Environmental Biology (BA)
Develop sustainable solutions for a better world.
MBU students can declare a major in Environmental Biology until August 2024.
Students who have already declared a major or will declare one from the existing course catalog prior to August 2024 will be able to complete their major on schedule through courses offered at Mary Baldwin.
Developing real, sustainable solutions to issues facing the planet — and humanity — requires an awareness of not only science, but also economics, politics, and society. A major in environmental biology prepares you to enter an exciting, rewarding, and rapidly growing field dedicated to addressing these complex problems.
- Time to finish
- 4 years
- Format
- In person
- Degree(s)
- Bachelor of Arts
Next steps
Why Study Environmental Biology at Mary Baldwin?
Situated in the Shenandoah Valley, Mary Baldwin’s location is a major benefit of studying environmental biology. The surrounding ecosystems provide a larger-than-life laboratory, where you can explore the streams, wildlife, ecosystems, natural processes, and more in nearby national forests and parks. Such ready-access to nature is something you just can’t find at urban campuses.
Features & Benefits
- Small classes with plenty of personalized attention
- Meaningful research opportunities, including a senior capstone
- Service opportunities with with Net Impact, a student environmental club
- Activities and excursions with the Weekend Adventure Club
Next steps
“I learned extensively about different reptiles, mammals, insects, and plants found in that region. I have taken many classes with Dr. Callo and this one by far has been my favorite!”
Savannah G.MBU ’24
What You’ll Learn as an Environmental Biology Major
In this interdisciplinary program, you will learn about the key concepts of environmental biology, the importance of biodiversity, and the relationships between living organisms and human beings. You’ll do this in the classroom, in the lab, and out in the field.
Sample core and elective courses include:
Introduces basic principles of ecology that lay at the core of today’s major environmental issues. Particularly appropriate for students interested in the environment that are majoring in business administration, communication, education, or social sciences.
Introduces the diversity of birds, their scientific study, and conservation in tropical and temperate settings. Visit the tropics during spring break to study migratory species. Learning the differences between resident and migratory tropical birds will introduce the concept of bias in our perception and help us achieve a solid foundation in bird biology, ecology, and behavior.
Study the diversity of life and its preservation. Students will explore how evolutionary processes have produced the biological diversity we see today, examine its current threats, and engage in a critical discussion of conservation ethics vs. economic tradeoffs. We’ll cover the theoretical underpinnings of conservation and the practical field strategies conservationists use to protect biological diversity.
Unique student support
The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.
- Cost per credit hour: $486
- Credits required for a bachelor’s degree: 120