Play a direct role in protecting our planet’s air, water, and resources with a degree in this wide-ranging field. As you study critical subjects like earth processes, alternative energy, pollution control, natural resource management, and climate change, you’ll amass the cutting-edge knowledge you need to create a healthier environment for the world.
A degree in environmental science prepares you for important work protecting land and water resources for the future. Our program provides a strong basic and applied science foundation and is integrated with chemistry, biology, landscape architecture and the plant sciences. Structured to help you develop the analytical, scientific and applied skills required to understand and manage our ever-changing environment, you will take courses such as soils, watershed management, environmental remediation and land surveying. With an emphasis on a sustainable future, this major will train graduates to work in a number of careers that will help save the earth from the threat of climate change and over-building.
At DelVal, our practical, hands-on approach, helps students apply classroom theory to real world environments and interconnecting ecosystems through labs, field trips, and two required work experiences. These experiences will help you discover your niche within the field of environmental science and help prepare you to work out the world’s most critical issues.
Are you a transfer student? Learn more about the National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholarship Program and Opportunities.
DelVal Influencers: Our Faculty
Not all influencers have thousands of media followers. But, some influencers work diligently every day to help young people pursue their passions and find their career path. At DelVal, they're our faculty!
Here are a few of our DelVal influencers who teach in the environmental science program:
Dr. Jaclyn Fiola, Assistant Professor, Soil and Environmental Science
My favorite hands-on class experience was getting into a soil pit each week and learning how soil scientists describe soil.
Environmental Science At-A-Glance
Delaware Valley University can prepare you for a large variety of careers in environmental science with our diverse course offerings
Sample Courses:
- Soil Science
- Land surveying
- Watershed management
- Geographical Information Systems
- Soil chemistry
- Environmental Geology
- Environmental Remediation
- Hydrogeology
- Chemistry
- Limnology
- Toxicology
Possible Minors
- Chemistry
- Horticulture
- Sustainable Agriculture Systems
The Soils & Land Use specialization focuses on the critical intersection of soil science, land management and sustainable resource use. Soil is the foundation of life, providing the basis for agricultural systems, water filtration and the stable development of our communities. In this program, students explore how soil chemistry, geology and hydrology interact to influence how land can be used effectively and responsibly. You will gain hands-on experience evaluating soil properties, soil health and remediation needs for different land-use potentials. These skills and knowledge will prepare you to solve real-world challenges such as erosion, nutrient loss and ecosystem degradation.
Potential Career Paths:
- Agricultural Conservation Manager: Advising producers on nutrient management and sustainable land stewardship.
- Environmental Consultant: Helping developers and agencies navigate land-use regulations
- Land Conservationist: Protecting soil and water health for state or national agencies like the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or EPA.
- Restoration Ecologist: Designing projects to heal damaged landscapes and return them to productive use.
The Environmental Health specialization emphasizes the relationship between environmental systems, ecosystem function and the subsequent impacts on human health. Through coursework in toxicology, environmental remediation, watershed management and more, students explore how pollutants and ecological changes move through ecosystems. You will gain hands-on experience evaluating environmental quality, assessing toxicological risks and navigating environmental law to protect both natural habitats and the communities that depend on them. These skills and experiences will prepare you to solve real-world challenges such as industrial contamination, habitat restoration and regulatory compliance.
Potential Career Paths:
- Environmental Health Officer: Working for agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to enforce environmental and public health regulations.
- Remediation Specialist: Designing and overseeing the cleanup of contaminated sites.
- Watershed Manager: Protecting regional water resources and ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Environmental Consultant: Advising organizations on industrial hygiene, chemical exposure and environmental impact mitigation.
The Experience360 Program in environmental science gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities through internships, career exploration experiences, student research, study abroad, leadership development and more.
Career Paths
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The DelVal Soil Judging Team
The DelVal Soil Judging Team travels across the country, getting into soil pits and learning firsthand how those soils are managed and used. Students learn how to determine a soil’s history by its layers and properties, all while figuring out if a piece of land is suitable for everything from growing corn to building a basement. If you're looking to build your field skills, boost your resume and join a crew of friends who don't mind a little mud on their boots, this is the team for you! All students are welcome regardless of major or class standing.
Office: Feldman 115
POV of Environmental Science Students
