Undergraduate

Environmental Science

Students who pursue an environmental science degree at Assumption University share a concern for the welfare of our planet. Be inspired and pursue an impactful career in environmental science by studying the environment and the effects of biological systems on the environment.

Environmental Science Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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Degrees Offered

B.S.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Biological and Physical Sciences

Program Overview

Human impact on the environment has been evident since the beginning of civilization and has proceeded at an ever-accelerating rate from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Human activities have affected the soil, water, vegetation, climate, animal life, and even the surface of the earth itself. An awareness of environmental deterioration has forced us to seek remedies. Thus, there is a need for individuals trained to recognize, quantify, and seek solutions for environmental problems.

This program provides you a broad foundation in the fundamentals of environmental science, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students who pursue an Environmental Science degree choose a specialization that enhances their understanding of resource conservation, environmental policy, and the effect of toxic materials on ecosystems. Students interested in this major are eligible to take courses off campus through the Massachusetts Marine Studies Consortium, the Duke University Marine Biology Consortium, and the Colleges of Worcester Consortium

Program Contact

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry

508-767-7209 bniece@assumption.edu Testa Science Center - Room 209

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

Major in Environmental Science

As an environmental science major, you can take 17 courses in ecology, chemistry, biology, and geography. In addition, you may specialize in areas that include resource conservation, environmental policy and the effects of toxic materials. This academic discipline prepares graduates for a career in teaching, law, government agencies, industry, the health sciences or graduate school.

REQUIRED COURSES (17)

Environmental science majors should take CHE 131 and BIO 160 in their first semester.

ENV 150	Introduction to Environmental Science
ENV 480	Environmental Science Seminar
BIO 160	Concepts in Biology
BIO 360	Ecology
CHE 131–132	General Chemistry I and II (Note CHE132 requires MAT114 or higher as a pre-requisite.)
CHE 201–202	Organic Chemistry I and II
CHE 318	Environmental Chemistry
PHY 201–202	Physics I and II
MAT 117/MAT 132	Calculus I OR Honors Calculus I
ECO 115/PSY 224	Statistics OR Statistics

One of the Following

GEO 101	Physical Oceanography
GEO 103	Introduction to Meteorology
BIO 260	Bioinformatics
PHY 213	Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving
ENV 350	Wetlands (consortium); Limnology/Aquatic Ecology (consortium)

One of the Following

BIO 220	Invertebrate Zoology
BIO 230	Plant Botany
BIO 250	Microbiology
BIO 350	Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation

One of the Following

ECO 235	Environmental Economics
GEO 134	Conservation of Natural Resources
GEO 252	Land Use and Planning Law
POL 321	Public Policy
ENV 260	Water Resources Planning and Management
ENV 280	Coastal Zone Management (consortium)

One Additional 300 or Above Elective

Students can choose from courses listed above which haven’t fulfilled a section requirement, as well as ENV 491 Environmental Science Independent Study, CHE 315 Analytical Chemistry, CHE 450 Instrumental Analysis, BIO310 Animal Behavior, or an approved Worcester consortium course.

Course Descriptions

Environmental Science with a Concentration in Environmental Policy

This concentration introduces students to the principles and theories used to develop public policies for the conservation of natural resources. The program is designed for students who hope to make a substantial contribution to the development of green technologies and a sustainable environment. The concentration combines rigorous coursework in environmental science with interdisciplinary studies in environmental policy. After graduation, individuals with this concentration can pursue graduate study in Environmental Science or seek employment in government agencies or industry (see the Assumption University/Duke University programs described above for an example of the type of graduate programs that environmental science majors may pursue). The major is also excellent preparation for a career in teaching, law, or the health sciences. Ideally, students should take CHE 131 and ENV 150 in the fall semester of their first year and CHE 132 and BIO 160 in the spring. Students should choose the remaining required courses in consultation with their academic advisor. Students who choose this major after their first year should consult their academic advisor before registering for classes.

Required Courses (17)

ENV 150	Introduction to Environmental Science
ENV 480	Environmental Science Seminar
BIO 160	Concepts of Biology
BIO 360	Ecology
CHE 131–132	General Chemistry I and II (Note: MAT 114 is a pre-requisite for CHE 132)
CHE 201–202	Organic Chemistry I and II
CHE 318	Environmental Chemistry
MAT 117/MAT 131	Calculus I OR Honors Calculus I
PHY 201–202	Physics I and II
ECO 115/PSY 224	Statistics OR Statistics
ECO 235	Environmental Economics
GEO 134	Conservation of Natural Resources
POL 321	Public Policy

One Additional Course

GEO 108	World Population Issues
GEO 252	Land Use and Planning Law

An environmental policy course approved by the Department of Natural Sciences chairperson. This course can come from the offerings at Assumption, the Massachusetts Marine Biology Consortium, the Duke University Marine Biology Consortium, or the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECCMA). Consult your advisor for more information.

Course Descriptions

Minor in Environmental Science

Students may expand their study of environmental problems with a Minor in Environmental Science. This program will appeal to students who have an interest in the science behind environmental issues.

Required Courses

ENV 150	Introduction to Environmental Science
BIO 160	Concepts in Biology
1 200 level course	from Section A
1 300 level course	from Section A
1 course	from Section B
ENV 480	Environmental Science Seminar

Section A

BIO 220	Invertebrate Zoology
BIO 230/BIO 350	Botany Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation
BIO 360/CHE 318	Ecology/Environmental Chemistry
ENV 350	Wetlands
ENV 491	Independent Study in Environmental Science

Section B

GEO 101	Physical Oceanography
GEO 103	Introduction to Meteorology
GEO 134	Conservation of Natural Resources
GEO 252	Land Use and Planning Law
ECO 235	Environmental Economics
ENV 260	Water Resources Planning and Management (consortium)
ENV 280	Coastal Zone Management (consortium)

Course Descriptions

Minor in Environmental Studies

Encompassing a number of disciplines—including economics, science, ecology, sociology, and politics—Assumption’s Environmental Studies program looks at the complex ways in which man and nature affect one another, the problems that can cause, and how we can solve them. Building off a foundation in fields like biology, chemistry, and oceanography, the program analyzes issues like land use policy, environmental economics, and conservation.

As a multidisciplinary program, Environmental Studies offers students the broad base of skills and knowledge they’ll need for a variety of careers. An Environmental Studies minor is an ideal complement to students studying political science, economics, the natural sciences, or sociology.

Required Courses (6)

ENV 150

Introduction to Environmental Science

Section A choose (1) one of the following (may be taken with or without a lab)

ENV 120	Environmental History of New England
BIO 160	Concepts in Biology
CHE 105	Chemistry in Modern Society
CHE 131	General Chemistry

Section B choose (4) of the following

GEO 101	Physical Oceanography
GEO 103	Introduction to Meteorology
GEO 108	World Population Issues
GEO 134	Conservation of Natural Resources
GEO 252	Land Use and Planning Law
ECO 235	Environmental Economics
ENV 260	Water Resources Planning and Management, available through the Marine Studies Consortium
OR
ENV 280	Coastal Zone Management, available through the Marine Studies Consortium

Course Descriptions

Faculty

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Professor of Chemistry

Karolina Fučíková, Ph.D Assistant Professor of Biology

Owen D. Sholes, Ph.D

Adjunct Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

American Airlines

American Cancer Society

Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Biogen Idec, Inc.

Eli Lilly and Company

Genzyme

Harvard University

Hasbro Children's Hospital

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

Massachusetts General Hospital

National Science Foundation

National Institutes of Health

Mosaic Technologies

Pfizer, Inc.

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Waters Corporation

Lina Nguyen

Environmental Science 2017
QC Analyst I, Nitto Avecia

I am grateful to the wonderful professors and faculty who challenged me and supported me.

At Assumption, I learned not only about climate change, global warming and keeping people safe from environmental disaster, but I also learned about the many aspects of the natural sciences that prepared me to work with DNA and chemicals at my workplace.

Zachary Dubreuil

Environmental Science 2021
Park Ranger, Army Corps of Engineers at Buffumville Lake

I’ve learned that educating people on what’s happening to the environment is the key to saving it.

I’m responsible for patrolling the park and making sure all rules are followed while also teaching children about the different species of plants and animals that inhabit it. I also inform visitors about the park because most people are unfamiliar with the area.

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We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

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Sep. 30, 2023

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Career Paths

Internships and Research Opportunities

Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper-level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.

All science majors are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience and course credit through an internship in their field of interest during their junior or senior year. Internships for academic credit give students practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to explore their career choices before graduating.

Sample Graduate Schools

After graduation, students can seek employment in government agencies or industry, or they can pursue graduate studies in environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental management, law, education or the health sciences. To facilitate entry into these areas of study the University has established agreements that allow qualified Assumption Environmental Science students to earn a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from The University of Notre Dame, a M.S. in Environmental Management or Forestry Management from Duke University, world-renowned for its work in Environmental Science, or a J.D. in Environmental Law from the Vermont Law School, which U.S. News and World Report currently ranks as the nation’s leading environmental law program.

Boston University
Brown University Medical School
Duke University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
NE College of Osteopathic Medicine
Northeastern University
Tufts University
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
UMass Medical School - M.D./Ph.D. program
University of New Hampshire
University of Rhode Island
University of West Virginia
Yale University

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Environmental Science

Students who pursue an environmental science degree at Assumption University share a concern for the welfare of our planet. Be inspired and pursue an impactful career in environmental science by studying the environment and the effects of biological systems on the environment.