Two female students present their work at a poster session

Environmental Science

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Study Environmental Science at Fordham

About the environmental sciences major

At Fordham, you’ll have the unique opportunity to study environmental science in New York City—one of the world’s most vibrant hubs for environmental education and urban ecology.

You’ll gain a solid understanding of society's impact on the natural world. Investigate the complex intersection of physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Conduct hands-on research at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society, and our very own Calder Center biological field station. And immerse yourself in work that leads to environmental solutions, whether monitoring NYC’s air and water or working to protect endangered species. 

Our graduates go on to …

  • prestigious graduate and postgraduate research programs
  • global nonprofit and government organizations
  • careers in conservation, sustainability policy, and climate modeling

Visit the environmental science department page

 

Male student take a water reading out in the field

Environmental science program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

89%

of environmental science graduates in the past five years were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in public service or other meaningful endeavors within six months of graduation

45%

of environmental science graduates in the past five years have pursued advanced degrees

113 acres

of protected forest, lake, and wetland ecosystems at Fordham’s Louis Calder Center biological field station, providing a living laboratory for funded ecological and environmental research

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avenues of funding available to pursue undergraduate research: the Natural Science Research Grant, the Ambrose Summer Research Grant, the FCLC Dean’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Practice Grant, and the FCLC Summer Research Assistant Fellowship

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Career Tracks

involving electives, internships, study abroad, and thesis research, including environmental economics and sustainable business, public health, organic agriculture and food security, and environmental law

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departmental labs to conduct interdisciplinary research: biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and natural sciences

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Making a sustainable impact

A picture of Van Cortlandt park at sunrise with fog on the landscape

New York City’s Greenest Borough                    

Voyage into the Bronx and discover some of nature’s hidden gems in the city, from old-growth forests to tranquil waterfronts to one of the most beautiful urban campuses in America.

Members of the SEAJ club pose at the club fair

Want a Greener Future? Join the Club                    

Fordham’s environmental clubs help promote sustainability through local cleanups, policy advocacy, and community gardening. See how these student-led initiatives create a greener campus and lasting impact.

Elizabeth Thrall

Social and Environmental Solutions                    

Explore the research students presented at the annual AI and Data Science Interdisciplinary Workshop, including Mia Mellican’s work detecting urban air pollution.

Maria Nettgen and Julia Milczanowski presented their research at Ars Nova.

Eco-Research with Reach                    

At the Ars Nova research fair, environmental justice was a common topic among student participants. Learn about the groundbreaking work they presented.

Chomri Khayi (left), land manager at Fordham's Calder Center, stands in a tall-grass field with a student.

Green Degrees to Fight Climate Change                    

Looking for a college major that will help you be a part of the climate movement? Here are eight “green” degrees with a focus on sustainability and environmental action.

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Environmental sciences program FAQs

  • In addition to your foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, you’ll dive deep into scientific principles that apply to the environment with classes like Animal Behavior, where you’ll study the biology behind the way animals function, or Urban Ecology & Evolution, where you’ll work alongside community partners to examine how city dwelling affects the way organisms interact. You might also take Environmental Chemistry, where you’ll examine the technology of remediation.

  • You’ll be able to conduct cutting-edge research in laboratories on campus, as well as at the Louis Calder Center, our 113-acre biological field station. Throughout their time at Fordham, environmental science students publish their research in peer-reviewed academic journals, earn prestigious awards, present at conferences, and get connected to grant opportunities.

  • Here, you’ll have unparalleled access to opportunities and connections at some of the top medical, ecological, and conservation organizations, like:

    • Bronx River Alliance
    • Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society
    • Montefiore Hospital
    • United Nations Environment Programme
    • New York Botanical Garden
    • American Museum of Natural History

  • When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers in areas like conservation, ecological modeling, policy development and consulting, and regulatory monitoring. You’ll also be uniquely qualified to pursue prestigious postgraduate research.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As an environmental science major, you’ll be able to use AI to advance your own research, preparing you for high-growth roles in areas like biodiversity monitoring, remote sensing, and ecosystem tracking.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, experimentation, and integrity.

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