Creating Globally Aware Citizens
Environmental Science is about exploring and understanding Earth's 4 spheres and how humans interact with those spheres. Elmira College students will learn how to assess soil, air, and water quality as well as ecosystem health. Students will analyze and display this data spatially using ArcGIS Pro to finally disseminate this information to their peers and the broader community. In short, at Elmira College, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to immediately enter the workforce to address and solve modern environmental problems.
The Elmira Way
When you study Environmental Science at Elmira College, you will learn through a combination of theory and practical, hands-on learning that will help you lead among scientists, climate organizations and policy makers. You will get a basis in the fundamentals with more specialized knowledge layered on, including how to analyze environmental issues and think critically about the future of our planet. Students will also complete an internship.
Step Inside Our "Classroom"
Courses of Study
Environmental Science Major
You’ll learn from professors and professionals about the four spheres of the environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. We spend much of our time in the field connecting what we learned in the classroom using applied technology and skills.
Environmental Science Minor
If you're curious about the world we live in and how it all works together, then you should join our professors and professionals who will teach about the four spheres of the environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.
Explore Extracurricular Opportunities
Students can bring their environmental science passion to summer research programs at Elmira or other research-based institutions. As an environmental science student, you will also complete an internship that can help lead you to career opportunities. Previous internships completed by Elmira students include stints at Tanglewood Nature Center, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the New England Aquarium, the New York State Park System and Gerace Research Center.
Discover Scholarships
All Elmira students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and financial aid. There are various ways to finance a private college education, and we want to help you find the solutions that best suit you.
Meet Our Faculty
The faculty at Elmira is always ready to help students elevate their passion for Environmental Science and other relevant topics that are of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered some of the questions we hear the most so you can get the answers right away.
What career opportunities will my Environmental Science degree prepare me for?
You'll find many career paths are open to you at consulting firms, in research groups and in engineering. Students can find work at conservation organizations as well as large corporations that are looking for expertise to improve their climate footprint, such as finding sustainable product manufacturing.
What internship opportunities are available at Elmira?
Environmental science students will complete an internship as part of their curriculum in order to experience a workplace setting and make valuable connections. Students have participated in a variety of roles at places, including Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the New York State Park System, the New England Aquarium and Gerace Research Centre.
Does Elmira offer study abroad?
Yes! Our Term III study abroad programs feature opportunities to learn and grow in new places around the world. Environmental science students can study marine and island ecology in the Bahamas; ecology and environmental issues in Alaska; and island ecology in Hawaii.
What makes Elmira's program unique?
Learning inside and outside the classroom makes studying environmental science at Elmira a unique way to gain knowledge and experience. You’ll have opportunities to see what it means to be working in the field of your choice while you learn from people who have made careers in environmental science.