Environmental Science

Explore the intricate interactions between humans and the natural world and develop solutions for a sustainable future

a student wearing a safari hat smells a leaf from the surrounding environment

Crafting environmental solutions

Our Fragile Planet

As an Environmental Science major, you’ll closely examine past, present, and (predicted) future interactions of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics in the natural world. This includes understanding how to best practice environmental conservation in the context of modern anthropogenic climate change and resource consumption.

  • Use foundational principles to assess problems
  • Develop hypotheses and test them
  • Articulate scientific applications
  • Communicate concepts orally and in writing

Environmental Science Major Requirements

Program Overview

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Pitzer Environmental Science Major Requirements

Pitzer College students can view specific major requirements and learning outcomes for the Environmental Science major in the Pitzer course catalog.

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Scripps Environmental Science Major Requirements

Scripps College students can view specific major requirements for the Environmental Science major in the Scripps course catalog.

Environmental Science Faculty

Man in short white hair wearing glasses and a grey vest.

Donald A. McFarlane

Kenneth S. Pitzer Professor of Biology & Environmental Science

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Kathleen Purvis-Roberts

Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Environmental Science

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Colin Robins

Associate Professor of Environmental Science

Woman in beige jacket and purple shirt with glasses.

Diane Thomson

Professor of Biology & Environmental Science

Veronica Vriesman

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Student perspectives

Connecting the Dots

“I feel I’ve benefited significantly from a liberal arts education, particularly as an environmental science major, by learning more about core concepts relating to the Earth and dissecting and connecting these themes to my research.”

Kushnerniva Laurent SCR ’24
Environmental Science major

Read Kushnerniva’s Story

 

Environmental Science Resources

Explore

The Department of Natural Sciences offers several resources to help students gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of humans with the natural world.

a white building with roman columns surrouded by oak trees

The Robert Redford Conservancy (RRC)

The RRC at Pitzer College aims to increase socio-ecological justice and sustainability.

Bernard Biological Field Station

Located on 86 acres of natural habitat, the Bernard Biological Field Station is a hub for ecological research.

a student works with a syringe with a professor watching

Advanced Instrumentation

Use sought-after analytic technology such as ICP-OES and portable XRF analyzers.

Research Opportunities

As an Environmental Science major, you’ll be able to experience mentored research with leading faculty in their labs.

socal earth logo

SoCal Earth

The RRC’s new site, SoCalEarth.org, provides valuable climate data to students and researchers.

Learning in the field

Jennifer Ju SC ’24, Liv Rose SC, and Annie Voss PZ,  studying the diet of a non-native predator and the response of tadpoles to native and non-native predators.

Environmental Science FAQs

Learn More

View some of the most frequently asked questions about our Environmental Science major.

Some possible careers include: climate change analyst, conservation agent, environmental protection specialist, resource management specialist, restoration planner, environmental educator, sustainability specialist, and environmental consultant.

An Environmental Science degree offers many benefits, including increased knowledge about the natural environment, career opportunities, and the ability to make a positive impact on climate change and how natural resources are managed.

Environmental Science is the application of scientific methods to the study of environmental processes, and to the interactions between humans and the environment. By contrast, Environmental Analysis is a broader approach that incorporates all disciplines to explore and analyze the past, present, and future dynamics among humans and the natural world.