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Majors
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Minors

Degree

  • Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/environmental-science-ug-research-900×600-1.jpg
  • Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/environmental-science-ug-research-900×600-1.jpg
  • Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/environmental-science-ug-research-900×600-1.jpg
  • Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/environmental-science-ug-research-900×600-1.jpg

School

Department

Department Chair

Environmental Science at St. Mary’s

Environmental Science is the study of how we affect and are affected by our surroundings. Government agencies and private industries employ environmental scientists to examine our air, water and soil, and to establish policies that ensure the environment is safe and resources are used in sustainable ways.

Today’s environmental problems call for scientists who are educated in more than one discipline, highly trained in technical skills and aware of the political and social dimensions of environmental problems and how to make decisions with regard to these situations.

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Program of Study

The Environmental Science degree plans allow students to explore many interest areas through elective courses in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts with Teaching Certification options.

Students gain a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and professional skills, which will enable them to assess a variety of environmental issues and develop and implement solutions.

  • Develop Real-World Research Skills Throughout Your Courses

    Students in the St. Mary’s Environmental Science major gain research experience through many of their courses. Our projects are designed to give students hands-on experience in solving real environmental challenges by working with community partners to study our environment and address the real concerns of San Antonio citizens.

Earnings Icon
$76,463
Median annual earnings for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
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+10.45%
Expected change in employment demand for Environmental Scientists and Specialists over the next 10 years
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11-to-1
Student-to-faculty ratio

A Major That Complements Your Goals

Environmental Science is a very versatile major which can be done stand-alone or as a complement to any other major. You can be pursuing a business degree, engineering degree or any humanities degree and make Environmental Science a focus.”

Regina de la Parra (B.A. ’22)

Transfer Students

St. Mary’s helps to ensure a seamless transition from the Alamo Colleges to St. Mary’s University. Students transferring from the Alamo Colleges District can receive assistance in understanding how to pursue their Environmental Science degree at St. Mary’s.

Eligible coursework is reviewed individually and may apply toward degree requirements to help students stay on track for graduation. Explore Alamo Colleges District options for a B.S. in Environmental Science, a B.A. in Environmental Science or a B.A. in Environmental Science with Teacher Certification.

Learn more about the various opportunities for transfer students below.

Transfer Admission
Alamo Colleges
Students smiles as she walks around the St. Mary's Campus.

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Science?

Environmental scientists explore Earth’s systems of energy and matter to characterize our planet and understand how it responds to different and perhaps changing conditions. By studying the Earth and its resources, we recognize that certain substances and conditions must be monitored on a regular basis to ensure a clean and safe environment. Using this information, environmental scientists help to develop environmental policy to govern the use of technology and more effectively steward the resources of nature.

  • Environmental Science Career Opportunities

    Environmental Science is a growing field, and one with many career possibilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2028.

    Our experienced faculty work closely with our students with the goal of having them ready to graduate in four years. All our faculty have significant industry experience and mentor students in different career opportunities.

    Students who complete the program are prepared for many careers, including:

    • GIS analyst
    • LEED® Green Associate
    • Nature conservation specialist
    • Waste management specialist
    • Water quality scientist

Outside the Classroom

  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities

    The Environmental Science professors and students at St. Mary’s are engaged not only in their classrooms but also in their related research, including wildlife ecology in rural and urban environments, hydrogeology, geochemistry, geophysics as it relates to water supply, cave science and environmental impact assessments. Faculty work diligently with students to ensure they receive extensive fieldwork experience before they graduate from the program.

    Environmental Science teacher has class at Enchanted Rock.

    Environmental Science students are actively engaged in undergraduate research, working with our faculty in the field and in the laboratory. Students explore topics such as wildlife activity in the Texas Hill Country, the habitat of 25-million-year-old fossil fish, the potential effects of fireworks on an urban lake and the atmosphere in caves around San Antonio.

    Undergraduate Student Research Projects

  • Study Abroad

    Students can spend a semester abroad or at our sister university, Chaminade University in Hawaii, based on the island of Oahu, to learn about the environment in different parts of the world.

    Study Abroad Opportunities
    study abroad group views the beautiful scenery on the ocean where a dolphin jumps out of the water

  • Internships and Applied Projects

    Our faculty also work actively with students to research, identify and apply for summer internships. Most of these internships are paid, and our students have conducted environmental research across the United States and beyond, including French Polynesia, Costa Rica, Turkey and Brazil.

    Melissa Karlin, Ph.D., instructs students during an on-campus lab in which they painted and tracked ants.

    Students have gained real-world experience at places and organizations such as:

    • Biosphere 2
    • Bracken Bat Cave Preserve
    • City of San Antonio
    • Geological Society of America
    • Government Canyon State Natural Area
    • Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
    • Edwards Aquifer Authority
    • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    • National Park Service
    • National Science Foundation
    • San Antonio River Authority (SARA)
    • San Antonio River Foundation
    • San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS)
    • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Student Activities and Resources

Environmental Science students at St. Mary’s are engaged in a full range of extracurricular activities, including service in the community; fraternities and sororities; the Environment, Conservation and Outreach (ECO) Club; and Rattler Athletics like soccer, golf and tennis.

A student at St. Mary's tends to crops.
students in the ECO club gardening

Environment, Conservation and Outreach Club

The Environment, Conservation and Outreach (ECO) Club provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, trail maintenance activities at local parks and clean-up events on campus and in the surrounding community.

ECO Club
A staff member fills up her Laudato Si' water bottle at a new water bottle refilling station on the third floor of St. Louis Hall.

Laudato Si’

With St. Mary’s University’s recent commitment in 2021 as a Laudato Si’ University, Environmental Science students are actively engaging with faculty and administration to develop a seven-year plan for a more environmentally sustainable campus that aligns with Pope Francis’s call for all people of goodwill to care for the Earth, our common home.

Laudato Si’
Marian Hall students study in their dorm rooms.

Science Living Community

Students majoring in any science — from Physics to Computer Science, Biology to Engineering — can join the Science Living Community. Members live together and can participate in a variety of programs throughout the year.

themed living
Austin Chalk (UK) from the San Antonio Area Quarries on display at the The David J. Fitzgerald Museum of Earth Sciences

The David J. Fitzgerald Museum of Earth Sciences

The David J. Fitzgerald Museum of Earth Sciences is an educational addition to the Environmental Science department. This museum contains exhibits that display the findings of various minerals, fossils and other geological elements. Below is a sample of the many items collected over the years that have allowed students and staff to create the captivating museum we have today.

Earth Sciences Museum

Faculty

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We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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