Why Choose Nazareth for Environmental Science and Sustainability?

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.

Program Highlights

  • Research-driven program with an emphasis on field study.
  • Small classes; individual attention from faculty.
  • Learn research methodology and laboratory techniques, as well as how to apply biological principles to solving environmental problems.
  • Expanded lab space and top-notch equipment in Peckham Hall support faculty-guided student research. Nazareth's facilities have been ranked among the top 20 science labs in the nation by The Princeton Review.
  • Choose either track:
    • ecology and natural resource for a more hard-science focus
    • economics, green business, policy, law for an activism focus
Daryn Lou, bachelor of science degree, major in environmental studies & sustainability

Alumni Spotlight: Daryn Loy '17

“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.”

Example Careers

  • Air/water quality assessment and remediation
  • Fishery and wildlife conservation
  • Land/water conservation
  • Hazardous waste removal and site remediation
  • Parks/outdoor recreation
  • Environmental law

Internships/Field Experiences

  • Genesee Land Trust
  • New York Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Atmosfair, Berlin, Germany
  • University of Massachusetts Marine Laboratory
  • Cornell Agricultural Research Station
  • Field Museum, University of Chicago
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF program) at University of Buffalo
  • Biodiversity conservation as part of semester in Costa Rica

Graduate Schools/Employers

  • University of Chicago
  • SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse
  • University of Vermont Law School
  • University of Buffalo
  • SUNY College at Brockport
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Environmental Health and Safety, Toxic Release Monitor