Environmental Studies
Earn your degree in the classroom and in the field
Manchester’s environmental studies program, established in 1971, is among the oldest ES programs in the country. Students learn about the state of the local and global environment, and are prepared majors to fill vital roles in environmental science, education, public policy and related fields.
Environmental Studies Major
Through research and special study opportunities on and off campus, environmental studies majors at Manchester engage in real-world experiences in the lab and in the field. You may find yourself “getting your feet wet” in a creek researching fish habitats or standing in the ocean in the Bahamas studying sand dollars. Or maybe you’ll find yourself in a forest, surveying bird populations and vegetation.
MORE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Major
- 51-56 Credit Hours
Minor
- 26 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for Environmental Studies?
Career Preparation
More than 95 percent of our graduates are accepted into graduate programs or in entry-level environmental jobs.
Research Opportunities
About $5.4 million in grants and other funding have supported undergraduate research projects and internships since 2009.
Study Intensives in Various Environments
Environmental studies travel courses include Andros Island, Bahamas; the Florida Keys; and Alaska.
The Department's Mission
The department aims to provide students experiential learning opportunities and rigorous academics rooted in natural sciences, political sciences, economics, and philosophy to better understand the human endeavor in the context of responsible environmental stewardship.
What You Can Do with Your Environmental Studies Degree
Environmental Consultant
Assesses environmental risks and ensures regulatory compliance for businesses.
Conservation Scientist
Manages natural resources to promote sustainability and ecosystem health.
Environmental Educator
Teaches communities about conservation, sustainability, and ecological responsibility.
Wildlife Technician
Supports research and conservation efforts by monitoring animal populations.
Average Starting Salary for Environmental Sciences Degree Holders
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earn a national mean annual wage of approximately $59,060. Entry-level professionals typically earn between the 10th and 25th percentiles, which ranges from about $50,130 to $59,060. Based on this data, students graduating with an environmental studies degree can expect an average starting salary around $55,000 per year.
Meet the Faculty
Sabrina Brown
Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies
Katharine Gray-Brown
Professor of Philosophy and Peace Studies, Director of the Peace Studies Program, and Dept Chair of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.