Bachelor of Science
Environmental Science
Coming Fall 2027
Shape a Sustainable Future
With Narragansett Bay at your doorstep and Rhode Island’s diverse habitats as your classroom, you’ll gain unmatched field experience. You’ll also explore geology, ecology, biology, chemistry and social sciences to help understand the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment. Customize your studies by choosing electives from across three different colleges – Arts & Sciences, Hospitality & Business and Food Innovation & Technology. This flexibility allows you to explore a variety of career paths and see how different industries impact the environment.
The world needs leaders who can tackle climate change, protect biodiversity and advocate for environmental justice. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental science, policy, conservation, sustainability consulting and renewable energy, or for advanced study in graduate and professional programs.
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Why Study Environmental Science at JWU?
In this program, you won’t just study the environment — you’ll experience it. Collect water samples from coastal habitats, determine origins of Rhode Island rocks, create environmental impact assessments, identify cell structures and calculate eco footprints. Through internships, research projects and fieldwork you’ll gain practical skills and problem-solving experience which will prepare you for careers in the environmental field. You can expect to:
- Apply critical thinking skills and foundational knowledge to propose solutions to environmental problems such as climate change, environmental justice, pollution and more.
- Go out into the field to collect, input, process and analyze data from a variety of ecosystems.
- Conduct experiments in JWU’s state-of-the-art science labs, such as measuring the effects of toxicants on aquatic organisms or analyzing drinking water samples.
- Select electives across colleges to explore topics like sustainable food systems, business policy, sustainable tourism and more.
- Take frequent field trips to explore a variety of ecosystems around Rhode Island.
- Learn from experienced faculty who will guide you in developing solutions for real-world environmental issues.
Where Classroom Meets Coast
“After our field trip to Narragansett Bay, I gained a new-found appreciation for the bay and the value of the ecosystem. The Save The Bay location provides a great look at how Narragansett Bay is affected by the Providence industrial area. It made me look at littering in a new light, and I have realized it is up to the average civilian like me to help make the change.”
Brayden Campos ’29
Science Labs
In the John J. Bowen Center for Science & Innovation, you’ll learn and experiment in state-of-the-art labs dedicated to Biology, Plant Cultivation and Chemistry.
Sample Courses
- Physical Geology
- Freshwater Ecology
- Sustainability Policy & Planning
- Sustainability in the Culinary Kitchen
- Ecotourism
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as internships, minors or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits. A JWU Catalog link will be added once it becomes available.
Career Possibilities
- Conservation scientist
- Environmental field technician
- State/national park ranger
- Environmental policy analyst
- Renewable energy project manager
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Assistant Professor
Kristyn DeMarco's scientific research centers around the impact of human factors on freshwater ecosystems, including inland water sources and urban streams.
Professor
Ryan Tainsh's scientific scholarship interests include plant nutrient uses and the process of plant nutrient resorption, especially in salt marsh habitats.
Professor and Department Chair
Andrew Karatjas has developed a focus on chemical education research, specifically in looking at student self-assessment and how that affects performance in courses.
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