B.S. in Environmental Science at USP

B.S. in Environmental Science at USP
Why USP?
Your Life in Environmental Science
Your Future in Environmental Science
Hands-on Learning at USP
Learn from the Best
The USP Environmental Science Curriculum
Professional Connections in Environmental Science
For more information...

Are you concerned about how industrialization and human disturbances impact the environment? Would you like to help create a healthier world for future generations? The environmental science major at USP will provide you with an understanding of both the scientific and technical aspects of the profession.

Why USP?

Offered for the first time in 1998, USP's Bachelor of Science program in environmental science prepares students for rewarding careers in this booming field. You'll acquire a strong foundation in natural science enhanced with coursework in the applied sciences. In addition, you'll learn innovative techniques used to address some of the world's most troubling environmental problems by engaging in a wide range of hands-on opportunities, including:

• Faculty-directed undergraduate research in many different aspects of science, starting as early as your sophomore year. USP's ideal location allows you to study both urban and natural environments. Our campus is situated within a short driving distance of marine, freshwater, and woodland habitats.
• Laboratory experiments in cell biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and biochemistry.
• Summer internships offering valuable practical work experience in the field.
• Field experiences such as environmental analysis of local streams, ecological assessments in the Pine Barrens, and trips to local natural history museums and arboretums.
• A demonstration garden/outdoor classroom in which students can learn about management of a watershed in an urban environment.

Your Life as an Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists conduct research to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect people, wildlife, and their environments. They analyze and report measurements and observations of air, water, soil, and other sources to make recommendations on how best to clean and preserve the environment. They often use their skills and knowledge to:

• Protect habitats and the wildlife that use them
• Offer advice on construction and land use projects
• Conduct research to eliminate pollutants
• Design and monitor waste disposal sites
• Preserve water supplies through watershed management

Not-for-profit environmental companies account for 70 percent of the industry. Some environmentalists find employment with federal, state, and local governments; at colleges and universities; and within the private sector.

In addition, a B.S. degree in environmental science from USP will prepare you for further academic training in such areas as environmental risk assessment, environmental law, environmental toxicology, and environmental sciences. Many of our graduates pursue graduate or professional school. USP ranks in the top 11% of 1,150 comparable institutions whose undergraduates have gone on to complete a doctoral degree in the sciences, according to the National Science Foundation. In addition, we rank second in the number of graduates who went on to receive advanced degrees in the medical sciences, according to the NSF.

Your Future in Environmental Science

Around the world, constant growth in population has caused natural resources to dwindle and public health to deteriorate, resulting is a high demand for environmental science professionals. The field has become increasingly technical in recent years and needs scientifically competent individuals to help restore and maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Because of this, employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. The continuing need for companies and organizations to comply with environmental laws and regulations will create more job opportunities.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of environmental scientists are $44,180 with the highest 10 percent earning more than $73,790.

Hands-on Learning at USP

The environmental science program at USP is designed around hands-on learning. In addition to the opportunities highlighted above (see Why USP section), you'll also be able to explore issues in environmental science as part of our faculty's ongoing research. Most science faculty are actively engaged in research.

Learn from the Best

Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry teach most of the courses for environmental sciences.  Faculty expertise includes the areas of:

• Environmental biology
• Environmental toxicology
• Environmental microbiology
• Ecology
• Aquatic biology
• Analytical methods

Practicing experts in industry and governmental agencies teach courses in environmental geology, risk assessment, and geology.

You'll learn from experts such as:

• Alison Mostrom, Ph.D., who co-teaches Ecology, a required course for all environmental science majors, and environmental science electives. Her research interests include conservation of neotropical migratory species in Pennsylvania, social behavior and communication of Carolina chickadees in Pennsylvania, and social behavior of an orb-weaving spider in Mexico.
• James Pierce, Ph.D., who teaches Genetics, another required course. His research interests include the use of molecular biotechnology and bioinformatics in basic and applied research projects.
• John Porter, Ph.D., who teaches Biological Sciences Seminar I and II, also a requirement. His research interests include secondary product and drug production by plants and enhancement through plant tissue, cell, and organ cultures; screening of plant/fungal extracts for anti-microbial activities; and plant-microbe interactions.
• Kenneth Thomulka, Ph.D., whose research interests include environmental effects on the biochemical and genetic regulation of bioluminescence in Vibrio and Photo bacteria.
• Kevin Wolbach, program director, who teaches Environmental Biology, Aquatic Biology, and co-teaches Ecology. His research interests include community ecology of aquatic environments in the northeast United States.

The environmental science curriculum is designed to give you a strong scientific background with a foundation in humanities and social sciences. You will be encouraged to participate in independent study or directed research. In addition, you will be involved in an environment-related summer internship or job between your third and fourth years.

• Biological Sciences Orientation
• Introductory Biology I and II
• General Chemistry I and II
• Math Analysis I and II
• College Composition
• Introduction to Literature
• Physical Education I and II

• Biological Sciences Colloquium
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Introductory Physics I and II
• Basics of Microbiology
• Intellectual Heritage I and II
• Social Science Requirements
• Comparative Animal Physiology or Environmental Biology

Third Year

• Environmental Microbiology
• Environmental Geology
• Comparative Animal Physiology or Environmental Biology
• Genetics
• Molecular Structure in Biochemistry
• Intermediary Metabolic Biochemistry
• Analytical Methods in Toxicology and Clinical Chemistry
• Biostatistics
• Introduction to Communication
• Electives
• Core Distribution Requirements

Fourth Year

• Biology Seminar
• Aquatic Biology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Principles of Environmental Risk Assessment
• Environmental Law
• Ecology
• Core and other Electives
• Core Distribution Requirement

Professional Connections in Environmental Science

You'll have the opportunity to participate in the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Beta Sigma Chapter. AIBS is a national, nonprofit, scientific organization open for membership to individuals interested in the life sciences. You'll develop connections with other students through seminars by visiting scientists; trips to museums including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Natural History in New York, and The Baltimore Aquarium; and weekend natural history outings to the Brandywine area, Hawk Mountain, and the New Jersey Pinelands.

For more information.

To learn more about the Environmental Science program, contact the Admission Office at 1-888-996-USIP (8747), e-mail admit@usip.edu, or fill out our online information request form.

Misher College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Admission