Bachelor of Arts

Environmental and Marine Science

Major

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Study on land and under the sea

You’ll learn to be a scientist out in the field, not just in the classroom.

Environmental and Marine Science at Goshen College studies Earth’s ecosystems on land and under the sea, combining biology, chemistry, earth science, and environmental policy with real fieldwork, from Indiana wetlands to coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

You’ll work in two extraordinary outdoor classrooms with faculty mentors who know you by name: the 1,189-acre Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, and the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station in the Florida Keys. You’ll graduate ready to lead in conservation, research, sustainability, and environmental education.

  • 1,189
    acres of the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center used as your field classroom
  • 12
    week residential Marine Biology Semester in the Florida Keys, running each fall since 2019
  • 60
    years — the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station has been part of the Biology Department since 1966

    Built for people who want to do the work

    This major is for students who are curious about the natural world and want to get their hands dirty, in a marsh, on a reef, in a lab, while building toward real outcomes. Goshen graduates go on to careers in conservation and natural-resource management, marine biology, environmental education and policy and advocacy. Many continue to graduate and professional school. Goshen College is #1 in Indiana for the percentage of graduates who go on to earn doctorates. You’ll find alumni working in national parks, marine research labs, government agencies, environmental consulting firms and education programs.

    program requirements

    Where you’ll learn it

    Starting in your first year, you’ll explore ecosystems in person and tackle real problems through fieldwork, research and immersive experiences like these:

    You’ll work in some of the most distinctive spaces available to undergraduates: the 1,189-acre Merry Lea natural area, the J.N. Roth station’s reefs and mangroves and the labs of Schrock Science Hall.

    • Completing the Marine and Environmental Science degree opened up a great abundance of opportunities including getting dive certified, building connections with non profit organizations, and learning about a variety of different ecosystems. I was able to gain hands on experience and conduct a senior thesis project right off the dock about the most amazing marine organism (sea turtles of course). Overall, I was able to grow as a student and find what I am truly passionate about which is conserving our marine ecosystems.

      Luci Munger

      Laci Munger '26

      ENVIRONMENTAL AND MARINE SCIENCE Major

    Paying for Goshen

    Environmental and marine science students are eligible for a variety of Goshen College scholarships, and most students receive financial aid.

    To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator or  explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.

    financial aidscholarshipsnet price calculator

    Common questions about environmental and marine science major

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        Study ecology, ethics and policy in Goshen College's sustainability studies major and minor, preparing you for careers in conservation, advocacy and agriculture.

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