Students at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford will be able to pursue a bachelors’s degree in environmental science beginning this fall.

Submitted

Students passionate about the environment and understanding challenges facing our natural world will be able to major in Environmental Science at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT, starting in the fall 2023 semester.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that environmental science jobs will grow by 5% between now and 2031, with a current median annual salary of over $75,000.

“Environmental science is a diverse field with many different career options,” says Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Program Director, Dr. Kirsten Martin. “The launch of the new Environmental Science program will build upon the many ongoing projects and partnerships the University currently has with local and regional environmental organizations. Our students gain ‘real world’ experience working on environmental projects and providing service to communities while learning the skills they will use in their future careers.”

Students enrolled in the program will learn and gain experience in both lab-based and field-based environmental monitoring. They will critically analyze interdisciplinary environmental issues, such as climate change, urban wildlife, endangered species, habitat loss, and environmental justice. Upon completion of the program students will be able to communicate complex environmental information to various audiences through written, digital, and oral presentations.

USJ’s ongoing community partnerships with local and regional environmental organizations provide students opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences, conduct research, provide valuable data and information, and identify potential future internship, fieldwork, and employment opportunities.

Some of these community partnerships include:

• Scantic River Watershed Association: Scantic River Water Monitoring Project, trail maintenance, brochure development, research and internship opportunities, stream walk
• Park River Watershed Association: research and internship opportunities, community events, water quality monitoring
• CT River Conservancy: internship opportunities, community events, source-to-sea cleanups, summer water quality monitoring
• Farmington River Watershed Association: internships, community events

Potential Employers/Careers

• The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Connecticut River Conservancy
• National Audubon Society
• Environmental scientist with governmental, private or nongovernmental organization
• Wildlife biologist
• Environmental educator
• Environmental law
• Environmental health
• Environmental field technician
• Lab technician (wastewater treatment, drinking water, soils, etc.)

For more information about USJ’s Environmental Science degree, please visit http://usj.edu/environsci.

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