Environmental Science Major (BS)

The Environmental Science major at Washington College helps students understand how natural systems work, how human activities affect the environment, and how scientific research can support practical solutions to environmental challenges. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum combining biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental economics, and field-based investigation, students develop the analytical and research skills needed to explore careers in conservation, environmental consulting, natural resource management, and environmental research.

Curriculum structure

The official catalog lists required courses and electives rather than a fixed year-by-year curriculum. The following is a descriptive progression based on the program requirements, not an official semester-by-semester schedule.

Year 1 – Foundations in environmental science

Students begin with Introduction to Environmental Studies with Lab (ENV 101/102), which introduces environmental issues and scientific investigation, alongside Introduction to Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ENV 117). They also build their scientific foundation through General Biology I and II with Labs or the required chemistry sequence, developing an understanding of living systems and the chemical principles that shape the environment.

Year 2 – Environmental systems and laboratory science

Students progress into applied environmental science through Atmosphere, Ocean and Environment with Lab (ENV 141), Applied Ecology (ENV 242), and Environmental Chemistry with Lab (CHE/ENV 210). These courses help students examine relationships between organisms and their surroundings, investigate environmental processes, and understand how chemical analysis can be used to study environmental problems.

Year 3 – Field methods and specialised topics

Students deepen their knowledge through Watershed Biogeochemistry (ENV 312) and upper-level electives such as Field Methods in Environmental Science (ENV 311), Marine Conservation (ENV 305), Climate Change (ENV 320), or Restoration Ecology (ENV 315). The Environmental Studies Junior Seminar (ENV 392) provides a further opportunity to engage with environmental questions, discuss scientific perspectives, and prepare for advanced research.

Year 4 – Advanced study and capstone

In the final stage, students complete the Senior Capstone Experience (ENV SCE), applying the knowledge and analytical skills developed throughout the major to an advanced academic project or other approved capstone work. Depending on their interests and selected electives, students can strengthen their preparation in areas such as sustainability, toxicology, wildlife conservation, wetlands ecology, or environmental data analysis.

Focus areas

Environmental systems and processes, ecology and biodiversity, environmental chemistry, watershed biogeochemistry, climate change, marine and wetland conservation, wildlife management, restoration ecology, sustainability, environmental economics, field research methods, and natural resource management.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to evaluate interactions between human activity and the natural world, investigate environmental challenges using scientific methods, apply biological and chemical concepts to environmental systems, interpret research findings, assess conservation and sustainability approaches, and communicate evidence-based solutions to local, regional, and global environmental issues.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The official program catalog does not identify a specific professional accreditation for the Environmental Science major. Students should therefore not assume that the degree carries a separate professional accreditation; its science-based coursework, laboratory experience, and research preparation can support further study and entry-level environmental careers.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Washington College's official program information highlights applied learning, research, and internship opportunities, including environmental placements with regional organisations. No specific program-level QS or Guardian employability ranking or verified graduate-employment statistic was identified in the official sources reviewed.