B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.S. in Environmental Sciences
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Environmental Sciences at Queens College emphasizes basic science within a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum. It is intended for students aiming for professional roles that address environmental quality and sustainability. The program focuses on the biological, chemical, and physical sciences related to environmental issues, providing students with the breadth and depth necessary to understand and solve complex environmental problems. A key goal is to enable graduates to immediately enter the workforce in technical environmental professions or to pursue advanced degrees, including master's or Ph.D. programs in environmental sciences, or professional degrees in related fields like environmental law or urban planning.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a robust scientific foundation alongside specialized environmental knowledge. It begins with a hands-on introductory course, "Challenges to Humanity in the 21st Century" (ENSCI 100). Core coursework (200-level) delves into areas like Earth Systems Science, and students are required to take supporting sciences from various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, mathematics (calculus), and physics, as well as geology. Advanced elective courses (300-level) allow students to specialize in areas of interest such as atmospheric sciences, biogeosciences, geochemistry, geology and geophysics, or water resources. The program culminates in a senior year capstone course, "Environmental Problem Solving" (ENSCI 373W), which often involves applying learned knowledge to real-world environmental issues. The B.S. requires additional core and advanced courses compared to the B.A. in Environmental Sciences, providing more extensive scientific training.
Research Focus: The School of Earth & Environmental Sciences (SEES) at Queens College boasts an active research environment. Faculty members are engaged in diverse research projects related to the Earth's processes and environmental challenges. Their research spans areas such as atmospheric sciences, biogeosciences, geochemistry, geology and geophysics, and water resources. The department emphasizes hands-on courses, laboratory work, and fieldwork, with opportunities for students to participate in research, sometimes serving as research assistants to faculty or engaging in independent research under faculty mentorship. This active research culture ensures that the curriculum is informed by cutting-edge discoveries and provides students with practical experience in scientific inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Queens College's B.S. in Environmental Sciences program actively prepares students for direct entry into the environmental workforce. Graduates are sought after by corporations, government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental departments), international organizations, and non-profit environmental groups. The curriculum is designed to impart technical skills in demand by employers in environmental consulting, remediation, resource management, and sustainability. While specific formal "industry partnerships" may not be exclusively highlighted, the program's focus on practical application and problem-solving ensures industry readiness. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships plays a vital role in connecting students with internship opportunities, allowing them to gain invaluable real-world experience in the diverse environmental sector within and around New York City.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Environmental Sciences at Queens College inherently cultivates a strong global perspective. Environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion are inherently global issues, and the curriculum addresses these problems from local, national, and global viewpoints. Students learn to analyze environmental issues systemically, considering their social, economic, and political contexts, particularly as they affect urban areas and global sustainability. Furthermore, Queens College's exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity, with a student body speaking over 96 languages, enriches discussions on global environmental justice and solutions. The program prepares graduates to contribute to international efforts in environmental science and policy, understanding the interconnectedness of environmental systems across the globe.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a significant component of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Sciences.
Environmental Scientist/Specialist: This is a broad and direct career path. Graduates conduct research, collect and analyze environmental data (e.g., air, water, soil samples), assess environmental impacts, and develop solutions to problems like pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. They work for government agencies (EPA, state environmental departments), consulting firms, and non-profits.
Environmental Consultant: These professionals advise businesses, government agencies, and other organizations on environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and impact mitigation. They help clients comply with environmental laws, conduct site assessments, and develop strategies to minimize ecological footprints.
Hydrologist: Specializing in water resources, hydrologists study the distribution, movement, and quality of water on Earth. They are crucial for managing water supplies, assessing flood risks, addressing water pollution, and developing sustainable water resource plans.
Geoscientist/Environmental Geologist: With a strong foundation in Earth sciences, these graduates explore the Earth's physical structure, composition, and processes. Environmental geologists specifically apply geological principles to solve environmental problems, such as groundwater contamination, soil erosion, and geological hazards.
Conservation Scientist/Forester: These roles involve managing and protecting natural resources, including parks, forests, and rangelands. Conservation scientists analyze the impact of human activity, develop conservation plans, and work to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist: EHS specialists identify and assess environmental risks to human health and safety in workplaces or communities. They develop and implement safety measures, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and promote responsible practices to prevent accidents and exposure to hazards.
Data Analyst (Environmental Focus): Leveraging their quantitative and analytical skills, these graduates collect, process, and interpret environmental data to identify trends, create models, and inform decision-making in areas like climate change research, resource management, or pollution monitoring.
Air Quality Scientist/Analyst: Specializing in atmospheric science, these professionals monitor air quality, study atmospheric processes, and analyze air pollution data. They work to identify sources of pollution, assess health impacts, and contribute to strategies for improving air quality and addressing climate change.
Sustainability Coordinator/Manager: In corporate or organizational settings, sustainability professionals develop and implement strategies to reduce an organization's environmental footprint and enhance its social responsibility. This can involve setting carbon reduction targets, assessing supply chain impacts, and improving environmental performance.
Environmental Educator: Passionate about sharing environmental knowledge, these graduates work in nature centers, museums, schools (often with additional certification), or non-profit organizations to educate the public about environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable practices through programs and workshops.
