Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Science, B.S.

Program Overview

PLNU’s Environmental Science B.S. equips you to study, protect, and restore the natural world through both rigorous science and field-based learning. With a curriculum that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics alongside courses in economics, sociology, and political science, you’ll gain the interdisciplinary perspective needed to solve today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Why Choose Environmental Science at PLNU? 

Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads: "Field-based labs take advantage of San Diego's unique marine and terrestrial environments; field-intensive courses required outside the classroom are chosen by the students' interests."

Off-Campus Environmental Learning

As part of the program, you’ll complete 8 units through an off-campus environmental program. Whether through study abroad or a summer field course, this requirement gives you the chance to expand your learning beyond PLNU and engage with specialized courses in unique ecological settings.

Hands-On Research Opportunities

Collaborate with faculty on active research projects in both the field and the lab. Past projects have ranged from conservation ecology of big cats in Costa Rica to natural products chemistry in coral reefs.

Pre-Health Preparation

If you’re considering a career in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine, PLNU also offers a robust pre-health program. Since 2004, over 90% of students who have applied to health professions schools have been admitted.

Paid Summer Research

Join our 10-week summer research program to gain up to 800 hours of advanced lab experience across two summers. The program includes free housing, a stipend, and opportunities to co-author publications with faculty.

What You'll Study 

Your coursework combines foundational sciences with interdisciplinary electives that connect environmental issues to politics, philosophy, and society. You’ll study topics like ecology, conservation biology, chemistry, and environmental policy, while gaining practical training through:

  • Field-based labs and research
  • Off-campus environmental programs
  • Faculty-assisted projects in biology and chemistry

You’ll graduate ready to make an impact through science, research, policy, or education, equipped to protect and restore the world we share.

Living Systems, Lasting Change

Why San Diego’s Biodiversity Makes It the Perfect Place for Science Majors
Should I Major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies?

From Lab to Landscape

Videos (6)
Articles (10)
Why San Diego’s Biodiversity Makes It the Perfect Place for Science Majors Discover why San Diego's unique biodiversity and PLNU's science programs offer unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research and career preparation. Discover
Should I Major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies? Discover how a degree in environmental science or environmental studies from PLNU can prepare you for a future career. Discover
PLNU’s Catalina Ecology Trip Immerses Students in Nature When PLNU ecology students went on a trip to Catalina Island they came back with a fresh perspective on appreciating and stewarding creation. Discover
Park Ranger Steven Blankenship Promotes Environmental Protection and Education Steven Blankenship turned his childhood passion of gardening into a rewarding career as a park ranger at Mission Trails in San Diego. Discover
Studying the Sea Studying the sea and its inhabitants crosses many disciplines and has yielded discoveries that have improved human health. Among the scientists who are conducting ocean-related research are some of PLNU’s own. Discover
Deep Understanding Towering over the sandy floor, they follow the flow of the ocean, yet stand firm in their place as essential pillars of the ecosystem. Across the soccer field, past Young Hall’s volleyball court, down the cliffs and into the white-capped waters, in the depths surfed by many PLNU students exist “the redwoods of the ocean,” Discover
Changing the Plant-Based Foods Industry If you were looking for the next big thing in plant-based foods, chances are you weren’t looking at duckweed. Discover
4 Impactful Research Projects from PLNU Professors PLNU is home to a variety of talented and hardworking professors doing important research in San Diego and beyond! Here are 4 professors in the biology and chemistry departments whose projects stand out as creative, fascinating, and impactful. Discover
Filming Our Planet: Alum Jeff Hester’s Work on Netflix Emmy-Winning Series Episode four of Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series, Our Planet, “Coastal Seas,” opens with an underwater shot of a thriving coral ecosystem. Large predatory fish and rays dive among a massive school of anchovies as Sir David Attenborough narrates how such a complex ecosystem sustains itself. But less than twenty minutes later, Australia’s beloved Great Barrier Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Nonprofits? There are many undergraduate degrees that prepare you for a career in the nonprofit sector, many of which can be tailored to your specific cause interests. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Environmental Science, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Do you have a passion for hiking, exploring nature, and understanding its origin? Merge your love of the great outdoors with your studies through a degree in environmental science. Covering ecology, biology, and a wide range of other science topics, you’ll learn not only how to better understand the inner workings of the environment around you, but also how you can be an advocate and innovator for conservation efforts. 

Environmental science vs. environmental studies:

While environmental science focuses on the mechanisms behind the problems our environment faces, environmental studies give more of an overview of the challenges through the many social, political, and economic perspectives.

What can you do with an environmental science degree?

Many graduates of the PLNU environmental science program have gone on to work at waste/recycling facilities, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation organizations, and even government departments such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. All graduates are equipped to work in many different and interesting places — in labs, in remote nature, and even in positions of government leadership.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental Scientists and Specialists study and analyze the natural environment to identify, prevent, and solve environmental problems. They collect data, conduct research, and develop policies or programs to protect ecosystems, public health, and natural resources. Environmental Scientists and Specialists can work in government agencies, consulting firms, non-profits, or research institutions, with opportunities in conservation, sustainability, and environmental management.

  • Median Pay: $80,060/year
  • Number of Jobs: 84,600
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +7%
  • Employment Change: +6,100 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Conservation Scientists

A Conservation Scientist manages, protects, and improves natural resources such as forests, rangelands, and parks to ensure sustainable use and environmental health. They assess ecosystems, develop management plans, and advise landowners or organizations on conservation practices. Conservation Scientists can work for government agencies, non-profits, research institutions, or environmental consulting firms, with opportunities in land management, wildlife conservation, and sustainability initiatives.

  • Median Pay: $69,060/year
  • Number of Jobs: 41,400
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +5%
  • Employment Change: +1,900 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Environmental Data Analysts

Environmental Data Analysts collect, interpret, and visualize environmental data to identify trends, assess risks, and support decision-making for sustainability and conservation efforts. They use statistical tools, modeling software, and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze air, water, soil, and climate data. Environmental Data Analysts can work in government agencies, research institutions, environmental consulting firms, or non-profits, with opportunities in environmental monitoring, policy development, and resource management.

  • Median Pay: $80,060/year
  • Number of Jobs: 84,600
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +7%
  • Employment Change: +6,100 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Explore and uncover the unknowns of the environment with a degree in environmental science to promote sustainability. 

The Environmental Science B.S. from PLNU prepares you with experience and knowledge to be an innovator in protecting and promoting the conservation of the environment. Whether you pursue field research or hands-on lab work, you’ll be ready with the insight you gained on PLNU’s campus. 

Apply to PLNU today, or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.

Exploring the Blueprint of Life

"Inspired by Research"
"Roots of Change"

Living Science

Quotes (2)
Pictures (5)
Inspired by Research
"I had a really good relationship with my professor, Dr. Mooring. I was on his research team for Costa Rica and he suggested going to Au Sable institution of environmental science since I had said I was interested in teaching."
Steven Blankenship Environmental Science B.S.
Roots of Change
"A big pivotal point was my applied plant biology class with Dr. Anderson. Through that class, I learned the power of plants and the wide variety of things we can do with them to make our world better for everybody."
Sheldon Compton Environmental Science B.S.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Dr. Mike Dorrell smiles as he works with students on a research project.

The Biology Club (TriBeta)

TriBeta is the national biology honors society comprised of biology, biology-chemistry, and environmental science majors and faculty from PLNU.

A chemistry student focuses as she pours a liquid into a test tube.

Chemistry Club

From synthesizing pharmaceutical drugs to discovering new materials, chemistry is everywhere. That's why PLNU's Chemistry Club is here to help you get involved.

A cross at sunset with a bird perched on top and then caught in flight

Science and Religion Club

Join PLNU students and faculty to engage with each other and the community about the connections between the studies of modern science and Christian faith.