Shields Science Center
The Shields Science Center is a $34 million, 89,000-square-footstate-of-the-art science center where students use equipment normally available only to graduate students.
Environmental Sciences & Studies Department
The Environmental Sciences & Studies Department offers a B.S. and B.A. degree. Both recognize the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of today’s environmental issues and prepare students to understand and protect the natural world.
Adam Ziegler ’21 Conducts Research on Effects of Climate Change
Stonehill’s Adam Ziegler ’21 spent this summer conducting research aimed at protecting and ensuring the future of a rare coral wilderness through a SEA Semester summer program.
Program Options Provide Career Flexibility
Students interested in environmental issues have three degree options available to them. The bachelor of science in environmental science degree is weighted toward the natural sciences, while the bachelor of arts in environmental studies degree focuses on the social sciences and humanities.
Stonehill also offers a 3+2 Engineering program in collaboration with The University of Notre Dame. Students in the program receive a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Stonehill College and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Earth Sciences from the University of Notre Dame.
Students have the opportunity to tailor their degree to suit their career and personal goals through course selection, internships, direct studies and research with faculty members.
Degree Options
The B.S. in Environmental Science is a degree designed to prepare students for entry-level work as environmental scientists and graduate programs in environmental science or environmental management. Twenty courses are required: sixteen in natural science/mathematics (including the senior capstone), three in the humanities/social sciences, and a senior seminar taken concurrently with the senior capstone.
The B.A. in Environmental Studies degree provides emphasis on the social sciences and humanities. This degree serves as solid preparation for entry-level work in the non-science areas of the environmental field, as well as for admission into graduate school in such areas (environmental policy, management, sustainability, etc.). Thirteen courses are required, including five courses in natural sciences and five courses in the social sciences/humanities. Course requirements also include completion of a senior capstone and participation in a senior seminar in spring of the senior year.
The Environmental Sciences & Studies minor provides introductory knowledge in the environmental field, as well as the opportunity to connect the program to one’s major. The minor requires six courses.
Stonehill offers an Engineering program in collaboration with The University of Notre Dame.
Students in the 3+2 Engineering Program can receive a B.S. in Environmental Science from Stonehill College and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Earth Sciences from the University of Notre Dame.
Seeing my professors and what their passions are and seeing how much fun they are having and how much they enjoy what they are doing inspires me to find what my passions are.
Campus Resources
Marine Studies Consortium
Stonehill is a member of the Marine Studies Consortium, a group of universities and colleges offering several marine-related courses throughout the Boston area.
Environmental Awareness Groups
Environmental Stewardship Council
Made up of representatives from across campus including students and faculty, ESC is charged with developing, recommending and maintaining a series of sustainability goals and improving the effort to reduce Stonehill’s carbon footprint.
Food Truth
An organization dedicated to pursuing change related to the social and ecological dimensions of food.
Students for Environmental Action
SEA promotes the awareness of environmental issues that affect both the Stonehill Community and the global environment.
Stonehill Enactus
Stonehill Enactus works to bring together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the use of business principles and business models. The club promotes the awareness of business opportunities to address and solve social problems by creating outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living.
Career Outcomes
Stonehill’s graduates go on to work at a range of notable organizations. Continue exploring where our graduates work.
Sample Courses
Research Methods in Environmental Science (WID)
ENV 201
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and practice the research skills required of today's environmental scientists. Working in the lab and field, students will learn to safely identify, collect, analyze and report on key variables from a variety of environmental systems including rivers, forests and wetlands.
Environmental Ethics
ENV 270
This course considers traditional ethics and contemporary, radical approaches to discern the "good" in human-nature relations. Students engage in collaborative projects that engage the campus in changing behavior to better meet the relevant ethical good.
Wildlife Conservation
ENV 340
Wildlife conservation is one of humanity’s most complex challenges. Making well-informed management decisions that consider both ecological and human dimensions is imperative. In this course we’ll explore the human dimensions of wildlife management - how human values, attitudes, and actions affect biodiversity conservation.
Climate Science
ENV 350
An overview of the Earth's climate system, including major physical and chemical components and interactions. Students will acquire the scientific perspective necessary to competently assess issues related to current climate change concerns.
Introduction to Oceanography
ENV 360
This course is designed to be a fundamental introduction to ocean sciences. Students will explore the physical and biological processes that govern the ocean's circulation and marine life. Topics include waves and currents, marine life and ecosystems, tides, beach erosion and the way the ocean is being affected by global climate change.
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Sara Boukdad ’15, capitalized on her opportunity to earn degrees in environmental science and environmental engineering through Stonehill’s 3+2 Dual-degree partnership with the University of Notre Dame.
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Ali Johnson ’16 and classmate Kate Morneault ’16 became the first students to take advantage of Stonehill’s new affiliation with the renowned Sea Education Association (SEA).
Contact us with any questions.
Kristin C. Burkholder
Chair of Environmental Sciences & Studies, Environmental Sciences & Studies Department Chair
Env. Sciences & Studies