Environmental Science Concentration

What does it mean to care for creation in light of your Christian faith? How do you respond to the big environmental concerns facing our world today? If you’re excited about protecting the earth and its resources, focus your biology studies with a concentration in environmental science. Whether you’re interested in sustainable agriculture, public health, conservation biology, or environmental policy and education, you’ll be prepared to address cutting-edge global issues. 

Why study environmental science at Gordon?

You will be taught and mentored by leaders in the fields of ecology and green chemistry, whose commitments to creation care stem from their Christian faith. Our 450-acre wooded campus and the nearby Atlantic Ocean offer outdoor classrooms for research. Through Gordon’s relationship with the Au Sable Institute, you can take courses in Michigan, India and Costa Rica, and earn a certificate as a naturalist or a land, water or environmental resources analyst. 

Learn about other biology concentrations ➔

What careers can I pursue with an environmental science concentration (biology major)?

Careers in environmental science are vast and varied. Depending on whether you want to work in the field, in a research lab, or on the policy front lines around the world, you can tailor your studies within the environmental science concentration and related programs to achieve your goals.

• Marine, wetland, or terrestrial research
• Public health
• Environmental education
• Environmental policy and planning
• Sustainable agriculture
• Conservation biology
• Habitat restoration
• Environmental assessment
• Aquaculture
• Environmental missions

Learn more about jobs and internships ➔

Melissa Pratt-Zossoungbo ’03

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

“Gordon College prepared me for my current career by enabling me to think critically and communicate effectively. My favorite semester at Gordon was my semester abroad for marine biology in the Philippines where I not only studied coral reefs and fish, but learned about Filipino culture. My time at Gordon really helped me link my faith and science together to let me appreciate and understand God's creation." Hear from others ➔

Gordon’s emphasis on creation care is part of a longstanding commitment to sustainability, maintained by our campus-wide effort called Restore Creation. Our student-led green group, Advocates for a Sustainable Future, involves fellow students in environmental efforts—like an organic garden—and education. Biology Club hosts regular gatherings to maintain the close-knit community within one of Gordon’s largest majors.

Off campus, students complete internships at a range of environmental institutions including:

• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
• Massachusetts Audubon Society
• Ocean Genome Legacy
• Trustees of Reservations
• Sustainable farms

Global Opportunities

Expand your global perspective on the environment through short-term and semester-long programs.

• ECHO farms spring break trip (Florida)
• Creation Care Studies (Belize and New Zealand)
• Au Sable Institute (Michigan, India and Costa Rica)

The environmental science concentration is part of the biology major.