Environmental Science

Degree Options: Major, Minor
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
Visit the Environmental Science Department

Science that leads to environmental solutions.

Student with clipboard in greenhouse - LGIn the environmental science major at Fordham, you’ll investigate the complex intersection of physical, chemical, and biological sciences that together forms the field of environmental science. You’ll rely on science to understand the anthropogenic (human-made) causes and effects of environmental problems.

And you’ll study in New York City, one of the most vibrant centers of environmental education and urban ecology in the world.

Of course, you’ll learn more than environmental science here. You’ll also study philosophy, theology, economics, mathematics, languages, and the performing arts through Fordham’s common core curriculum, the centerpiece of our liberal arts education.

  • As an environmental science major, your studies include:

    • foundation courses in biology, chemistry, and physics
    • electives that allow you to tailor your interests toward life or chemical sciences
    • environmental research and internships
    • humanities, policy, and ethics courses with an environmental emphasis

    In your first two years you’ll develop a solid scientific grounding. After that you’ll specialize in the area you feel most passionate about through coursework, independent research, and internships.

    Facilities

    Because of environmental science’s interdisciplinary nature, you will conduct research in dedicated departmental labs:

    • Biological Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Natural Sciences

    At the Calder Center Biological Field Station, a 113-acre expanse of forest, lakes, and wetlands in nearby Armonk, N.Y, you can take ecology classes and conduct field research alongside a selected number of biologists who focus on water management and conservation for government and industry.

    At the Center for Urban Ecology, you can study the intersection of nature and the city with scientists researching the impact of urbanization on regional ecosystems and the role people play in physiological, ecological, and evolutionary processes.

    Fieldwork

    Academic Internships are available at world-renowned institutions:

    • Bronx River Alliance (New York Department of Parks)
    • Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo)
    • New York Botanical Garden
    • American Museum of Natural History
    • Environmental Consortium of Hudson River Colleges and Universities

    Summer Internships are available throughout the U.S. and the New York City area:

  • Global Ecology Lab
    General Physics
    Organic Chemistry Lab
    Evolutionary Biology
    Animal Behavior
    Instrumental Analysis
    Environmental Science Internship
    Environment: Science, Law, and Policy
    Economics of Energy

  • Environmental science graduates frequently pursue advanced graduate work that leads them to important research in government, private and nonprofit sectors around the globe.

    Some fields our graduates work in:

    • conservation
    • ecological or climate modeling
    • policy development, education, and consulting
    • research
    • regulatory monitoring

    Our Alumni Career Advisory Board will be a constant resource during every year of your studies. You also get access to our powerful (and Fordham-loyal) network of alumni, who want to see you succeed as they have.

Learn More About the Environmental Science Degree

Visit the Environmental Science Department