Pioneering Environmental Stewardship
Bethel College was one of the first colleges or universities in the United States to establish an environmental science program – in 1971, shortly after the first national Earth Day (April 22 annually).
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions between the environment and human activities. This program integrates principles from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences to provide a holistic understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices
Field Research
In many cases, that’s a literal field! Bethel’s unique opportunities for field research include:
- Sand Creek Trail
- Two off-campus restoration projects
- Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, Hesston, among almost unlimited additional off-campus options
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning in Environmental Science reinforces academic concepts and cultivates practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These experiences prepare students for diverse wildlife management, conservation, policy, environmental research, and advocacy careers.
Coursework
Coursework is completed within a Biology or Natural sciences major.
And, it is interdisciplinary, lending itself well to another major or minor such as communication arts, history or peace, justice and conflict studies – or to the Individualized Major (iMajor).