Environmental Science Degree Program
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science from SMWC gives you a thorough understanding of the natural world to prepare you for a career solving today’s environmental problems.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science Overview
Environmental science majors are fascinated with animals and plants, and their interaction with each other and the physical environment. SMWC’s environmental science program emphasizes the importance of conservation of natural resources and sustainability, which is also a value of the College. Students learn about pollution, loss of biodiversity and ways humans are harming the environment. This discipline helps students understand how various aspects of the natural world connect with each other and with human society and prepares students for a variety of environmental science jobs.
As an environmental scientist, you can expect to work in a variety of applied fields and interdisciplinary settings analyzing the effects that humans have on our environment. Possible careers include:
- Agricultural scientist
- Ecologist
- Conservationist
- Forest ranger
- Air and water quality manager
- Environmental analyst
- Air pollution analyst
- Environmental consultant
- Geographer
- Environmental educator
- Natural resource manager
Check out our blog 10 careers you can have with an environmental science degree
What is environmental science?
Environmental science studies the interactions of the environment’s physical, chemical and biological components and how they relate to one another to affect organisms. At The Woods, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science is particularly impactful because our 300-acre campus sits literately in the woods.
If you love to be outdoors and are fascinated by the Earth and its many facets, particularly how humans interact in our planet’s delicate ecosystem — then a degree in environmental science is right up your alley. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students can conduct experiments just steps from their rooms due to our wooded campus, complete with a lake and outdoor classroom.
Sustainability is also one of SMWC’s core values as an institution. You’ll see us live out our values every day. Environment and sustainability are not just degree programs here — they are a way of life.
Why get a degree in environmental science?
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science will help you understand the relationships between environmental ecosystems. With a passion for the environment, conservation and sustainability, our program in environmental science will take your passion and turn it into a career path.
What can you do with a degree in environmental science?
Environmental science is a fast-growing area. Typically jobs in environmental science focus on sustainability, preservation, energy and pollution. Our graduates have achieved success in many job fields:
- Sustainability Consultant
- Environmental Conservation
- Environmental Investigator
- Energy Analyst
- Naturalist
Dig in deeper in our blog — “10 careers you can have with a degree in environmental science degree.”
Our program will also prepare you for graduate programs in environmental science if you think a master’s in environmental science is the path you want to be on. If you want to combine a major in environmental science with a double major in programs such as education, communication or business, you’ll create a unique program with even more possibilities. Or a minor in leadership or political science if you want to pursue environmental law.
What is the average annual salary of someone with an environmental science degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. For instance, Indiana is known for job growth due to the low cost of living. Your dollar simply goes further here.
National: $63,570
