Environmental Science

The Environmental Science degree integrates the scientific disciplines of Geology, Chemistry, and Biology to provide you with a strong framework from which to analyze environmental problems and develop effective and sustainable solutions.

With a B.S. in Environmental Science, you will have the ability to pursue both laboratory and field careers in government, industry, and the non-profit sector. Students are also well prepared for graduate study.

Core courses in Environmental Science give you training in areas that are directly relevant to jobs available in the environmental sector.

Highlights of the Environmental Science Degree

• Participate in Pathways to Science and Science Colloquium, which introduce you to guest scientists in academia and industry to expose you to the numerous opportunities available beyond Castleton
• Supplement your learning with access to our state-of-the-art instrumentation in our teaching and research labs
• Take advantage of the outside, natural laboratory in your lab, and travel courses. Labs may bring you to the array of natural ecosystems across Vermont, while travel courses visit places like the Mojave Desert, Belize, Iceland, or St. John's, among other locations

Research in Environmental Science

Many Environmental Science majors elect to participate in either internships or independent research in their field of study during their time at Castleton.

Our faculty have diverse research interests. Some of this research is funded externally through grants awarded to our faculty where students have the opportunity to work intensively with faculty over the summer months and get paid a stipend.

Students wishing to pursue graduate school are strongly encouraged to work with faculty on independent projects. Some of the recent student research related to Environmental Science include:

• Establishing a discharge gauge in the Castleton River
• Monitoring nutrient export in the Castleton River
• Characterizing dissolved organic matter via fluorescence, determination of the indirect photochemical decay of BPA
• Measurement of primary productivity in-situ
• Survey of salamanders in various habitats
• Effects of household cleaners on aquatic organism mortality

Nearly all of our Environmental Science students that participate in research present their work at the Annual Castleton Scholars Celebration and at various regional and national conferences.

Advanced Career Preparation

The Environmental Science program prepares you for graduate degree programs in related environmental fields such as toxicology, hydrology, systems ecology, plant ecology, water chemistry, and numerous other possible options.

Students who are interested in pursuing graduate training in environmental engineering should also consider a dual major in mathematics. Recently, our students have moved on to master's programs, law school, and to various state park agencies.

Careers With an Environmental Science Degree

Our graduates have been successful in both graduate school and finding employment with employers such as Positive Energy, Eastern Analytical, and Virginia State Parks.

Other graduates have been very successful in getting their master’s degree paid for via teaching and research assistantships. One recent graduate attended Vermont Law School to continue her career as a steward for our fragile environment.

Agreement with Norwich University

All graduates in Environmental Science that earn a GPA of 2.75 or higher (and meet all minimum requirements of the agreement) are guaranteed admission and discounted tuition to the Norwich University Master of Civil Engineering program (including Environmental/Water Resources Engineering).