Studying ocean health. Protecting endangered species. Measuring the effects of development on vanishing habitats. Advocating for public policy. An environmental science and sustainability degree from Nazareth University gives students a broad view of environmental issues in their political, social, and economic contexts as well as the scientific skills to become effective stewards of the planet.
Our students acquire a solid foundation in ecology, chemistry, and biology, with field study a priority. Classes make regular field trips to nature preserves, local streams, and the Adirondacks to identify organisms and measure pollution impact. Majors are also required to complete a field study project or internship. For example, students have measured the effects of human impact on local streams and participated in internships at the Genesee Land Trust and N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation.
Today, environmental scientists are being hired in every industry — from parks and forestry, to government research, to the development of "green" technology, even to environmental law. By combining scientific and liberal arts perspectives, Nazareth gives students the flexibility to pursue any number of careers in this rapidly growing field.
“I chose to study environmental science & sustainability at Nazareth because of the state-of-the-art facilities combined with knowledgeable faculty, available research opportunities, and the flexibility in classes that has allowed me to pursue a secondary major in legal studies,” said Daryn Loy, research poster winner at Nazareth’s 2016 Creative Activity and Research Showcase (CARS). "Our CARS project research was part of our Ecology Laboratory class and evaluated water quality in various surface water/wetlands in Mendon Ponds Park. We found that water quality varied significantly among the tested areas due to unique geographic features.”