Environmental Science Major

Explore and Conserve Our Environment in a Constantly Changing World

Investigate and explore the science behind the environment including biology, ecology, field methods, chemistry and more, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.

Science + Faith

Grow deeper in your understanding of your faith in relation to Environmental Science with faculty who invest in your professional and academic success and are passionate about living out faith in Christ.

Gain Hands-on Experience

Gain professional experience before graduation. Many environmental science students have the opportunity to conduct, present, and publish peer-reviewed research in collaboration with faculty members. Students can work directly in the field through off-campus study, practicums, internships, and student/faculty research collaboration.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s major in Environmental Science, you will prepare for your next step as you:

  • Conduct research in an area that you are passionate about, such as the Megatransect through the Sierra Nevada Mountains of CA.
  • Explore ecosystem function, the impacts of environmental problems, and the ways in which society influences problems and solutions.
  • Learn in a personal, friendly, and collaborative environment that allows for faculty to personally assist you in reaching your goals.

Meet a Faculty Member

Conduct Research with Faculty

Engage in research with a faculty member during the semester or as part of the Shannon Summer Research Institute. Some previous topics have been: animal behavior, ecology, conservation, microbiology, ecophysiology, genetics, etc. In the past, students traveled to conduct research on biodiversity in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Immerse Yourself in God's Creation

Study on a campus with 100+ acres of forested land and riverine habitats. You will be able to study at some of these places that are in close proximity to campus: the Genesee River, Roger Tory Peterson Institute for Natural History, and Allegany and Letchworth State Parks for ecological and environmental study and internship opportunities.

Work in State-of-the-Art Facilities

Get hands-on with professional research equipment in the recently renovated Paine Center for Science, including a genetic analyzer for sequencing DNA, laminar flow hoods for tissue culture, fluorescent microscopes and imaging systems, thermal cyclers for PCR, various equipment for DNA/RNA extraction and electrophoresis, and advanced instrumentation for water quality assessment.

Explore the Biology Facilities

Program Outcomes

Students earning a BA or BS degree in Environmental Science from Houghton University are prepared to for careers in many areas, including but not limited to:

Employment Expected to Grow 11%

for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsSource

Application Requirements

1

Start Your Application

Complete the application here
Apply Now
2

Documents and Supporting Materials

You’ll be asked to provide your official high school transcript and your test scores (can be waived)
Testing Policy
3

Personal Statement

The personal statement portion of our application for admission is perhaps the best place to truly tell your story, to tell who you are and what is important to you.
Personal Statement

Have Questions?

Discover if earning your degree in Environmental Science from Houghton University is right for you.