Help Make The Susquehanna River Cleaner
Many of our students are involved with the Freshwater Research Institute, which includes a dedicated laboratory and state-of-the-art equipment for river research.
Our Environmental Studies Major
Turn Caring About the Environment Into a Career
Making a difference in the environment requires more than just scientific knowledge. Environmental problems involve law, ethics, public policy, communication and more — all of which you study through our comprehensive liberal arts curriculum.
Understand the science behind climate change, learn about environmental laws and regulations, and study renewable energy resources.
Expand your horizons and choose from additional courses in other areas, such as:
- A biology class in sustainable food systems
- A psychology class on environmental attitudes toward nature
- A business class in sustainable management or entrepreneurship
- A public relations course in crisis management
- A sociology class on social justice
The Susquehanna River Valley and its abundant waterways, wetlands, forests and farmland offer a diverse and research-rich environment. An 87-acre environmental field station and Freshwater Research Institute are also right on campus.
Interested in sustainable living? You have plenty of opportunities to make a difference—work at our campus garden, live in our Sustainability House, or join a group like Geoclub or our Beekeeping Club. You can also explore the valley’s green spaces with equipment on loan from our Outdoor Recreation Center.
We're connected to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection—organizations that work on environmental issues. These relationships result in meaningful research and internship opportunities, and jobs for our graduates.
The most sought-after candidates for jobs and professional schools excel at writing, teamwork, presentation delivery, critical thinking, interpersonal relationships and leadership. Because our bold curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, you'll develop all of these essential skills.
You'll be ready for a career in environmental law, environmental policy, or environmental advocacy at a nonprofit.
A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.
Here are some of the courses that environmental studies majors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.
- Sustainability and Society
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Ethics
- Introduction to Public Policy
Download the current course catalog on this page to see the full list of classes and course descriptions for Susquehanna’s majors.
Environmental studies graduates find jobs as:
- Sustainability specialists (corporate, nonprofit or higher education)
- Environmental nonprofit managers
- Environmental lawyers
- Environmental educators
- Natural resources/conservation specialists
- Environmental policy analysts
- Communications specialists
- Environmental consultants
Kathy Straub, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Professor Earth & Environmental Science
straubk@susqu.edu
570-372-4318
Nicholas J. Clark, Ph.D.
Department: Political Science
Associate Professor of Political Science
clarkn@susqu.edu
570-372-4726
Drew Hubbell, Ph.D.
Department: English & Creative Writing
Associate Professor of English
hubbell@susqu.edu
570-372-4203
Thomas W. Martin, D.Phil.
Department: Religious Studies
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
martintw@susqu.edu
570-372-4166
Dan Ressler, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
resslerd@susqu.edu
570-372-4216
Derek J. Straub, Ph.D.
Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
straubd@susqu.edu
570-372-4767
Which Environmental Science Is Right for Me?
Earth and environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology ... they sound remarkably similar. How do you decide which one is right for you? Here's your cheat sheet on these three fields.
- Earth and environmental sciences studies the nonliving components of our environment and how they impact living things. Think of it as the study of water, rocks, air and soil.
- Ecology examines the intersections between all living things and the nonliving environment. Unlike earth and environmental sciences, the primary focus is living organisms.
- Environmental studies is the major for you if you want to advocate for the environment or work for a nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO). This program incorporates science, law and policy to look at pressing environmental issues.
Contact Us
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences
514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870
Phone & Email
Kathy Straub, department head
570-372-4318
straubk@susqu.edu