Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Environmental Science Major - BS

Bachelor of Science
Bridgewater College

Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is located in the McKinney Center of Science and Mathematics. The department offers introductory and advanced courses to provide students with broad discipline foundation. The rapid expansion of the biological sciences assures bright futures for well-prepared biologists and environmental scientists. The biology major allows students maximum preparation and flexibility. A minor in biology is recommended for students who want to pair experiences in life science while pursuing another major. Students may also select a biology major with a secondary teacher education endorsement in preparation for teaching grades 6-12. In addition, the department offers minors in biology, biomedical sciences, environmental science, and wildlife biology. Students also work with faculty mentors via internships, study abroad, field work and summer research opportunities. The environmental science major is closely tied to studies in biology, and students may double major in biology and environmental science. The environmental science curricula takes advantage of rapidly expanding knowledge in ecology, molecular and cell biology, environmental chemistry and instrumentation to prepare students for the myriad career paths in this area. Students majoring in biology or environmental science find employment directly after graduation as life science or earth science teachers, laboratory technicians, health professionals, pharmaceutical salespersons, and in environmental professions including the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. With graduate or professional degrees, Bridgewater alumni go on to successful careers as physicians, veterinarians, dentists, foresters, wildlife biologists, research scientists, environmental planners and genetic counselors.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree A major in environmental science includes studies in math and chemistry. The classes cover fundamental principles from ecology to statistics to chemistry, as well as policy classes about how humans interact with natural resources. The electives are your way to tailor the program to your particular interests, such as wildlife biology, conservation, water resources, GIS and more.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Bridgewater College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses All courses must be completed with a C of better.
Doing More With Your Degree A degree in environmental science opens up numerous career paths in fields such as environmental engineering, water quality, wildlife biology, conservation and more. A minor in wildlife biology is a great addition to show preparation for graduate school or a job directly after finishing at BC. We also have a semester program with the Smithsonian Institution at their Front Royal campus for students to prepare with coursework in conservation and field work.
Program Successes & Highlights Students who graduate with an environmental science major find jobs in state and federal parks, water quality, environmental engineering, fisheries management, and field technicians. As part of their career path, some students pursue advanced degrees in environmental management, engineering and public policy. We expect strong US job growth in all areas of environmental science in the next decade, so this is a valuable degree for building your successful career.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College 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.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program.

Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 350EW course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for new students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course.
Credit for Prior Learning Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Bridgewater College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
51
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
57%
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions BRCC Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. BRCC Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from BRCC.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1081.00Education Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2021.00Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationTeach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2022.00Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Bridgewater College
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $7,500 Per Semester $60,000 $0 $60,000 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
Fees
Student Services Fee $280 Per Semester $2,240 0 $2,240 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
Technology Fee $265 Per Semester $2,120 0 $2,120 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Ask about additional costs for housing, meals, books, parking, and other services.
  • Fall 2024 Scholarships for Transfer Students

    • Guaranteed transfer merit scholarships:
      These scholarships are based on a student's cumulative college grade point average (GPA), and the merit level is established at the time an admission decision is made. Test scores submitted will be considered in the application review and will not typically affect merit scholarship consideration.

      CUMULATIVE COLLEG GPAAMOUNTBC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
      3.4 minimum$3,500Transfer Leadership Scholarship
      2.7-3.39$2,500Transfer Excellence Scholarship
      2.69 and under$1,500Transfer Eagle Scholarship

      Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant
      A $1,000 grant is available to transfers who earned an associate degree from a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and who have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of $12,000 or less. A complete description of eligibility and application requirements is available from this 2023-24 Two Year College Transfer Grant Application (schev.edu) from State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

      Please see this link for additional information: https://www.bridgewater.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.