Environmental Science
Overview
Environmental Science at SNU is a major within the Department of Biology designed for students interested in natural resource management, environmental consulting, and graduate study in ecology and the environment. Students in the program receive strong academic and professional preparation through close faculty mentoring, scientific inquiry, and practical experiences both on campus and through partner locations. As part of the Biology Department, Environmental Science students are also encouraged to integrate faith and science, recognizing that the study of the natural world is both a scientific pursuit and an opportunity to deepen their understanding of God’s creation.
Where Environmental Science Comes to Life
Environmental Science at SNU combines strong classroom preparation with hands-on, field-based learning. Students explore ecology, sustainability, conservation, and stewardship through close faculty mentoring, meaningful scientific inquiry, and immersive experiences beyond campus.
The Quetzal Education and Research Center (QERC) in Costa Rica is the signature field experience of Environmental Science at Southern Nazarene University. More than a semester abroad, QERC is a living laboratory where students bring together science, stewardship, research, and global learning in an immersive field setting. In Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, students study tropical ecology and sustainability through faculty-led, hands-on research shaped by real environmental questions and community priorities. They learn across diverse ecosystems, contribute to ongoing research, and grow within a Christ-centered community committed to faithful creation care.
Environmental Science majors may also broaden their field experience through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, which offers field-based summer and intersession courses in locations including the Great Lakes, Pacific Rim, and Costa Rica. Learn more at ausable.org.
Follow QERC on Instagram to explore student fieldwork, biodiversity, research highlights, and daily life at SNU’s field station in Costa Rica.
Degree Plan
The SNU Department of Biology offers a broad introduction to modern biology. Our courses range from the cell and molecular level, to organismal biology, human biology, and environmental science.
Highly Qualified Professors
SNU offers you the opportunity to study with credentialed faculty as you journey toward graduation, another step closer to reaching your goals. These scholars with a Christian worldview will mentor and guide you along the way. SNU’s smaller size allows students to interact with faculty — not only in the classroom, but also through impactful mentoring, personal advising, and meaningful research. Come and be known; come and belong.
Career Opportunities
When you graduate with your degree in environmental science from SNU, you’ll have the preparation you need for a successful career in many professions such as:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Analysis
- Tropical Biology
- Conservation Biology