAT 02.260). Environmental topics such as Planet in Peril, Oceans in Crisis, and Global Environmental Change introduce major sustainability challenges and help students connect scientific concepts with real-world environmental problems.

Year 3: Investigating Environmental Problems

Students develop practical research skills through Environmental Science Research Methods & Data Analysis (EVSC/ENST 01.202) and investigate the movement and effects of pollutants through Contaminants in the Environment (EVSC 01.305). Depending on their chosen electives, they can also study Atmosphere and Climate (EVSC 01.380) or Oceans (EVSC 01.385) to understand climate processes, marine environments, and the wider effects of environmental change.

Year 4: Applying Knowledge to Environmental Solutions

In their final year, students can apply their learning through Field Methods in Environmental Science (EVSC 01.350) and select either Environmental Science Clinic (EVSC 01.410) or Senior Seminar in Environmental Science (EVSC 01.420), according to the degree requirements. The department also identifies internships or research as practical-experience options, allowing students to explore professional environmental work or pursue a focused research topic before graduation.

Focus Areas

Environmental change and climate science, ecology, conservation, environmental pollution, contaminant transport, atmospheric science, marine science, environmental research methods, statistical analysis, geographic information systems, environmental management, and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to investigate environmental problems using scientific principles, analyse environmental data, understand ecological and geological processes, and evaluate the effects of human activity on natural systems. They also build research, critical-thinking, fieldwork, and scientific communication skills that can support technical employment, environmental consulting, research, and further academic study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Rowan’s Environmental Science degrees are designed to prepare students for environmental careers and further study, with the B.S. particularly suited to scientific and technical work and the B.A. offering a more flexible route into consulting, management, science writing, and education. The official programme information reviewed does not identify a specific professional accreditation for either degree, so students should not assume that the programme holds a specialised professional accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Rowan’s Environmental Science department describes the field as offering promising career opportunities and cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures published in 2017: 11% annual job growth and median pay of nearly $70,000. These figures are historical rather than current employment statistics, and they should not be treated as a guaranteed salary or a Rowan-specific graduate outcome.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Rowan University places a strong emphasis on learning through direct environmental observation, fieldwork, and research. Environmental Science students take part in field experiences from their first year and can investigate ecosystems, environmental pollution, climate change, and conservation through practical activities. Students can also pursue faculty-supervised research and internships to build professional experience before graduation.

Specific practical opportunities and resources include:

Field Trips and Environmental Sampling: The Environmental Experience course introduces students to field methods through visits to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, salt marshes, streams, and coastal environments.
Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park: Students can explore field-based learning and research opportunities at this nearby fossil park.
Scotland Run Park: The park's forest and lake habitats provide a setting for hands-on research and field-based coursework.
Environmental Research Methods: Environmental Science Research Methods & Data Analysis (EVSC/ENST 01.202) develops research design and data-analysis skills for investigating environmental questions.
Field Methods and Pollutant Analysis: Field Methods in Environmental Science (EVSC 01.350) develops field investigation skills, while Contaminants in the Environment (EVSC 01.305) examines the behaviour and movement of environmental contaminants.
Faculty-Supervised Research: Students can explore individual research projects with faculty members in areas such as marine science, geology, atmospheric science, and environmental change.
GREEN-SJ Programme: This initiative supports eligible Environmental Science students through scientist mentors, professional development, research opportunities in university laboratories, and internships with environmental firms in southern New Jersey. Eligibility and funded opportunities depend on programme conditions.
Internships and Work Experience: Students can contact Environmental Science faculty about research internships and work-study opportunities. Rowan's ProfJobs platform also helps students search for internships and employment.
Collaborative Projects: The School of Earth and Environment encourages individual and team-based problem-solving, collaborative research, and field experiences as part of its broader learning approach.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Rowan University's Environmental Science B.S. or B.A. can pursue opportunities in environmental consulting, conservation, environmental monitoring, science communication, and education. The B.S. is particularly suitable for students aiming for technical environmental work or scientific research, while the B.A. offers additional flexibility for careers involving environmental management, communication, and interdisciplinary study.

Potential Career Paths

Environmental Consultant
Environmental Science Technician
Conservation Science Assistant
Environmental Education Specialist

These are potential career directions rather than guaranteed graduate outcomes. Specific positions may require further training, professional experience, or postgraduate qualifications.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities

Career Counselling: Rowan's Career Services team offers individual career counselling to help students explore career paths, prepare applications, and plan their professional development.
Job and Internship Platforms: ProfJobs helps students and alumni find employment and internship opportunities. Additional tools include VMock for résumé feedback, BigInterview for interview practice, and GoinGlobal for international job searches and career guidance.
Research Opportunities: The School of Earth and Environment maintains a research directory through which undergraduates can identify faculty members offering research opportunities through courses, laboratories, or fieldwork.
GREEN-SJ Professional Development: Eligible students can access scientist mentors, workforce training, environmental research opportunities, and internships with environmental firms in southern New Jersey.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: Rowan's Environmental Science department cites 2017 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicating 11% job growth and median pay approaching $70,000. These figures are historical, not Rowan-specific graduate outcomes, and should not be treated as current salary guarantees.
Industry and Research Connections: GREEN-SJ identifies internships with environmental firms in southern New Jersey, while departmental research connects students with faculty working across environmental science, marine science, geology, and atmospheric science. Specific placements and employment outcomes are not guaranteed.
Professional Accreditation: The official information reviewed does not establish a dedicated professional accreditation for the B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Science. Students interested in specialist roles should check the qualifications required by their intended employers or professional bodies.
Graduate Outcomes: The department prepares students for environmental careers and further study. Research, fieldwork, internships, and communication skills can help students build a competitive foundation for employment or postgraduate applications.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. or B.A., students can pursue postgraduate study in applied environmental science, ecology, climate science, conservation, marine science, or related disciplines, depending on programme prerequisites. Rowan University offers an M.S. in Applied Environmental Science, which develops practical and research skills for addressing environmental pollution, land-use change, and climate-related challenges. The department also describes a B.S. Environmental Science/M.S. Applied Environmental Science 4+1 pathway, subject to admission and programme requirements. Students seeking academic research careers can explore suitable doctoral programmes at Rowan or other universities.