Air, water, and soil pollution. Habitat loss. Shrinking natural resources. The problems are real, and so is the need for people trained to solve them.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Lewis University prepares students to move from concern to action. The program builds a scientific foundation in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences, then pairs that foundation with fieldwork, laboratory investigation, and real-world problem-solving, so graduates leave ready to design, restore, and manage the sustainable systems the world depends on.
- Career-Focused Environmental Science with Ecology and Sustainability Pathways. No two environmental careers look the same, so the Environmental Science, B.S. is flexible to support your interests. Whether you’re drawn to conservation biology, natural resource management, ecological restoration, environmental protection, or sustainability planning, the curriculum lets you connect coursework directly to the field you want to enter.
- Hands-On Fieldwork, Research, and Applied Learning. Students move beyond the classroom through field investigations, laboratory experiences, undergraduate research, and opportunities to apply scientific methods to real environmental challenges. These experiences build practical skills in data collection, analysis, scientific communication, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Personalized Mentoring and Access to Regional Environmental Organizations. Students receive close faculty advising and are connected with internships, volunteer experiences, and professional opportunities through conservation organizations, government agencies, and other environmental partners in the greater Chicago region. Course options and experiential opportunities associated with organizations such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium further extend learning into professional settings.
What You’ll Learn in Environmental Science, B.S. Program
The Environmental Science, B.S. The curriculum blends classroom instruction, laboratory work, and field experience to build a working understanding of how natural systems function and how human activity affects them.
Students develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- Ecology and Ecosystem Function
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Natural Resource Management
- Atmospheric Science
- Sustainability and Green Systems Design
- Environmental Data Collection and Analysis
- Scientific Research Methods
- Environmental Policy and Human Impact
- Scientific Writing and Communication
This mix of scientific depth and applied practice prepares graduates for both immediate careers in the field and advanced study in environmental and ecological disciplines.
Choose a Track That Matches Your Goals
Environmental Science, B.S. students can shape their curriculum around a specific professional interest:
- Ecology - Study how ecosystems function, build an appreciation for biodiversity, and examine the scope of the human ecological footprint.
- Sustainability - Explore biomimicry, green building standards, and the strategies cities and companies use to practice long-term environmental stewardship.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at Lewis University?
Lewis University’s Environmental Science, B.S. program pairs a rigorous, science-based curriculum with the kind of personal faculty mentorship that helps students actually use it.
Program highlights include:
- A curriculum grounded in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences
- Field investigations, laboratory experience, and undergraduate research built into the degree
- Internships and volunteer opportunities with conservation organizations and government agencies across the Chicago region
- Course options and experiential learning at partner institutions such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium
- Small classes and direct access to faculty mentors
- Flexible tracks in Ecology and Sustainability aligned to your career goals
- Strong preparation for graduate study in ecology, conservation biology, GIS, natural resource management, environmental biology, and forestry
Recent graduates have gone on to ecological, sustainability, and graduate placements with organizations including the Chicago Botanical Garden, the Illinois Audubon Society, and the Morton Arboretum, as well as graduate programs at Duke University, Ohio State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Environmental Science, B.S. Career Opportunities
A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science prepares graduates for roles across conservation, government, and environmental industry.
Environmental Science graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Environmental Scientist
- Conservation Biologist
- Natural Resource Manager
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Forestry or Fisheries Technician
- Atmospheric Science Technician
- Environmental Protection Specialist
Many graduates also continue their education in graduate programs focused on ecology, conservation biology, geographic information systems (GIS), natural resource management, environmental biology, or forestry.
Sample Environmental Science Courses
Students in the Environmental Science, B.S. program complete coursework that builds scientific depth alongside field and lab-ready skills.
Sample courses include:
- General Ecology and Evolution
- Conservation Biology
- Field Biology
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Biomimicry and Whole Systems Thinking
- Biostatistics
- Freshwater Ecology
Course offerings may vary. Refer to the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Environmental Science, B.S. vs. Environmental Science, B.A.
Both environmental science degree options build a strong understanding of the field, but each is designed for a different path forward.
The Environmental Science, B.S. places greater emphasis on laboratory science, chemistry, and quantitative coursework, including Biostatistics and Calculus. Students aiming for research-focused careers, fieldwork-heavy roles, or graduate study in the sciences typically choose the B.S. pathway.
The Environmental Science, B.A. offers a more flexible course load and is often paired with a double major or additional minors. It’s a common choice for students planning to work with non-profits or pursue Environmental Law.
Related Programs
Students interested in related fields may also explore:
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an Environmental Science B.S. degree?
An Environmental Science, B.S. degree prepares graduates for careers with conservation organizations, government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and sustainability programs, in roles spanning conservation biology, natural resource management, and environmental protection. Many students also continue on to graduate study.
What is the difference between an Environmental Science B.S. and Environmental Science B.A.?
The Environmental Science, B.S. emphasizes laboratory science, chemistry, and quantitative coursework such as Biometry, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus. The Environmental Science, B.A. offers a more flexible curriculum, often chosen by students combining the major with another field of study, such as non-profit work or Environmental Law.
Is an Environmental Science B.S. good preparation for graduate study?
Yes. The Environmental Science, B.S. The curriculum provides the scientific and quantitative foundation needed for graduate programs in ecology, conservation biology, GIS, natural resource management, environmental biology, and forestry.
Does Environmental Science, B.S. program include fieldwork and research?
Yes. Field investigations, laboratory coursework, and undergraduate research are central to the program, and students have access to experiential learning opportunities through partners such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
What tracks are available within the Environmental Science, B.S. program?
Students can align their coursework with an Ecology track or a Sustainability track, depending on their career interests and goals.
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