Environmental Science

Environmental Science Overview

Alma mater of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson ’29, Chatham University is on the forefront of environmental studies. The environmental science major provides students with an interdisciplinary, scientific perspective to help them develop an evidence-based approach to environmental challenges. Employment for environmental scientists is projected to grow 8% through 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations partially due to energy, climate change, and infrastructure challenges.

Degrees Offered

Program School

Falk School of Sustainability & Environment

Environmental science and sustainability are natural partners. Scientists gather and analyze the data to assess how our natural systems are functioning, and sustainability specialists coordinate that information to generate sustainable, innovative, and equitable answers to today’s environmental, economic, and social justice challenges.

— LINDA MK JOHNSON, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of environmental science department

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Eden Hall Campus

Located 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, Chatham’s 388-acre Eden Hall Campus is a campus and living and learning laboratory, offering research and on-campus employment opportunities involving food and sustainable agriculture, water, energy and climate, and community health.

Explore Eden Hall Campus

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Concentrations & Curriculum

Students can customize their experience by selecting one of two concentrations: Earth Science or Conservation Science. Enroll in foundational biology, chemistry, ecology, climate science, and geology courses, coupled with skills-based courses (statistics, GIS) and labs. Explore the curriculum progression and available courses by clicking the button below.

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Funding Opportunities

Chatham University offers many scholarships and grants to incoming first-year students, including the Rachel Carson Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship renewable for four years, and the Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award, a national award that includes a $2,500 scholarship to Chatham.

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Program Faculty

Chatham's Environmental Science faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way.

Meet the Faculty

The Science Complex

Shadyside Campus's Buhl Science Complex is a 10,000 square-foot laboratory building, which features a range of modern analytical equipment. Majors in environmental science take chemistry and microbiology classes there with faculty member experts in those fields.

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Choosing a Minor

Chatham's minors allow students to explore interests outside of their major, advance their professional goals, and gain essential insight from experienced faculty. Expand your options with a minor in areas such as botany, chemistry, data science, economics, or sustainability.

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Integrated Degree Program

Qualified students can choose to enroll in an integrated degree program, combining their undergraduate degree in environmental science with a Master of Sustainability or Master of Arts in Food Studies degree, graduating with both in as few as five years.

Integrated Degree Program Info