Environmental Science Major (BS)
Department of Natural Sciences
New Major effective Fall 2026
Addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and over-use of natural resources requires scientists who are willing to connect their basic and applied research to these challenges. They must be able to envision solutions to these issues that will be feasible given real-world constraints. This involves collecting and analyzing data to inform viable solutions and then monitoring the outcomes once a solution is implemented. The major in Environmental Science will help students develop required technical skills while also ensuring they have the broad background needed to conceptualize novel solutions to environmental issues.
Students in the BSES major will take a set of core science and environmental policy courses centered on recognizing and addressing environmental issues at various levels. They will also complete an introductory seminar course featuring both outside speakers and Baruch and CUNY faculty that will showcase contemporary topics in the field and related careers students may pursue. Students will then choose elective courses centered on the research-related skills and knowledge required to produce the information needed for environmental decision-making. These electives will be required to include at least one research-based independent study course and at least one team- and discussion-based capstone course that emphasizes experiential and community engaged learning.
Note the majors in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies share the same core courses, so students can learn more about the field before selecting a specific major. Interested students should contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 646 660-6250 or learn more at https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/naturalsciences/
Requirements for the Major
Precalculus is recommended for this major.
No credit toward the major
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MTH 1023
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Intermediate and College Algebra | 2 credits |
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or
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MTH 1030
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College Algebra | 2 credits |
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or
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| Placement into precalculus or calculus | ||
| and | ||
| A one-semester college natural science course with laboratory. ENV 1004 Fundamentals of Ecological Research is recommended but not required.
Students may use a Pathways Life and Physical Science course or a STEM variant science course. |
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| and | ||
| ENG 2150 | Writing II | 3 credits |
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ENV 2001*
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Environmental Studies Seminar | 1 credits |
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ENV/BIO 2100**
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Biostatistics | 3 credits |
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ENV 3001
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Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 credits |
| ENV 3006 | Global Ecology | 4 credits |
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ENV/PHY 3060
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Earth Systems | 4 credits |
| BLS/LTS/PAF 3200 | Climate Justice | 3 credits |
*While students are required to take ENV 2001 once, students may repeat it up to 3 times for credit towards the major.
** BIO/ENV 2100 cannot also be applied to the Pathways Required Core. Students with credit for PSY 2100 Statistics for Social Sciences or STA 2000 Business Statistics I will use that course for the Environmental Studies major. They cannot enroll in BIO/ENV 2100, and they cannot use PSY 2100 or STA 2000 for their Pathways Required Core degree requirement.
- At least 2 of these credits must be in ENV 5000-level independent study courses, which focus on active research
- At least one team- or discussion-based capstone course ** must be included.
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BIO 3001
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Principles of Biology II | 4.5 credits |
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BIO 3015
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Principles of Genetics | 4 credits |
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BIO 4280
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Bioinformatics | 4 credits |
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CHM 2003
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General Chemistry I | 4 credits |
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ENV/BIO 3009
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Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development | 4.5 credits |
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ENV/BIO 3020
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Biology of Invertebrates | 4 credits |
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ENV/BIO 3030
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Evolution | 4 credits |
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ENV/BIO/PSY 3032
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Animal Behavior | 4 credits |
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ENV/BIO 3062
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Astrobiology | 4 credits |
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ENV 3070
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Agroecology | 4 credits |
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ENV 3400
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Special Topics | 4 credits |
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ENV 4005**
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Ecosystem Sustainability | 4 credits |
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ENV 4020
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Microbial Ecology | 4 credits |
| ENV 4900** | Environmental Sciences Capstone | 4 credits |
| ENV 5000 | Independent Study Environmental Studies I | 1-4 credits |
| ENV 5001 | Independent Study Environmental Studies II | 2 credits |
| IDC 4010** | The Susan Locke Interdisciplinary Capstone in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change | 3 credits |
| MTH 2600 or MTH 2610 | Calculus I with Trigonometry Refresher or Calculus I | 4 credits |
| PHY 2003 | General Physics 1 | 4 credits |
** Team- or discussion-based capstone course
Students are expected to complete the major requirements in place at the time they are officially accepted into their programs. Please review the College Bulletin for the relevant academic year.
Fall 2026 Environmental Science Major (BS) Course Offerings
(Subject to Change)
Please see Schedule of Classes for details.
Required Course:
BLS/PAF 3200 – Climate Justice
Electives:
BIO 3001 – Principles of Biology II
BIO 3015 – Principles of Genetics
CHM 2003 – General Chemistry I
ENV/BIO 3020 – Biology of Invertebrates
ENV/BIO 3030 – Principles of Evolution
ENV 3070 – Agroecology
MTH 2600 – Calculus I with Trigonometry Refresher
MTH 2610 – Calculus I
PHY 2003 – General Physics I
Contact
Department of Natural Sciences
646-660-6250