The environmental science program provides students with a strong foundation in scientific principles, equipping them to understand and address complex environmental challenges. Rooted in the liberal arts, the program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining rigorous scientific investigation with insights from social, political, and ethical perspectives. We believe that environmental problems are best solved through this integrated lens, preparing students to think critically and act responsibly in a rapidly changing world. You will build a strong foundation in the natural sciences, apply your skills through scientific investigations in wildlife biology and environmental chemistry, and broaden your perspective in courses such as Environmental Literature and Green Discipleship. By choosing a minor or specific electives, you can design a program that aligns with your career goals. As a result, you will be prepared to pursue a variety of careers in the environmental field.
You will work with environmental science faculty on active research projects including the Spotted Lantern Fly Project, Monastery Run Improvement Project, remote sensing for wildlife, and migration of birds. Students present their work at the Saint Vincent College Academic Conference along with other local and national conferences.
You will complete a unique 3-semester independent research program and an internship giving you real-world experience that is attractive to future employers. Past internships were completed with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Cornell University, Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Pittsburgh Zoo, and other organizations.
You’ll strap on waders and head out to the 20 acres of wetlands adjacent to the College that house the Monastery Run Improvement Project (MRIP). Here you’ll help make a difference in our community by restoring water quality to the Loyalhanna Watershed while learning about abandoned mine drainage.
You will study, work, and explore at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve which includes 50 acres of land, streams, and ponds, a short walk from campus. You might research bird migration, collect stream samples for research, or instruct elementary students in the Learning Barn. There are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences right in our backyard.
Environmental science students are prepared for careers in the environmental field such as environmental monitoring or testing, environmental communication, watershed management or environmental education. Students can also pursue graduate programs in environmental science, environmental law, or education.
Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
Our students have secured jobs and internships at a variety of companies in their field and enrolled in prestigious graduate schools such as:
“Through the environmental science department's faculty at Saint Vincent College, I was able to discover my major and further my interests in exciting and enjoyable ways. Dr. Smyntek, along with the rest of the environmental science related faculty are some of the most caring and welcoming individuals I have met.”
The environmental science major is part of The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
Environmental Science Major Requirements (69-76 credits):
ES 100 Nature & Sustainable Resources 3
ES 150,152 Earth Systems Science and Lab 4
ES 220 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3
ES 300 Research Seminar I 2
ES 301 Research Laboratory 2
ES 302 Research Seminar II 1
ES 550 Environmental Science Internship 0-3
EL 111 Environmental Literature 3
PS 390 Environmental Law and Policy 3
SO 161 Foundations of Sustainability 3
BL 150-153 General Biology I and II and Labs 8
BL 232, 233 Ecology and Lab 4
CH 101-104 General Chemistry I and II and Labs 8
CH 216, 218 Quantitative Analysis and Lab 4
PH 109, 113 College Physics I and Lab 4
Math Requirement: 8-1
MA 102, MA 103 Calculus 1 with Review A &B and MA-110 and Calculus with Applications II
or
MA 109-110 Calculus with Applications I and II
or
MA 111-112 Analytical Calculus I and II
Humanities: Choose at least one
HI 226 Society and the Environment: The American Experience
PL 217 Environmental Ethics
PL 219 Ethics and Technology
TH 274 Green Discipleship
Advanced Environmental Courses: Choose 1 course with Lab if available (3-4 credits)
BL 228, 229 Wildlife Biology and Lab
BL 230, 231 Ornithology and Lab
BL 240,241 Conservation Biology and Lab
BL 252,253 Invertebrate Zoology and Lab
Physical Environmental Science: Choose 1 course with Lab (3-4 credits)
ES 245, 246 Hydrology and Limnology and Lab
ES 230 Energy and the Environment
CH 276, 277 Advanced Environmental Chemistry and Methods of Environmental Analysis
ES 250 Advanced Environmental Mapping
Environmental Science Minor Requirements (15-17 credits) ***
Required (6 courses/ 12 credits):
ES 150,152 Earth Systems Science and Lab 4
BL 232,233 Ecology and Lab*** 4
CH 216,218 Quantitative Analysis and Lab*** 4
Choose one course with lab if available: (May not count toward major)
CH 276 Advanced Environmental Chemistry*** 3
CH 277 Methods of Environmental Analysis (Lab)*** 2
CH 228,229 Wildlife Biology and Lab*** 4
BL 230, 231 Ornithology and Lab*** 4
BL 240, 241 Conservation Biology and Lab*** 4
ES 230 Energy and the Environment*** 4
ES 240 Geophysics*** 3
ES 245, 246 Hydrology and Limnology and Lab 4
ES 250 Advanced Environmental Mapping 3
BL 252,253 Invertebrate Zoology and Lab 4 ***
***General Chemistry I and II and/or General Biology I and II are prerequisites for these courses.
Nature and Sustainable Resources You will learn key concepts and skills that naturalists and environmental scientists use to understand the natural world and our impact on it. It covers aspects of geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and ecology, with a focus on understanding sustainable approaches to use and manage natural resources in a way that reduces impacts on the natural environment and local communities.
Hydrology And Limnology Lab You will learn how to measure and model physical and biogeochemical characteristics of stream and lake ecosystems by using instruments and data analysis tools to examine water velocity, discharge, mixing, chemical composition and related parameters that define these dynamic ecosystems. Field sampling, laboratory experiments and computer modeling and simulations will be used to assess a variety of stream and lake systems.
Wildlife Biology This course combines elements of animal natural history, physiology, and behavior to survey how animals cope with short-term and seasonal changes in their environment. You will learn about the challenges animals face in maintaining homeostasis during periods of reproduction, migration, hibernation, resource scarcity, and predation risk.
The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve offers students a living laboratory with over 50 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. With two miles of trails, an Environmental Learning Barn and an apiary, it is a perfect setting for students to learn, research, and do field work.
The MRIP wetlands, located on 20 acres near the historic Saint Vincent Gristmill, serve as a hands-on outdoor classroom for environmental science students. These passive treatment systems remediate mine drainage and offer unique opportunities for field research, ecological monitoring, and community engagement. Students gain real-world experience in watershed restoration while learning alongside environmental professionals and local citizens.
The greenhouse features 454 square feet of plant shelving across two climate-controlled rooms, managed via a computer interface that regulates lighting, temperature, humidity, and air circulation. It supports plant cultivation for the Saint Vincent community, biology classes, and senior research in botany and animal studies.
The Environmental Research Laboratory supports student-led research with advanced tools for analyzing water and soil quality, including YSI multimeters and sondes, Hach test kits, and colorimeters. These instruments enable detailed assessment of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, nutrients, metals, and other key environmental indicators.
The Mud Room is our designated station where students can clean off mud and contaminants after fieldwork, store gear including 52 waders, gather samples, and prevent outdoor debris from entering clean lab areas.
