Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
Dr. Daniela Shebitz, Chairperson
Phone: 908-737-3745
Email: dshebitz@kean.edu
Degrees Offered:
Majors:
Environmental Science, B.S. (Offered at Union and Kean/Ocean campuses)
Biology, B.S. – Environmental Biology (Offered at Union, Skylands and Kean/Ocean campuses)
Earth Science, B.A.
- General Option
- Teacher Certification Option
Minors:
- Sustainability Science Minor
Additional certification requirements:
For the Earth Science, Teacher Certification Option, Students interested in obtaining a certification upon degree conferral must submit a separate application. Please visit the Office of Teacher Certification for information regarding those instructions and the NJ Department of Education for information regarding the requirements specific to the respective certification.
Program Accreditation:
There are no accrediting bodies for our Environmental and Sustainability Science programs.
Admissions Requirements:
There are no separate admissions requirements for programs in DESS. Prospective students should apply for admission to Kean University and select one of our major programs described.
Start terms:
This program offers admissions in the fall and spring semesters.
The Department of Environmental and Sustainability Science (DESS) provides a unique and collaborative scientific research-focused division within Kean University. Through the integration of multiple scientific disciplines including biology, geology, meteorology, environmental science, geography and chemistry, students work with faculty in a transdisciplinary manner. The Faculty of DESS integrate their research into training, education, field and laboratory work, and mentoring of students who are destined for scientific research or professional careers. Alumni of our programs have found careers in local, state, and federal government agencies, regional biotechnology, health care, veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, environmental law, consulting, research and engineering firms, the media, sustainability industries, non-profit agencies, and academia. For additional information on career options for majors in the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, visit our website at https://www.kean.edu/academics/college-science-mathematics-and-technology/department-environmental-and-sustainability
DESS provides students with professional development opportunities as part of their program so that they may be able to recognize and reconcile the highly complex and integrated nature of environmental, ecological, and health-related sciences. They graduate with an understanding of the connections between society and air, water, and land systems and how these relationships pertain to sustainability concepts and best practices. Through guided internships and research experiences, hands-on course work in the classroom, labs, and field, and travel-learn opportunities, the DESS Faculty provide a transformative and global model of education that helps students gain a strong scientific background, powerful research skills, and critical thinking and analytical abilities. DESS graduates are prepared to become the next generation of scientists who will be able to address highly complex environmental and biological challenges now and into the future.
Now students can learn about forest ecology, birds and wildlife at our Skylands Campus (Jefferson, NJ) and be surrounded by 2,000 acres of protected forests and lakes. They can also learn about marine and coastal ecology at our Kean Ocean Campus (Tom's River, NJ) or about sustainability and urban ecology on our Main Campus (Union, NJ). Students majoring in Environmental Biology can now complete their entire junior and senior level coursework at the Skylands or Ocean campuses instead of comping to the main campus if they choose to do so.
The educational objectives are delivered in Bachelor's Degree Programs in Environmental Science, Biology (Environmental Biology Option), and Earth Science. In addition, both DESS students as well as those who are majoring in other programs have the opportunity to embed a minor into their programs in the areas of Sustainability Science, Environmental Health or Environmental Justice through DESS offerings. Through this model, students can take a cluster of courses that allows them to develop an area of specialty with essential tools and knowledge that will prepare them for their careers. For information regarding College/program mission and student learning outcomes please see https://www.kean.edu/academics/college-natural-applied-and-health-sciences/cnahs-mission-and-slos
Statement from the Faculty of DESS
We welcome all students to consider an academic experience within DESS. Our faculty philosophy in DESS is that graduates from our programs should demonstrate a clear understanding of the connections among all the sciences and between science and society. They should be adept at identifying, addressing, discerning, and communicating regional, national, and global issues and solutions across the environmental and sustainability sciences. We believe that the scientific and communication skills gained through our program are critical for the success of the next generation of scientists who must observe, analyze, interpret, and address highly complex environmental challenges now and into the future.