Environmental Science Department

Welcome to the Department of Environmental Science.

At Thiel College, students who care about the environment don’t just study science — they live it, explore it, test it, and use it to change the world. Whether you’re drawn to sustainability, conservation, climate challenges, or the fast-growing field of environmental safety, Thiel’s Environmental Science program and Environmental Safety Management program gives you the tools, mentorship, and real-world experiences to make an impact.

You’ll learn in small classes where faculty know you by name, spend time in the field and the lab, and build the confidence that comes from solving real problems — not just reading about them. An environmental science major and an environmental safety management major is encouraged to complete an internship, providing hands-on skills and a résumé that stands out in today’s competitive environmental and safety workforce.

Undergraduate Programs of Study

Thiel’s environmental science department offers several different programs to fit each student’s interests.

Environmental Science (B.S.)
Environmental Studies (minor)
Environmental Safety Management (B.S.)
Environmental Safety Management (minor)

Experiential Learning & Campus Activities

At Thiel, your classroom extends across campus and beyond:

Environmental Club

Meet fellow students who are passionate about sustainability, conservation, and environmental advocacy. The club leads campus recycling projects, organizes clean-ups, runs Earth Week events, participates in national RecycleMania, and volunteers through Spring Into Action.

Internships that Launch Careers

An internship is encouraged for Environmental Science and Environmental Safety Management majors — and many lead directly to job offers. Students have interned with:

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Pittsburgh Zoo
Pymatuning State Park
Regional consulting firms
Local industries needing environmental and safety expertise

Hands-On Exploration

From field sampling along local watersheds to analyzing laboratory data to using Thiel’s online weather center, students engage directly with the environment and its challenges.

Study Abroad

Upper-level students have the opportunity to broaden their environmental perspective through global learning experiences — an invaluable advantage in today’s international environmental workforce.

Learn more about the clubs and activities for environmental science and environmental safety management majors.

Career Opportunities

Thiel graduates step into careers where they make a difference — in ecosystems, communities, workplaces, and beyond. Alumni pursue roles such as:

Field Environmental Compliance Specialist
Environmental Technician
Resource Conservation Technician
Health and Safety Consultant
Analytical Lab Technician
Firefighter/EMT
Risk Management Associate
Certified Hazardous Material Manager
Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist

Others continue into competitive graduate programs in environmental science, sustainability, law, public policy, emergency management, and business.

Faculty mentorship, small classes, and immersive experiences ensure students are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and research institutions. As environmental challenges grow, so does the demand for skilled, ethical, solutions-driven professionals.

An Environmental Community Focused on Your Success

"My experience at Thiel College taught me the importance of curiosity and adaptability both of which have been essential in navigating the challenges of my career field."

— Katie Aaron, Environmental Science Major ’24

Ready to Explore the Environment — and Your Future?

Thiel is a place where you’ll be known, supported, challenged, and inspired. If you’re ready to study the natural world, protect communities, and help build a sustainable future, our Environmental Science and Environmental Safety Management programs are the perfect place to start.

Your Thiel degree will speak for itself, but you will also have support from:

Dedicated faculty who mentor you, guide your research, and help you build the skills employers value.
A 15,000-member Thiel alumni network, including graduates working in conservation, environmental consulting, parks and recreation, industrial safety, state agencies, and sustainability-focused organizations.
A wrap-around Career Development Center, offering free, lifelong career planning and advising, internship placement support, networking opportunities and professional development events.

Curious about what’s waiting for you in our Environmental Science or Environmental Safety Management programs? Contact us today!