Environmental Science BS

Major: Environmental Science
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 185.5
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 03.0104
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-2041

About the Program

The Environmental Science program at Drexel University is located in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES), and is committed to educating undergraduates for technical careers and graduate study in the diverse areas of environmental science. These areas are vital to understanding, conservation, and restoration of clean and healthy natural environments in the 21st century. The partnership between the Academy of Natural Sciences, America's oldest natural history museum, and Drexel University offers students unique opportunities to take a leadership role in ecology, environmental science and environmental policy, and to grow the scope, capacity and reputation of the natural sciences at the University. The philosophy of the Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Science Department is “Experiential Learning Early and Often."

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field designed to examine environmental problems and find solutions. This field requires understanding of a number of disciplines including biology, physics, and chemistry. Solving some of our environmental problems also requires knowledge of environmental policy, ethics, and scientific data analysis. 

The program has an integrated curricular approach designed around student laboratory and field investigations. The goal of this program is to give students not only knowledge about biology, chemistry, and ecology, but also the ability to use the tools and skills of a scientist. The program includes extensive use of computers in the laboratory and students make frequent oral and written presentations based on their laboratory projects.

Field experience electives may include trips to local aquatic and terrestrial habitats, such as streams, lakes, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey Pine Barrens, Delaware, Barnegat and Chesapeake Bays, and the Appalachian Mountains. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of study abroad options, including ENVS field courses. These programs often require early planning, so it is advisable for interested students to speak to their advisor about opportunities in their first year.

Concentrations are available in:

• Ecology & Evolution
• Applied Environmental Science

Additional Information

For more information about the program, visit the Department of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Science's webpage.

Laurie G. Zinberg, M.A.
Senior Academic Advisor
College of Arts and Science
Email: lgz23@drexel.edu

Or email bees@drexel.edu.

Degree Requirements

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental science, environmental assessment, marine science, basic and applied ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and conservation and paleontology. The requirements for specific concentrations in Applied Environmental Science and Ecology and Evolution, are listed in the degree requirements.

*

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1.0 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

Up to two GEO or ENSS courses may count as ENVS electives.

Environmental Science Concentrations

Notes about Environmental Science opportunities:

• Field experience electives include quantitative environmental measurements in local aquatic and terrestrial habitats, such as streams, lakes, the Delaware Bay, the Poconos, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens (for example, Field Botany: NJ Pine Barrens; Ecology of the Pine Barrens; Marine Field Methods).
• Students are required to consult frequently with their academic advisors for curriculum planning. Many of the graduate courses in environmental science are also open to qualified seniors who wish to become familiar with some of the applications in the field. Prerequisites and descriptions of available graduate courses appear in the graduate catalog.
• The Equatorial Guinea: Bioko Island Study Abroad Program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates and recent graduates to study tropical biodiversity and its conservation, with an emphasis on field work that takes advantage of Bioko Island's pristine rainforests ranging from sea level to over 10,000 feet in altitude, its seven species of rare monkeys, and its four species of nesting sea turtles. For more information, please visit the Drexel Study Abroad Office.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study 

The plan of study below is a generic plan, suited for all four concentrations. Contact the program advisor for additional details.

4 Year, No co-op

4 Year, 1 co-op

5 Year, 3 Co-ops

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 See degree requirements.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Environmental scientists pursue careers in environmental assessment, environmental health, ecology, conservation, marine science, and atmospheric science.

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, students embark on up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment, exploring their career options, strengthening their resumes and building a professional network in the process. BEES students have experienced co-op positions at the Philadelphia Zoo, GEI Consultants, Inc, State of NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Food & Water Watch, and more.

Co-op and research opportunities will be available with the scientists at the Academy of Natural Sciences. In addition, recent co-op experiences have included:

CHPlanning, Center City Philadelphia
Lakes Environmental Assn., Maine
US Environmental Protection Agency, Center City Philadelphia
Criterion Lab Inc, Philadelphia, PA Suburbs
Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia
Temple University, Philadelphia
Fairway Testing Co., NYC
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, Equatorial Guinea
React Environmental Professional Services Group Inc., Philadelphia
Air Management Services, Philadelphia
Exelon Corporation, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
GEI Consultants, Inc., Mt. Laurel, NJ
State of NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Food & Water Watch, Washington, D.C.
 

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates in this major typically work for government environmental agencies, in environmental consulting firms, and in environmental departments of various industries. Additional training at the graduate level is an option for many students.

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

Environmental Science Faculty

Emeritus Faculty