The most pressing environmental issues today—from greenhouse gas emissions to the overuse of disposable plastics—stem from human decisions. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of both the scientific and policy aspects that impact our planet.
Clarkson University’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability provides a comprehensive background in relevant laws, history, ethics, chemistry, biology, groundbreaking technologies, and sustainable practices. Customize your studies with a concentration based on potential career paths: environmental health and safety, environmental science, environmental policy, or sustainable solutions.
This interdisciplinary degree reflects today’s multipronged approach to sustainability—one that preserves the natural world, supports biodiversity, and balances human impact with protection of the planet we all share.
Our program is tight-knit, rigorous, and designed to tailor the curriculum to your interests. The coursework emphasizes sustainability and hands-on experience through projects, starting from your first year of studies. In your final year, complete a capstone project exploring your research interests. A variety of minors helps round out your education.
All students must participate in a co-op, internship, directed research, or a community project to graduate. Apply your knowledge in immersion experiences like the Adirondack Semester or a Global Business Program trip focused on socioeconomics and sustainable development in East Africa. Our world-class faculty frequently invite students to collaborate on research teams and mentor their projects.
We pride ourselves on putting sustainability education into action. The major is offered through our Institute for a Sustainable Environment, a renowned cross-campus hub for education, research, and campus sustainability initiatives. We have been named one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the country by The Princeton Review and one of the top 75 most eco-literate colleges by the Sierra Club. We have also received a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Our Environmental Science & Sustainability majors had a 100 percent placement rate in 2023.
The bachelor’s in environmental science and sustainability requires 48 credit hours of core classes. The program begins with a common core exploring STEM applications to sustainability challenges, requires each student to hone a specialty through one of four concentrations, and adds flexibility through electives. Electives allow you to add a minor or double major in a related area like biology, project management, environmental engineering, political science, or psychology.
Basic Science Courses Math Courses Environmental Science and Sustainability Courses Classes for your concentration (38-43 credits) and free electives (29-34 credits).
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) concentration gives you the scientific and technical knowledge to identify environmental hazards, minimize their risks, and discover innovative solutions to improve our surroundings.
The Environmental Science concentration delves into environmental research and impacts ecosystems. Prepare for a career as a conservation biologist, preserving biodiversity and conserving natural habitats.
The Environmental Policy concentration shapes the future by influencing policies, laws, and regulations that drive sustainable change. Be a guiding force for corporations adopting eco-friendly practices and sustainable strategies.
The Sustainable Solutions concentration integrates business, policy, social science, and technology for a better and more sustainable world.
Apply your knowledge to faculty-led research projects, exploring topics like green energy policy, wetland restoration ecology, and the interactions between freshwater plankton and trace metal elements. Opportunities are open to undergraduates during the school year and summer sessions.
Professional experience is a key component of the program. Choose between a co-op, internship, directed research, or community project. Learn more about co-ops and internships.
In your final year, deliver a capstone project encompassing what you have learned. Projects have focused on topics like the effects of different agricultural practices on soil carbon and nitrogen stocks, community composting potential in Potsdam, and campus carbon sequestration analysis.
Hands-on learning opportunities include the Adirondack Semester program, sustainability global travel courses, and other study-abroad options.
Join a community of creators and innovators through Clarkson’s 200-plus student groups, including the Clarkson Sustainability Club, Engineers for International Sustainability, Garden Club, New York Water Environment Association, Clarkson University Outing Club, and more.
Use elective credits to explore a subdiscipline or related area with a minor:
- Environmental Health Science: Focus on the relationship between chemicals, waste, and human exposure.
- Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering: Learn about the technical, environmental, and policy aspects of sustainable energy systems.
- Sustainable Solutions for the Developing World: Bridge social equity, economic development, and environmental preservation.
- Environmental Policy: Blend policy with environmental science.
- Environmental Science: Explore ecology, sustainability, bioinformatics, microbiology, and hydrology.
HAZWOPER training prepares workers for safe operations during scenarios involving hazardous substances. The 40-hour course covers policies, practices, and procedures to reduce injury and illness risks related to harmful exposures. The 8-hour refresher course is for those who have completed the 40-hour training.
“I heard about Clarkson’s sustainability. I love the environment, and I thought Clarkson would ignite that passion and help me find my path in life.”
- Elise DeVeau ’25
The demand for environmental scientists and specialists is expected to grow over the next decade. Our students begin careers in public agencies, environmental organizations, state or federal government, education, environmental research, green companies, and more.
Potential roles include:
- Environmental Scientist
- Conservation Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Policy Analyst
The curriculum also prepares students for graduate degrees in health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.
Our graduates have found success in both public and private sectors, with recruitment by various organizations, companies, and institutions. Many pursue advanced degrees through Clarkson’s own Environmental Science and Engineering MS and PhD programs and MBA program. Other graduate schools include:
Request Info Apply Now Institute for a Sustainable Environment Email: ise@clarkson.edu Phone: 315-268-3856
Interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability? Contact the Institute for a Sustainable Environment today with your questions.
An interdisciplinary hub for faculty and students, the Institute for a Sustainable Environment focuses on environmental education, sustainable efforts, and research initiatives. It also houses a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the environmental science and policy major.
Institute for a Sustainable Environment Be part of the innovation that will lead us to a more sustainable future. If you see yourself making a difference as an environmental science and sustainability major at Clarkson University, take the next step.
source: clarkson.edu
