Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Environmental Science Program Highlights

Biblical

Your environmental science coursework will be balanced well with a liberal arts curriculum and Cedarville’s Bible minor. Our environmental science faculty members are distinctive in their commitment to biblical integration in the sciences. Each class will challenge you to further develop your biblical foundation and practice of stewardship. This aspect of the program culminates in an Environmental Ethics course that challenges you to a holistic approach to integrating your faith and practice.

Broad Preparation

You will tailor your major based on your professional interests and goals by working with your environmental science academic adviser. We emphasize five core areas of development for all of our students in the program: content knowledge, the scientific process, the nature of science, critical thinking, and stewardship, exposing you to a broad biological background.

Small School Feel with Big University Opportunities

Cedarville is uniquely positioned to offer a “big university” curriculum and experiences while retaining a small school feel, where your professor and adviser know you personally. Cedarville University is a sustaining partner of Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies that widens the scope of our curriculum. Several travel study/study abroad options are also available.

Hands-on and field-based experience — You’ll get hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment for field and lab applications. You’ll also benefit from dedicated labs for each specialty area as well as a wide variety of "field labs," including a 40-acre Prairie Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Cedar Lake, and The Campus Arboretum. Most upper-level courses include an extended field trip to study unique ecosystems such as coastal marshes, sand dunes, and diverse forests.

What Can I Do With a B.S. in Environmental Science?

What can you do with an environmental science degree? There is a wide variety of professional opportunities for environmental science majors, as “environmental science” covers so many professions. About half of our graduates work in a government agency (from local to federal), and the other half work in private industry or environmental education. About one-third of our graduates have gone on to graduate studies, and all that pursued this option have been accepted and are working toward, or have completed, their graduate degree.

The most commonly pursued career paths have been field ecologists, wildlife biologists, park naturalists and educators, environmental scientists in industry, various positions in museums and zoos, and graduate school.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Student Organizations

Student organizations allow you to meet with like-minded fellow students and professionals.

• Pro Terra Forma: A campus-wide group for students interested in environmental stewardship, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
• Omega Tau Kappa: For students interested in environmental science education.
• Great and Small is for students who are interested in veterinary medicine. This student-run organization helps students prepare for advanced education in the veterinary field.
• Biology Club is for students interested in any aspect of biology. This student-run organization emphasizes networking and community service.

Global Outreach (GO)

At Cedarville we know that that spiritual and physical needs of the world are great. Missionary kids are strongly represented in our program, as they have seen these needs firsthand. Many of our students have pursued training in the sciences (agriculture, soil, and water) as well as courses in missions in anticipation of serving abroad. Dr. Mark Gathany has led student teams to the Peruvian Andes to distribute newly translated Quechuan Bibles as well as to Swaziland on a medical missions trip. We also have developed relationships with environmental missions representatives Wycliffe, Samaritan’s Purse, and Christar for students to make connections with and serve.