Environmental science students tree coring

Environmental Science

Work on solving the environmental challenges of our time—before you even graduate. While majoring in environmental science at LVC, you’ll start with a foundation in biology, ecology, chemistry, and geosystems. Then you’ll head outside to conduct fieldwork and research.

Work alongside other scientists and put your knowledge into practice, including getting involved in our own campus sustainability initiatives.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

Learn More About the Program

Science is about discovery—and sharing those discoveries with others. With four field sites within walking distance of campus, you’ll get the chance to conduct research in real-world conditions like wetlands and deciduous forests; collaborate with other scientists to design experiments and identify species; and work side-by-side with faculty and mentors in a research project or for-credit internship.

Student holding up labeled specimen jar

Discovery Starts Here

Start with Research First

Our Research First program will teach you valuable lab skills even before you start college. If you’ve excelled in science and math, you can get a head start on college-level research in this 40-hour-per-week immersion program. You’ll even get paid!

4
field sites within walking distance of campus
6%
projected job growth for environmental scientists & specialists, 2022–32 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
$76,480
median annual pay for environmental scientists & specialists, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

In Their Words

LVC’s Environmental Science Program helped me dive further into my interests, in and out of the lab. I engaged in first-hand research and connected with people who will be my future academic peers.
Emily Sausser ’24, Environmental Studies Minor, Biology Major
My LVC education and experiences laid the foundation for further research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduate school acceptance, and full-time employment. These later steps wouldn’t have occurred without my interesting ecology classes and opportunities to explore those interests through undergraduate research.
Adrienne Gemberling ’13, Water Resources Coordinator, Clearwater Conservancy
We designed the program for students interested in the sciences, who want career paths outside of healthcare and in sustainability or environmental work or advocacy.
Dr. Rebecca Urban, Program Director, Professor of Biology

Featured News & Stories