The B.S. in Environmental Conservation major at Cedar Crest, the only program of its kind in the Lehigh Valley, is a field-based program for students who wish to pursue a scientific study of environmental issues that concern the loss of species, habitats, and ecosystems – that is, biological diversity (“biodiversity”).

You will gain the knowledge and experience to make a difference, whether you wish to pursue advanced studies in graduate school or pursue a career after graduation.

Recent graduates have gone on to study at University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Florida Atlantic University, University of New England, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Michigan State University, University of Louisiana – Lafayette, Drexel University, Tufts University, and Gonzaga University School of Law.

Others have gained employment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Jacksonville Zoo, the Wyoming County Conservation District, Crop Management Strategies, Inc., Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., the Wildlife Conservation Society / Bronx Zoo, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, for example.

Research and Field Experiences

It is important for B.S. in Environmental Conservation students to gain experience conducting research, especially field research. All students in the Department of Biological Sciences gain a strong foundation in laboratory-based research but much of the research in environmental conservation occurs in the field, where the environmental issues are occurring. So all B.S. in Environmental Conservation students have the opportunity to conduct four years of research with program faculty and are required to complete a field research requirement. Both help prepare students for further study or careers in environmental conservation and help them stand out when applying to graduate school or for a job.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the B.S. in Environmental Conservation is to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to protect biodiversity: species, habitats, and ecosystems. Students majoring in Environmental Conservation study conservation issues within global, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts, become civically engaged, and learn to communicate the importance of preserving biodiversity to a variety of audiences. Students who complete the B.S. degree are prepared to solve the environmental issues that affect biodiversity through scientific study and conservation-related research and to become leaders in the field of environmental conservation.