Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is located in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES). The Environmental Science major capitalizes on the unique partnership between Drexel and the Academy of Natural Sciences, America’s oldest natural history museum. Students in the department work alongside renowned faculty, gaining hands-on experience that will prepare them for careers or graduate school in environmental science and related fields.

The Environmental Science Degree Curriculum & Major Requirements

The environmental science major allows students to pursue a concentration of interest, while receiving an overall breadth of knowledge from the core courses in the discipline. The following concentrations are available:

• Biodiversity and Evolution
• Ecology and Conservation
• Environmental Science

The first two concentrations — Biodiversity and Evolution and Ecology and Conservation — represent areas of combined expertise of researchers at Drexel and the Academy. The Environmental Science concentration is a more generalized track for students who are not sure of their career goals and want a broader diversity of training in the environmental sciences.

Each concentration will include four required courses and 15 credits (at least five courses) to be selected from concentrations across the major. The curriculum for all majors — no matter which concentration they choose — also includes 24 credits of free electives, allowing students to pursue minors in other disciplines around the university, if interested.

Learn More About the Environmental Science Degree in the Course Catalog

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Drexel University emphasizes experiential learning for all students with global research partnerships, field sites and state-of-the-art facilities. There are numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience from day one: from the first-year STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program to research co-ops and assistantships. Students benefit from the mentorship and instruction of top scientists from Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences and the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science.

Drexel Environmental Science Co‑op

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, students embark on up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment, exploring their career options, strengthening their resumes and building a professional network in the process.

Below is a sample list of co-op positions and employers of past BEES students:

• Corporate Sustainability Analyst, Philadelphia Zoo
• Environmental Engineer/Geologist Co-op, GEI Consultants, Inc.
• Environmental Specialist Trainee, State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
• Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy, Food & Water Watch
• Lab Assistant, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science
• Project Management Assistant, Atlantic Environmental Solutions, Inc.
• Technical Service Laboratory Technician, Evonik Oil Additives
• Veterinary Assistant, Pet Vet Animal Clinic
• And Many More!

Learn More About Drexel's Co-op Program

Three days prior to orientation, incoming freshmen are invited to participate in a Pre-Term Field Experience at the Barnegat Bay field station in Waretown, New Jersey. This unique opportunity provides a sneak peek ito academic life and a jumpstart on building lasting friendships with classmates and professors in the Environmental Science major.

Learn more about the Pre-term Field Experience

DISCOVER CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Students with an Environmental Science degree have many options for careers post-graduation. These careers include positions like:

• Ecologist
• Sustainability Consultant
• Resource Manager
• Environmental Researcher
• Conservation Officer

Learn More About Job Opportunities with an Environmental Science Degree