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About

Environmental Science

Overview

School of Arts and Sciences / Environmental Science

The outcome of tomorrow is based upon what we do today.

A degree in Environmental Science from La Salle will give students an understanding of Earth’s living and physical environment, how those systems operate, along with the nature and mitigation of human impact on the environment.

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

— U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Blaze Your Own Path

Careers

An environmental science degree prepares students for successful careers in both expected and surprising fields including:

Environmental consultant
Environmental education officer
Environmental manager
Nature conservation officer
Recycling officer
Sustainability consultant
Waste management officer
Water quality scientist
Environmental health practitioner
Landscape architect
Town planner
Toxicologist
Transport planner

Careers

As a Minor

Environmental science as a minor complements a variety of majors. Students who minor in environmental science will receive experiences in environmental issues for students majoring in programs other than environmental science. Graduates from our program are well educated on environmental and global issues, including such diverse areas as policy, economic, philosophic, as well as scientific perspectives.

It is also a great minor to help prepare students to enter agencies related to environmental policy such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and non-profit agencies and companies that place an emphasis on helping people around the globe.

Environmental studies as a minor also helps students entering graduate studies dealing with policy issues, environmental law, city planning, resource management, and teaching.

As a Minor

Highlights and Facilities

La Salle’s Environmental Science Department serves qualified students interested in an education and careers in health professions, physical sciences, life sciences, and science education by offering:

Broad theoretical and laboratory training to prepare students for graduate work in the life sciences, careers in scientific/clinical technology, or for careers in science education.

State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities that enable our students to learn.

Teaching laboratories equipped with modern microscopes, lab equipment, prepared samples, and reagents for individual and group work in a number of different disciplines.

Student-based research laboratories.

Computers and software for students to perform bioinformatics analysis of research data and other computational needs.

Greenhouses for both teaching and research needs.

Flexibility that allows students to change the direction of their career preparation through their junior year without any notable effect on their ability to complete the program in four years.

One-on-one attention

An average class size of 22 students provides the individualized attention that you deserve.

An invaluable location with Center City Philadelphia at your doorstep. You’re prepared with the internship and subsequent employment opportunities among the region’s top medical, healthcare, pharmaceutical, science, and research organizations, including corporate leaders.

Guidance and dedication from professors who are recognized scholars of their industry.

A close-knit community our well-read cohort of faculty, staff, Christian Brothers and fellow students ignite meaningful discussion and collaboration, as well as lifelong friendships.

Unbeatable value based on a proven return-on-investment. That’s why Money magazine cited La Salle fifth on its list of “50 Colleges that Add the Most Value for 2016-17, along with mentions in U.S. News & World Reports, Forbes, and The Economist.

Highlights and Facilities

Alice L. Hoersch, Ph.D.

What was it that inspired you to go into environmental science? Actually my degrees are in geology. When I was studying geology, the field of environmental science was not robust. Over the years my interests have morphed to an environmental emphasis. How did your path lead you to La Salle? When I was applying for […]

Alice L. Hoersch, Ph.D.

What was it that inspired you to go into environmental science?

Actually my degrees are in geology. When I was studying geology, the field of environmental science was not robust. Over the years my interests have morphed to an environmental emphasis.

How did your path lead you to La Salle?

When I was applying for positions in my field, I was offered one in industry at a much higher salary; however, I always wanted to teach and La Salle has always been known as a place where teaching comes first.

How do you view your role as a teacher and what do you hope to instill or inspire in your students?

One of the reasons I pursued an academic career was to have the opportunity to mentor students in geology and now in environmental science. My teaching philosophy is to engage students’ minds in the learning process by providing stimulating lectures, activities, lab assignments, field trips and by providing examples of how knowledge can influence the environmental decision-making process. I have worked to develop creative techniques that foster the learning process and lead to students’ development of a desire to learn course material. I encourage classroom participation by encouraging students to get their hands dirty (both figuratively and literally). One of my goals is to train students in the environmental sciences to be critical thinkers and problem solvers in the classroom and in their future work.

If your students could graduate having retained just one lesson, what would you hope it would be?

Never accept statements at face value. Research and critically think about them before committing to any actions.

What is your ideal way to spend free time?

Hanging out with my friends and dogs, playing golf, and reading mysteries and non-fiction

What is the last book that you read?

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

How do you view the role of environmental science in the world today?

Environmental science is critical to society today because it offers a specialized, integrated approach to global issues surrounding sustainability, the use of natural resources, how human activity impacts ecosystems, how such activity can cause degradation, and what can be done to mitigate this impact.

Beyond the Classroom

Clubs

There are always great ways to get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle

Clubs

There are always great ways to get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle. Many our Environmental Science majors belong to clubs like:

Biology Club
The Biology Club is geared towards connecting in classroom learning with out of classroom support and experiences.

Chymian Club
The purpose of this organization is to intensify its members’ interests in Chemistry through providing its members with opportunities to join their departmental colleagues in academic and social activities, including the discussion of common academic problems and familiarization with recent developments and trends in chemical research, industry, and medicinal chemistry.

For a full list of clubs and organizations covering everything from chess to the Harry Potter club, visit our Student Affairs page.

Service Opportunities

Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission

Service Opportunities

Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission. As a biology major, you will be able to dive into a wide range of service opportunities that fall under our Fellowship of Community and University Service (FOCUS) umbrella including outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and the service and immersion trips.

The groups that fall under the FOCUS umbrella include outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and service and immersion trips. These programs strive to serve others, promote social justice, and work toward the common good. Programs include:

Lasallian Immersion and Volunteer Experience (LIVE)
Alliance
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ambassadors
Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
AIDS Outreach
Circle K
Environmental Community of Olney (ECO)
Neighbor to Neighbor
Pheed Philadelphia
REACHE (Special Olympics)
Neighborhood Tutoring
TEAM Lasallians

Philadelphia as a Classroom

The education you find outside of a classroom is just as important as the one you find inside

Philadelphia as a Classroom

The education you find outside of a classroom is just as important as the one you find inside. As the fifth-largest city in the U.S. Philadelphia is rich in unique historical and cultural opportunities. Whether you’re searching for the best cheesesteak, catching an Eagles game, or running the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the City of Brotherly Love has it all. Philadelphia is brimming with global corporations, nonprofit organizations, leading media outlets, and professional sports teams. From co-ops to internships to future employers big and small, each is readily accessible to provide you with real-life learning beyond a class on campus. How much of a role Philadelphia play is in your life is entirely up to you, but the options are limitless.