Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science and Sustainability - Major


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Arts and Sciences

Director: Padmini Das, Ph.D.

Sustainable living is a necessity if humans intend to avoid extinction.  This program provides a comprehensive academic curriculum for people who want to become informed decision-makers and participate in the transformation toward a sustainable society.  These decisions must be based on an understanding of the three pillars of sustainability: ecology, economics and social-political aspects.  This multidisciplinary major provides a core of required science and sustainability courses with two tracks: (1) Ecology and Natural Resources; (2) Economics, Green Business, Policy, and Law.  Environmental research or internship is a unique feature of the program and is included in all tracks.  The program prepares students for endless career opportunities in government or private sector jobs as environmental scientist, engineer, or manager, or for pursuing research in graduate studies so they can participate in the global revolution toward sustainable living on the earth.

Note: See list of Minors for related minors in Bioethics, Biology, Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical - Minor and Pre-Veterinary

Core Curriculum Requirements


All Nazareth students complete Core Curriculum coursework as part of their degree requirements. The Core provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences while guiding students to pose and explore their own intellectual questions. See Academic Policies and Procedures  for specific core curriculum requirements. 

Environmental Science Core


The foundation of this multidisciplinary program is based on the fundamentals of different disciplines of science.  Some of these courses are also part of the Nazareth College core curriculum; these courses include a “Q” in the prefix.

Environmental Science & Sustainability Tracks


Along with core requirements, students choose one of the following two tracks. Two semesters of environmental research in SCI 450 can replace one upper level elective.

Ecology and Natural Resource Track


Take any three of the four courses with lab as required. Note - BIO 251 does not require a lab.

Economics, Green Business, Policy, Law Track


Take any four of the five courses listed below.

Semester Abroad Opportunities


An understanding through authentic, experience-based learning about other countries of the world is essential for the understanding and participation in global sustainability. Nazareth College students can participate in two study-abroad programs that address sustainability. A semester of study in Costa Rica focusing on the sustainability of tropical forest ecology is available through AIFS and course selection with the academic advisor will insure that a full semester of courses will transfer to Nazareth College. The Nazareth College Berlin Program provides an academic and experiential opportunity with courses in economics, sustainable practices in Europe, and the politics of achieving sustainability. A full semester of seventeen credits includes an intensive course in the German language as well as liberal arts electives plus an internship (applied toward BIO 483). More information on these opportunities can be found on the Biology Department, Study Abroad Opportunities web page.

Scientific Communication and Research Courses/Capstone


Interwoven throughout the curriculum is a four-semester course sequence focusing on scientific communication and research. For Environmental Science and Sustainability majors, the Scientific Communication courses are key components of the core curriculum.  Students need to take all three of the following courses as part of their science core curriculum.

  • Credits: 2
  • Credits: 2

  • Capstone Requirement
    Additionally, students need to present (both in oral and written formats) the application of their knowledge in research or internship in environmental science and sustainability. Students may conduct this through one of the following courses:

    • SCI 450 Advanced Scientific Research 2 credits;
    • BIO 453 Biology Research Experience I (summer research) 0 credits;
    • BIO 483 Biology Internship I 3 credits;
    • BIO 484 Biology Internship II 3 credits;
    • BIO 485 Independent Study variable credits;
    • SOC 352 - Social Research Methods 3 Credits.

Environmental Science and Sustainability Sample Program: Ecology & Natural Resource Track


Sophomore Year


Summer between Sophomore and Junior Year


Junior Year


Senior Year


  • Credits: 2
  • Integrative Studies Credits: 3
  • Core Milestone Experience Credits: 3
  • All remaining track courses Credits: variable
  • Research, internship, or project-based courses Credits: 3-6

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Arts and Sciences