Environmental Science Program
Environmental Science Biology Degree
Turn your passion for nature into real-world impact.
OFFERED AS:
Major
CREDITS REQUIRED:
120
FORMAT:
In-Person
What better way to help shape the future of our planet than by earning an environmental biology degree at Kutztown University. From investigating invasive species to analyzing the impact of pesticides on crops, our environmental biology major offers incredible hands-on field and lab experience starting your first semester.
The biology track within our Environmental Science program prepares you for successful careers in conservation, restoration and ecology.
So, are you ready to study the ecology of our environment?
Why Choose KU for an Environmental Biology Degree
The environmental biology and ecology major at KU offers a deep understanding of nature's ecosystems and how human activities impact them. This major teaches you the skills to help restore and maintain biodiverse ecosystems.
From a strong foundation in data collection and spatial analysis to student-driven ecological research, we pride ourselves on offering a robust environmental biology degree.
Here are other top reasons students choose KU to study ecology:
- Get an impactful education at an affordable value.
- Turn KU’s beautiful campus into your “home away from home”.
- Build strong connections with professors and fellow students.
- Gain hands-on learning experiences out in the field.
Environmental Biology Degree Highlights
Our environmental biology degree will help you understand how organisms interact with each other and their environment. From ecosystem dynamics and wildlife conservation to evolution, our goal is to provide you with the best research and fieldwork training possible before you graduate.
Program Highlights:
- Learn how to use field sampling equipment and Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
- Understand the structure and function of ecosystems.
- Collect and identify insects.
- Explore how populations grow and interact with their environment.
- Identify plant species and study the biology of plants.
- Analyze field-collected samples via ion chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Gain important skills in research, data analysis, fieldwork, communication and problem solving.
Student Learning Outcomes
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Environmental Science (BS)
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to execute field and laboratory investigations based on sound scientific principals and techniques, with care and attention to detail.
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to effectively communicate a position using data and logical reasoning in appropriate written and oral formats.
- Students completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to work as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team to apply knowledge of the complex interactions between physical and biological realms, draw conclusions, and develop action plans.
- Students upon completing the B.S. in Environmental Science degree will be able to choose appropriate techniques for the collection, analysis, and presentation of quantitative, spatial, and temporal data.
Kutztown University gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and helped develop the practical skills I still use to this day. The environmental science program really opened my eyes to how many paths I take. Starting out in farming and agriculture to being a biological technician to protecting and serving the environment in our wonderful National Parks, I have been able to refer to my learning experiences at Kutztown along the way.
Taylor Small ’21, Law Enforcement Park Ranger, National Park ServiceEnvironmental Biology Degree FAQ
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What can I do with an environmental biology degree?
There are many impactful career paths you can take with an environmental biology degree from Kutztown University.
Here are just a few of the jobs you can pursue as an ecology major, along with their national salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):
- Wildlife Biologist: $70,600
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician: $50,660
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist: $78,980
- Biological Technician: $51,430
- Conservation Scientist: $68,750
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What career experience will I get as an environmental biology major?
As a major studying ecology and our environment at Kutztown University, you are guaranteed hands-on career experience in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to work in our outdoor classroom spaces at the Ronald R. Rhein Environmental Study Area and the Regenerative Organic Agriculture Living Lab.
For more controlled and smaller laboratory experiments, you can utilize the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger Botanical Research Center.
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What environmental biology courses can I take at KU?
From botany and zoology to environmental biology and advanced ecology, we offer a range of environmental biology and environmental science classes that will help you get the research, fieldwork and problem-solving skills needed to succeed after graduation.
You can find the complete course list for the environmental science biology degree here:
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