BSc in Environmental Science and Sustainability in Potsdam United States | Clarkson University

Today's most urgent environmental challenges — ranging from carbon emissions to excessive single-use plastic consumption — stem from human choices. Solving these problems requires a deep grasp of both scientific principles and policy frameworks affecting our environment.
Clarkson University's B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability provides comprehensive training in key areas including legislation, historical context, ethical considerations, chemical processes, biological systems, innovative technologies, and eco-friendly methods. Students can then specialize their studies through focused tracks aligned with professional aspirations: environmental health and safety, environmental science, policy development, or sustainable innovation.
This multidisciplinary program embodies contemporary sustainability strategies that safeguard ecosystems, maintain biological diversity, and harmonize human activity with planetary conservation.
Our close-knit, demanding program allows for personalized curriculum design. From the first year onward, coursework prioritizes sustainability principles and practical learning through project-based assignments. Seniors undertake a culminating research project in their chosen specialization. Numerous minor options complement the core curriculum. Graduation requires participation in co-ops, internships, faculty-led research, or community initiatives. Students may also deepen their understanding through immersive programs like the Adirondack Semester or Global Business Program expeditions examining sustainable development in East Africa. Distinguished faculty regularly involve undergraduates in research teams and mentor individual projects.
We're committed to practicing what we teach about sustainability. The degree is administered through our Institute for a Sustainable Environment, a prestigious interdisciplinary center for learning, investigation, and campus-wide green initiatives. The Princeton Review consistently ranks us among America's greenest colleges, while the Sierra Club places us in the top 75 environmentally conscious institutions. We've also earned a gold certification from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.