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.

Classes Careers Meet the Faculty

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.

124 Credits

50-51

Required Courses

73-74

Elective Courses and General Education

BA Degree Requirements BS Degree Requirements

Meet a Faculty Member

My research in behavioral ecology focuses on two primary areas: a) predator-prey interactions, and b) chemical communication. In most cases, I work with students to examine how amphibian prey evaluate predation risk using chemical stimuli. However, our lab has also published studies evaluating the defensive behaviors exhibited by aquatic invertebrates. I have also recently participated in field work related to the Pacific Crest Trail Megatransect with a collaborator at William Jessup University. The concept driving this project is the use of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as a ‘ barometer’ of biodiversity where a survey is established with the objective to document the occurrence and distributions of plants, animals, and their habitats across the remote and mountainous regions of the Pacific States from Mexico to Canada.

Aaron Sullivan

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Biology

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.

Program Outcomes

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

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Environmental Scientist and Specialist

Conservation Scientist and Forester

Hydrologist