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The Environmental Science Department creates inclusive learning communities that focus on developing scholarship and research about our earth, natural environment, and the interaction between human and natural systems. We offer three unique programs of study—the BS in environmental science, the environmental science minor, BS in environmental sustainability, and the BA in earth science. In these programs, students are mentored so that they develop the skills needed to achieve academic excellence and become the next generation of scientists, educators, informed citizens, and real-world problem solvers.

Degrees We Offer
Career Outcomes

Learn more about each of our programs:

BS in Environmental Science

The BS in environmental science program deals with the interaction of humans and their environment from the primary perspective of the natural sciences. The program includes basic courses in the natural sciences and more advanced courses relating the natural sciences to environmental concerns. The program is structured so that the student gains a holistic perspective on the environment. The program's capstone course is Senior Practicum in which students use their training in a real case study to broaden their understanding of a specific environmental problem.

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BA in Earth Science

The BA in earth science major is designed for students who wish to apply to the K-12 teacher preparation program in which a double major in education is required. Students must complete a sequence of education courses offered by the College of Education in order to achieve licensure. Earth science is an integral part of instruction in the K-12 classroom as defined by the New Jersey Core Content Science Standards.

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BS in Environmental Sustainability

The BS in environmental sustainability program consists of interdisciplinary studies of the sciences, society and politics, and human health as they relate to environmental problems. The program includes the basic courses found in a traditional environmental science degree and advanced courses pertaining to the formation, development, and management of environmental resources.

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BA in Integrated Math & Science - Environmental Science

A BA in environmental science gives students a broad knowledge in the fields of geology, ecology, chemistry, physics, and biology. Students must also complete requisite courses in calculus and statistics. This broad foundational knowledge is ideal for students pursuing a career in science education at the secondary level, but is also useful for graduate studies and careers in environmental sciences.

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Minor in Environmental Science

An 18-credit minor in environmental science is available for non-majors.

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BA in Environmental Science

With a bachelor's degree in environmental science, a student is prepared for entry-level positions in research, manufacturing, sales, and management. Potential employers include governmental agencies, private consulting firms, and industries dealing with environmental problems. Students are prepared to continue their education at the post-baccalaureate level.

BS in Environmental Sustainability

Upon completion of the environmental sustainability program, students will be prepared with the interdisciplinary skill sets of communication, management, systems analysis, and compliance needed for a career in environmental sustainability. Graduates will be able to meet the growing demands in academic, business, and governmental sectors concentrating on sustainable economic development. The BS in environmental sustainability degree allows students to be well versed in the roles of politics, law, economics, and culture that influence decisions and practices in all sectors.

Environmental Science News

William Paterson University Environmental Science Professor Martin Becker Featured in New Documentary, The Underground Forest

Professors Michael Griffiths and Nicole Davi Awarded $234,000 Research Grant from the National Science Foundation

New Weather Technology on Campus to Feed Real-Time Data to University Website, Provide Hands-On Application in the Classroom

"Raiders of the lost bark" How Nicole Davi reads climate history in Mongolian tree rings; story featured in ScienceLine.

Environmental Science Professors Michael Griffiths and Martin Becker Awarded Three-Year, $250,000 Research Grant from the National Science Foundation

"Megalodon shark teeth may hold ancient climate secrets" Professor Becker featured on app.com

Shifting summer rains in East Asia; Prof. Griffiths and colleagues report new findings in the journal Science.

Research by Environmental Science Professor Michael Griffiths and Colleagues Documents Impact of Jet Stream Shift on East Asian Summer Monsoon Published in Recent Issue of Science

Department Spotlight

Randall Sanders '16 participated in a project to use Great Falls National Historical Park as a resource to develop science curriculum for Paterson public schools. This project helped him secure a job as a science teacher at Passaic Valley Regional High School.

Department Spotlight

Sirena Adessa, Sustainability major, worked with the Hackensack Riverkeepers this summer for her Field Experience requirement. In her internship she worked as a paddling tour guide, and contributed to corporate and school river cleanups.

Department Spotlight

My name is Eric Howard and last summer I completed my 125hr internship with New Logic Marine Science Camp. This was a great opportunity to get students interested in marine science by observing the local wildlife. I taught a lesson on fossils and plate tectonics to show how life on Earth has changed over time. I would recommend this internship for any future teachers pursuing a career in education.

Department Spotlight

Plant sampling at the gravity sludge thickener tanks on site at Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. Sludge is pulled from water allowing water to be treated and released back into the environment, whereas the sludge is heated until biologically inactive and then used as covering for a landfill.

Kevin Ciesla

B.S. of Environmental Sustainability

Department Spotlight

Aimee Aquino worked with the Student Conservation Association this past summer helping to protect sea turtles at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina.

Department Spotlight

Jess Geary at the Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota, as a volunteer interpretive intern with the Student Conservation Association.

Department Spotlight

Jackie Castillo '17 My experience at the New Weis Center in Ringwood NJ, was a memorable and enlightening. During my time there I learned many valuable things such as; how to run a non-profit as well as managing it, skills pertaining to maintaining specific types of gardens, invasive plant removal techniques, and building of a rain garden.

Department Spotlight

Jess Geary is currently working under Dr. Davi at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory; finishing tree-ring research from Mongolia that she had worked on as an undergraduate. "The opportunities that I continue to have with the National Park Service, and at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory have given me a variety of important soft and hard skills. These unique abilities have been beneficial for myself, and hopefully they will entice my next future employer."

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