Program Details
BS in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Bachelor of ScienceUniversity of Lynchburg
The environmental sciences and sustainability major is an interdisciplinary program for students wishing to pursue careers in environmental sciences and sustainability. Students prepare to become foresters, wildlife or aquatic ecologists, geologists, meteorologists, GIS technicians, sustainability or conservation officers, environmental lawyers, and educators. Potential employers include government agencies, commercial environmental laboratories, private consulting and law firms, non-profit environmental organizations, and teaching institutions. Graduate studies in the sciences are also possible. A key component of the environmental science program is the ability to work closely with professors, as well as with professionals from the community. Diverse learning opportunities are available in the classroom, the laboratory, in the field, and abroad. Our students develop critical thinking and sound scientific reasoning abilities, as well as a general awareness of the physical and biological factors at work in the environment. Additionally, they can engage in a research project or an internship that integrates training into an analysis of an environmental problem or an applied issue.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
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Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Lynchburg and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a transferrable Associate's degree will award students credit for general education requirements except for the senior capstone course. No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Credits awarded for transferrable courses with a grade of "C" or higher. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university where students gain a greater heart for humanity and a mindset of individual growth. Here, thought-provoking learning ignites change in each individual, and the world. We combine traditional classroom instruction with experiential learning and real-world applications bringing a hands-on, multi-faceted approach that serves our students best today and for the rest of their lives. We’re a tight-knit community that’s accepting and inviting. We’re socially responsible and active, and don’t hesitate to stand up and speak out for what’s just and right. Pride and belonging are important at Lynchburg. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determind by first semester of enrollment |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalogue determined by first semester of enrollment |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.lynchburg.edu/undergraduate-admission/for-applicants/transfer-and-access-adult-student-guide/guaranteed-admission-for-vccs-associate-degrees/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Integrated Environmental Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Environmental Studies: Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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19-2041.01 | Climate Change Policy Analysts | Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
13-1041.00 | Compliance Officers | Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
13-1041.06 | Coroners | Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
13-1041.08 | Customs Brokers | Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
13-1041.01 | Environmental Compliance Inspectors | Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
19-2041.02 | Environmental Restoration Planners | Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1053.00 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-4042.00 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2041.00 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
13-1041.03 | Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers | Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
19-4071.00 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
13-1041.04 | Government Property Inspectors and Investigators | Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
19-2041.03 | Industrial Ecologists | Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
13-1041.07 | Regulatory Affairs Specialists | Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
Cost To Complete
