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
Christopher J. Pappas, Department Chair
(914) 323-1276
christopher.pappas@mville.edu
The Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability Major is an interdisciplinary major that examines environmental issues from a variety of disciplines. Students will take foundational classes in biology, ecology and chemistry in order to understand the scientific basis of global climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and human impact on our environments. Electives will focus on societal and cultural aspects of these problems, as well as historical causes, consequences, and policy responses to important environmental issues. The program also draws insights from the humanities and the social sciences to provide students with interdisciplinary critical thinking skills. The Environmental Studies and Sustainability major provides students with the capacity to understand sustainability but also the tools to effect positive changes for the future of our Earth.
Overview
Designed for action-oriented students, our B.A. in Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability emphasizes the scientific understanding of our current environmental challenges and how to implement necessary policies to bring about effective change. Because of this attention to the science of sustainability, the humanities, and social sciences, students majoring in environmental studies will be well versed in both the scientific and the socio-political implications of climate change.
In addition to traditional coursework, students participate in fieldwork to gain invaluable hands-on experience and follow where their academic interests may lead. Fieldwork takes place both on and off campus at Manhattanville’s Ohnell Environmental Park and local reserves and field sites.
For the culmination of their environmental studies bachelor’s degree, students use their fieldwork experience in a final research project. Guided by a faculty mentor, students complete a research paper and presentation during their final year in the environmental studies program.
Requirements
The environmental studies major begins with fundamental classes in biology, ecology, and chemistry to provide a strong scientific foundation and comprehensive understanding of current ecological matters such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Along with Manhattanville’s general education requirements, an environmental studies degree includes 13 required courses, comprised of the following:
- Five major courses
- One statistics course
- One environmental studies course
- One global studies course
- One history course
- One social movement course
- One ethics and values course
- Two education and sustainability courses
Students are also required to take one independent study course in the following subject areas:
- Biology
- Global and International Studies
- History
- Sociology
Review complete B.A. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability degree requirements.
Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability Courses
Backed by a diverse curriculum, students have many opportunities to develop a thorough understanding of how various disciplines influence the field of environmental studies and sustainability. In the environmental studies degree program, students can take courses such as:
- Endangered Earth: Understanding Environmental Pollution
- Global Environmentalism
- Environmental Chemistry
- Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication
- Global Media
- Globalization and Social Change
- Art and Architecture of the Medieval World: Europe, North Africa, Asia
- Arts of Africa, Oceania & Native Americas
- History of Global Cinema I and II
- Interest Groups & Social Movements
- Urban Sociology
- Sociology of Food
- Environmental Social Movements
- Law, Rights, and Morality
- Pagans
- The End of the World
For a complete list, review course offerings in our environmental studies bachelor’s program.
Pre-Health and Related Programs
Along with the environmental studies bachelor’s degree and minor option, Manhattanville offers the following related bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the sciences and liberal arts:
- B.S. in Environmental Science
- B.A./B.S. in Biology
- B.A. in Global and International Studies
- M.S. in Biomedical Science
Review a complete list of Manhattanville program offerings.
Pre-Health Track for Environmental Studies Majors
For students interested in pursuing a career as a health professional after completing their bachelor’s degree, Manhattanville offers a Pre-Health pathway to aid in your graduate school preparation. Students take fundamental classes and receive professional development from faculty mentors who will guide them through the interview and application process.
For further information, review the Pre-Health program details.
Minors
For undergraduates looking to customize their educational experience, there are a series of minors that students can pair with the flexible environmental studies and sustainability major, such as:
- Minor in Biology
- Minor in Environmental Studies
- Minor in Chemistry
Degree Outcomes and Careers
Students who earn their bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and sustainability develop versatile critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary knowledge, making them strong candidates for career opportunities such as:
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Science Professor
- Aquarist
- Park Naturalist
- Urban & Regional Planners
- Industrial Air Pollution Analyst
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Zookeeper
Full-time Faculty
Wendy J. McFarlane
Christopher Pappas
Nancy E. Todd
Anna Yeung-Cheung
A. Mia Heissan
Jorge Cardenas
Robert Derrell
Laurence Krute
Elizabeth Cherry
Eric Slater
David Gutman
Lisa Rafanelli
David Lugowski
Deborah Saleeby-Mulligan
P.L. Gardella
Hephzibah Strmic-Pawl
Lucilla Pan
Siobhan Nash-Marshall
Adjunct Faculty
Lucia Maestro Martinez
Anne Meore
Sunera Rahman
Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information.
Division Chair: Christopher J. Pappas, Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu, (914) 323-1276
Admissions and Aid
Depending on whether you are a first-year college student or transferring from another institution, the admission requirements and processes can vary. Please contact our Admissions team for additional information.
To start planning for your degree, review complete financial aid, tuition, and scholarship information.
Earn an Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability Degree at Manhattanville College
Manhattanville’s Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability major equips students with
a scientific, socio-political, and historical understanding of the present environmental challenges so they can initiate the change needed to protect and restore our earth.
If you’re ready to learn more about our interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and sustainability, request more information. Or, if you are eager to apply, start your application today!