Environmental Science B.S. / Minor

Build the lab, field, and analytical skills that a fast-growing environmental workforce is hiring for.

Manhattan University's STEM-designated Environmental Science program brings chemistry, biology, physics, and field study together in one interdisciplinary degree. You will work closely with faculty mentors on real research, build hands-on experience through internships across New York City, and graduate ready to address pollution, climate change, and resource demands.

Credit Hours
120
Time to Complete
4 Years
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This program is part of Biology

This program is part of Chemistry & Biochemistry

What Set's Us Apart

The Manhattan University Difference

What Sets Us Apart

The Environmental Science program at Manhattan University prepares you to understand the natural world and solve the problems threatening it. Grounded in biology, chemistry, physics, and policy, this STEM-designated, interdisciplinary degree pairs rigorous science with hands-on research, fieldwork, and faculty mentorship in small classes, all minutes from New York City.

STEM-Designated Degree

Environmental Science is a STEM-designated program, reflecting its rigorous, science-intensive curriculum and signaling strong preparation to employers and graduate schools.

Interdisciplinary by Design

The program draws on biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and policy, giving you the cross-disciplinary perspective that real environmental problems demand.

Hands-On Research

 You are encouraged to pursue independent research, working side by side with faculty mentors and presenting your findings beyond the classroom.

Fieldwork Across NYC

New York City and the Bronx become your laboratory, from urban waterways and parks to the agencies and labs that study and manage them.

Faculty Mentorship

Small classes mean professors know you by name, guiding your course of study and research as your interests grow more specialized.

Built on Sustainability

Through the CURES center and a focus on urban resilience, you study sustainability and environmental justice where they matter most.

 

Why Study Environmental Science
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The Manhattan Advantage

Why Study Environmental Science at Manhattan University?

At Manhattan University, Environmental Science students gain the scientific depth, hands-on experience, and individual mentorship needed to take on the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Our interdisciplinary program pairs rigorous coursework in the natural sciences with research, fieldwork, and internships across New York City, preparing you to understand the natural environment and solve real problems for the communities that depend on it.

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Growing plant, earth day, in an environmental concept rendering
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Degree Program Options

Choose Your Degree Path

Environmental Science is offered as a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, and a minor, so you can match the credential to your goals, whether that is graduate school, a technical career, or pairing environmental expertise with another field.

Bachelor of Science

The most science-intensive path, at 128 to 131 credits, the B.S. builds on the full interdisciplinary core and adds advanced inorganic chemistry and a chemical research requirement. It is the strongest preparation for graduate study or technical careers in the field.

Bachelor of Arts

At 124 to 126 credits, the B.A. keeps the complete interdisciplinary science core while leaving more room for electives, making it a good fit if you want to combine environmental science with policy, communication, or a second area of interest.

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Curriculum & Courses

Academics

Curriculum & Courses

Explore courses that build the scientific, analytical, and field skills used in environmental science today, spanning the natural sciences, environmental health, law, and policy.

To view the whole curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.

  • Analytical Chemistry Lecture
  • Applied Statistics
  • Ecology & Evolution Lecture
  • Environmental Law
  • Environmental Politics
  • Environmental Science I & II
  • Hazardous Waste Management
  • Intro to Environmental Science
  • Introduction to Environmental Health
  • Sustainable Development
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes

A 17-credit sequence in environmental science and general chemistry, with at least ten credits completed at Manhattan University. It complements majors across the sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities for students who want environmental fluency alongside their primary field of study.

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Experiential Learning

Hands-On Learning

As an Environmental Science student, you work with experts in the field both on and off campus. You plan your course of study in close cooperation with a faculty advisor, and you are encouraged to pursue an independent research project as an essential part of your education.

Manhattan University is home to the Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability (CURES)

  • Support research in the environmental science field
  • Bring speakers to campus to promote discussion
  • Partner with local outreach organizations
  • Promote urban resilience, sustainability, and environmental justice

CURES also hosts a summer internship in urban agriculture, where students learn about urban farming by maintaining the University's rooftop garden on the Broadway parking garage.

Off campus, Environmental Science students have interned with organizations and departments such as the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Groundwork Hudson Valley, environmental consulting firms, county health departments, drinking water plants, county conservation districts, and botanical gardens and zoos.

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Planting scene with fresh sprout. Hands supporting new life in soil.

Environmental Science: Turn Science Into Solutions.

At Manhattan University, Environmental Science students gain the technical skills, hands-on experience, and individual mentorship needed to take on the environmental challenges shaping our future. Our program blends rigorous, lab-based science with real-world application across New York City, preparing you to lead with knowledge, confidence, and impact.

Lab and Field Training

Because so much of the program is science-based, you learn to use modern lab and field instrumentation, computer applications, and statistical techniques.

Urban Agriculture Internship

Through CURES, you can spend the summer learning urban farming while maintaining the University's rooftop garden in the Bronx.

Professional Internships

Students have interned with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consulting firms, and conservation districts.

Built for Graduate Study

A research-rich, science-intensive foundation prepares B.S. graduates for graduate and professional programs in the environmental sciences and beyond.

A Growing Field

As the nation's focus on the environment grows, so does demand for environmental scientists, opening a robust and expanding job market.

Science Meets Policy

Electives in environmental law, politics, and sustainable development connect your science to the policy decisions that shape the planet.

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Why Study in New York City

New York City is one of the most demanding and instructive environments in the world for environmental science. From the Bronx and the Hudson River to the city's parks, watersheds, and aging infrastructure, you study real ecosystems and real environmental challenges up close. Manhattan University connects you to the agencies, research centers, consulting firms, and nonprofits working to protect the region's air, water, and land, through internships, fieldwork, and partnerships that turn coursework into experience. You graduate with the applied skills, professional network, and perspective needed to lead in one of the nation's most complex urban environments.

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Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates are equipped to pursue careers across science, consulting, government, education, and policy that turn environmental knowledge into action. The field's central occupation, environmental scientists and specialists, earned a median annual wage of $80,060 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034 and about 8,500 openings each year over the decade. Related paths range widely in focus and pay, from environmental engineers at a median of $104,170 to conservation scientists at $67,950, and many graduates go on to graduate or professional study.

  • Agricultural and Food Scientist
  • Atmospheric Scientist
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Educator
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Geoscientist
  • Hydrologist
  • Toxicologist
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
  • Wildlife Biologist
Department Faculty

Learn From Scientists Who Mentor

At Manhattan University, Environmental Science faculty work closely with students as their interests grow more specialized, guiding each student's course of study and partnering with them on research. In small classes, you learn from scientists who are invested in your development as a researcher and a professional, not just your coursework.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty

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The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.

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Costs & Aid

Program Costs & Financial Aid

Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.

More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.

A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.

Learn More About Costs and Financial Aid

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A Smarter Investment in Your Future

Jasper Guarantee

At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.

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Admission Information

Admissions Information for Manhattan University

Start Your Journey in Environmental Science
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward your degree.

Requirements:

  • Application & transcript
  • SAT/ACT optional
  • Personal statement
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Deadlines:

  • Early Action: November 15
  • Regular Decision: February 1

Admission and Application Process

International Students:

Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.

Learn More about International Financial Aid

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Prepare for the Real World

At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.

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