Bachelor of Science in
Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Program Overview

Welcome to the crossroads of curiosity and knowledge, where ambition fuels the quest for understanding and improving the world around us. At Youngstown State University, your passion for the environment can catalyze a flourishing career in environmental science.

Embrace our Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program, where inquiry meets influence. The knowledge you’ll gain and the skills you’ll hone will prepare you not merely to navigate the landscape of environmental science, but to redefine it.

Why YSU?

Equal parts inspiring and demanding, our program is the perfect foundation for students committed to shaping the world’s future. We believe in weaving academic rigor with real-world application, educating not just the mind, but the spirit. For the environmental enthusiast who yearns to be a part of the solution, YSU offers a platform to turn curiosity into contribution.

Our interdisciplinary program paints a comprehensive picture of the environment, highlighting its processes, resources, and the challenges it faces. Industry-informed and forward-thinking, our curriculum is a blend of stringent scientific training and distinctive courses in Environmental Science. You’ll have numerous opportunities for invaluable hands-on experience through field tours, labs, and unique research assignments.

YSU fosters the kind of professionals who can enhance public health, improve water and soil quality, enforce environmental regulations, and drive sustainability initiatives. Our graduates now wear many hats in fields such as urban community development, environmental permitting, watershed coordination, and much more.

Your Journey to Environmental Stewardship Begins Here

YSU proudly celebrates our promising graduates now paving the way in reputable institutions like Ohio EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Mahoning County Sanitary District, among others. If you have a knack for critical thinking, an understanding of environmental regulations, and a mastery of analysis tools like GIS and Excel, you’re on the right track.

Environmental Science Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of environmental scientists and specialists, a common career path for graduates of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program, is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 20301. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations, indicating a strong job outlook for graduates of this program. The complex problems our environment faces, such as climate change and increasing pollution growth, indicate that job demand in environmental sciences will continue.

Graduates typically pursue careers as environmental scientists, specialists in environmental health and safety, or sustainability managers, among other roles12. The application of environmental science principles can extend to areas such as public health, making the degrees particularly beneficial for a wide range of professions2.

Please note that job outlook can also be significantly influenced by the geographical area and specialization within environmental sciences1.

Join us at Youngstown State University where we celebrate not just the pursuit of knowledge, but the pursuit of purpose. Our Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program is the first step on your journey to a career that will make an imprint on the environment and on the hearts and minds of those who inhabit it. Transform your question marks into exclamation points, and let’s shape our world together.

Remember: at YSU, we don’t just see students, we see future innovators in environmental science.

Speak to a Faculty Member

Dr. Gregg Sturrus

Chair, Environmental Science
wgsturrus@ysu.edu

Student Organizations

The STEM community has a variety of student professional organizations that allow you to grow and foster your learning in an environment with those who share the same interests. 

Student professional organizations provide opportunities for you to meet experienced professionals, collaborate with students at other universities, or form relationships with colleagues outside the classroom. They provide social, academic, entrepreneurial, and professional networking opportunities.

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current STEM students. Below, you will find further information regarding the opportunities that may be available to you through the STEM College.