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DEGREE

Bachelor of Arts

CAREER IDEAS

Aquarist, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Science Professor, Industrial Air Pollution Analyst, Outdoor Education Teacher, Park Naturalist, Urban & Regional Planner, Water Pollution Control Inspector, Zookeeper

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS

Nancy Eveleth Todd, Department Chair

(914) 323-5121
nancy.todd@mville.edu

We live in the age of the human – the anthropocene. Billions of us live on Earth, more today than at any other time. But to survive, to thrive, we must devise solutions to problems past generations never needed to consider. How will we produce enough food for the planet? Where will we find enough energy? And how can we do this all sustainably – so that what we do today doesn’t hurt those who follow us tomorrow? Environmental studies majors everywhere grapple with questions like these. At Manhattanville, though, you’ll get practical experience solving them. At the heart of our Maya Lin-designed Ecoclassroom, built entirely of recycled and green materials, is an Eco-Machine – an all-natural process that filters water from a stream in the northeastern corner of campus. The classroom is part of the Ohnell Environmental Park, an outdoor park that includes a composting project and organic garden. In addition to our renovated greenhouse and new rooftop garden, you’ll conduct experiments in our environmental research and animal husbandry labs.

Overview Requirements Faculty & Staff Pre-Health

It’s one thing to understand the science of sustainability, and protecting the environment; it’s another to know what it takes to implement the policies necessary to get that done. As an environmental studies major, you’ll get the background in both. In addition to classes in chemistry and biology, you’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of politics, sociology, and other disciplines that will shape your vision of the field. This interdisciplinary program combines classroom experience with fieldwork – much of which will take place right on campus within the Ohnell Environmental Park – in addition to off-campus field trips to local reserves and field sites.  

The fieldwork will help prepare you for the research project which will begin your third year and ends with a paper and presentation at the end of your senior year. You will pick a faculty advisor, and conduct research alongside a faculty mentor during your final year.  

The Biology Department has a strict Honor Code for students, which covers academic and personal conduct in classes, labs, and departmental activities.