- Conduct undergraduate research in environmental issues, conservation, ecology, agriculture, sustainability, and other fields.
- Complete field work and research at Tait Preserve of RIT, which includes a 60-acre lake and a private, mile-long stretch of the Irondequoit Creek.
- During your capstone experience, you'll work with outside partners to provide solutions to environmental problems or create educational and outreach activities for the community.
- Recent environmental science graduates are employed at The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Saguaro National Park, Rochester Museum & Science Center, and Triumvirate Environmental.
- Study urban ecology in Malmo, Sweden: Through a faculty-led excursion, you'll spend three weeks learning how Malmo embraced many aspects of green infrastructure and how cities can move toward sustainable urban living.
Earning an environmental science degree from RIT gives you the problem-solving skills needed to be successful in the field. This major combines a love for nature with cutting edge research to create a sustainable future for our planet. Meaningful fieldwork gives you experience in solving real-world problems.
Environmental scientists solve problems relating to power generation, waste reduction and recycling, pollution control, land use, and land cover change, preserving biodiversity and ecological services, transportation, forestry, agriculture, economics, and a wide range of other areas. They study our relationship to nature and to each other, developing solutions that prevent or reverse environmental deterioration and work toward sustainability. Meeting these challenges requires problem-solving abilities based in science, mathematics, the social sciences, and other disciplines. This is an interdisciplinary degree with a strong foundation in biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geographic information systems. The BS program provides you with the education and experiences you'll need to be successful.
Real-World Experience
Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged and strengthens your preparation for graduate study or employment. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research experience under the guidance of faculty mentors. Students are also encouraged to apply for summer research internships both here at RIT and at other institutions. In addition to undergraduate research, optional cooperative education opportunities offer students a great way to get a head start on their career with paid, professional work experience with local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and a host of environmental consulting firms.
Nature of Work
Environmental scientists and geoscientists use their knowledge of the physical makeup and history of the Earth to protect the environment; locate water, mineral, and energy resources; predict future geologic hazards; and offer environmental site assessments and advice on indoor air quality, hazardous waste site remediation and construction and land-use projects. Most of their time is devoted to office or fieldwork and often includes data analysis and report/proposal writing.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.