As an environmental science major at St. Norbert College, you’ll learn how humanity and nature are deeply intertwined. Grounded in the mission of the Catholic Church and St. Norbert College, the program prepares students to become ethical stewards of the environment, focused on sustainability for an uncertain future.

The environmental science program leverages SNC’s unique location near the world’s largest freshwater estuary in Wisconsin – a state with over 15,000 lakes and thousands of miles of trout streams. Our location is ideal for training on aquatic ecosystems and hydrology, preparing students as stewards of aquatic resources in the tradition of Aldo Leopold.

Learning highlights

• Integration of biology, geology, and chemistry knowledge to study wildlife populations, plant life, waterways, and energy
• Researching problems, identifying environmental threats, and working toward solutions to protect our planet
• A strong emphasis on field skills and opportunities for undergraduate research

Beyond the classroom
Many students participate in extensive field experiences as part of their coursework in environmental science and there are also special opportunities for student-faculty collaborative research. A unique feature is our cooperative field course in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay over winter break to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Station in Panama.

At SNC, you can earn a major in environmental science. Take classes like Ecology, Hydrogeology, and Environmental Chemistry, and expand your college studies by taking electives that could inform your future career. 

Environmentalism is on the rise across many industries. Graduates pursue careers at organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and Wisconsin Wetlands Association. Environmental science alumni from SNC could work in a variety of roles, including:

Our environmental science alumni are ready for the challenge of advanced study in graduate school, and SNC has an excellent track record for preparation and placement. Students are especially well prepared for graduate study and research careers through hands‑on fieldwork, aquatic ecosystem and hydrology experiences, and undergraduate research conducted alongside faculty mentors. More than half of our students further their education through post-graduate work, at institutions such as:

• Bellin College
• Bowling Green State University
• Concordia University
• Michigan Tech
• University of Wisconsin-Green Bay