B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Environmental Science
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a deep scientific understanding of environmental processes and challenges, integrating natural and physical sciences with aspects of sociology, ethics, politics, and history. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to analyze complex environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science program at Whittier College is officially STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students holding an F-1 visa, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S., beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of invaluable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Environmental Science curriculum at Whittier College is structured around a core set of six required environmental science courses: ENVS 100 (Introduction to Environmental Science), ENVS 230 (The Chemical Nature of Our Environment), ENVS 251 (Ecology and Evolution of Organisms), ENVS 301 (Environmental Analysis and Law), and a two-part Senior Seminar (ENVS 496 A and ENVS 496 B). Students are also required to take a statistics course. Beyond these core requirements, the program offers a wide array of elective courses, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest. Examples of elective courses include Urban Ecosystem Ecology, Climate Change and Society, Polymers and Plastics (which explores pollution and mitigation), Soils and Environmental Geomorphology, Long-Term Environmental Change, Conservation Biology, and Marine Biology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through mandatory laboratory components in many courses and extensive field studies, often leveraging Southern California's diverse natural environments.
Research Focus: Whittier College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research within the Environmental Science program. The department actively fosters a culture of discovery, encouraging students to "do science" rather than just learn about it. Virtually all courses feature a mandatory laboratory component, providing practical experience. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in faculty-led research projects, participate in designated Research Intensive (RI) courses, and conduct advanced field studies. The program encourages students to develop their own self-designed senior projects, culminating in presentations at events like the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. This robust research environment prepares students for advanced studies and professional roles requiring strong analytical and investigative skills.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in preparing Environmental Science graduates for successful careers. Through initiatives like "Whittier Works," students receive personalized coaching, career exploration guidance, and preparation for both job applications and graduate school admissions. The Career Center actively cultivates partnerships with employers, leveraging Whittier's advantageous location in Southern California to provide students with valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities. These connections span a wide range of sectors, including environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industries focused on sustainability, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is committed to fostering a global perspective among its students, and this is well-integrated into the Environmental Science program. The Office of International Programs, recognized for its leadership in diversity abroad, sponsors extensive study abroad experiences across five continents during various terms (semesters, full years, JanTerm, MayTerm). Environmental Science students have opportunities to participate in international internships, conduct research abroad, and enroll in faculty-led programs that explore global environmental issues in diverse cultural contexts. For example, courses like "World Views" are taught abroad, offering unique insights into globalization, environment, and agricultural economy from different international perspectives. This global exposure enhances students' understanding of interconnected environmental challenges and prepares them for an increasingly globalized workforce.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science prepares graduates to tackle complex environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that combines rigorous scientific understanding with social, ethical, and policy perspectives.
Environmental Scientist/Consultant: Graduates can work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies (like the EPA or state environmental departments), or non-profit organizations. They conduct environmental impact assessments, manage hazardous waste, monitor pollution, and develop strategies for remediation and sustainability. Whittier's curriculum, including courses on environmental analysis and law, directly supports this path.
Conservation Scientist/Wildlife Biologist: With a strong foundation in ecology and conservation biology, graduates can work for land management agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service), nature conservancies, or non-profits. They focus on protecting natural resources, managing wildlife populations, and restoring ecosystems.
Environmental Educator: Passionate about raising environmental awareness, graduates can work in schools, nature centers, museums, or non-profits to educate the public about environmental issues and sustainable practices.
Sustainability Coordinator/Specialist: Many companies, municipalities, and universities employ sustainability professionals to develop and implement strategies for reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource use, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Whittier's emphasis on diverse environmental topics prepares students for these roles.
Urban Planner/Environmental Planner: Graduates can contribute to urban planning departments or consulting firms, integrating environmental considerations into land-use planning, zoning, and community development projects. Alumni have found success in environmental planning roles related to large infrastructure projects.
Water Quality Specialist: Focusing on a critical resource, these professionals monitor water bodies, assess water quality, and develop solutions for water pollution and management for government agencies, water utilities, or environmental organizations.
Geospatial Analyst (GIS Specialist): With skills in geographic information systems (GIS), graduates can analyze spatial data to map environmental trends, identify problem areas, and support decision-making in various environmental fields.
Environmental Policy Analyst: For those interested in the legislative and regulatory aspects of environmental protection, roles in government or non-profit advocacy organizations involve researching, analyzing, and advocating for environmental policies.
Waste Management Specialist: Graduates can work in municipal or private waste management companies, focusing on developing and implementing efficient and environmentally sound waste reduction, recycling, and disposal programs.
Research Assistant (Environmental Labs): For those interested in pure scientific inquiry, working as a research assistant in university or government environmental science labs allows for direct involvement in studies on climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and other critical areas. The hands-on research opportunities at Whittier are excellent preparation for such roles.
