The Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Studies (BA) programs at Stockton University prepare students to address real-world environmental challenges. This interdisciplinary program examines how natural systems and human activity interact, with a focus on climate change, sustainability, and resource management.
Students gain practical skills through fieldwork, lab analysis, and tools like GIS and environmental monitoring. With access to campus research areas and hands-on projects, students study topics such as ecology, hydrology, and environmental policy while preparing for careers in environmental science and related fields.
Explore Careers and Opportunities in Environmental Science
What can you do with an Environmental Science or Environmental Studies degree from 国产传媒?
Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, sustainability planning, and environmental policy. Many work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private firms, using skills in GIS mapping, environmental monitoring, and data analysis to address issues like water quality, land use, and climate impacts.
How hands-on is the Environmental Science program at 国产传媒?
The program emphasizes fieldwork, laboratory research, and real-world applications. Students participate in environmental sampling, soil and water analysis, and GIS-based mapping projects while working in field monitoring stations, groundwater systems, and ecological research sites across Stockton鈥檚 campus and surrounding region.
What areas can students specialize in within Environmental Science/Studies?
Students can focus on areas such as forestry, wildlife management, soil science and hydrology, or planning and GIS. These concentrations allow students to explore topics like ecosystem management, spatial data analysis, and water resource systems while developing targeted skills for specific environmental careers.
Are internships or research opportunities available?
All students complete a senior project, which can be an internship with environmental agencies, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations, or independent research with faculty. These experiences often involve field data collection, environmental analysis, and applied problem-solving in real-world settings.
Can students continue into graduate study after this program?
Yes. Qualified students can enter 国产传媒鈥檚 accelerated dual-degree program to earn a Professional Science Master鈥檚 degree. Others pursue graduate studies in environmental science, ecology, geology, or related fields, often supported by research and teaching assistantships.
Faculty
Emma L. Witt
Tait Chirenje
Tait Chirenje
Professor of Environmental Science
BIOGRAPHY
I grew up in Zimbabwe (southern Africa) and I went to Hartzell High School and the University of Zimbabwe (graduated 1993). I moved to Canada in 1994 and completed my MS at the University of Guelph (Ontario). After two horrible winters, I moved south, where I completed my Ph.D. in trace metal geochemistry at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After two years as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Florida (worked on trace element baseline concentrations in all 67 FL counties), I moved to New Jersey in August 2003. I have been teaching at 国产传媒 ever since.
My hobbies include traveling, hiking, and dancing (salsa, bachata, and other Latin dances). Recently, I started doing more charity work (check out my Zimbabwe Book Project here). Life's short, do the best you can:).
Website/CV:
Ph.D. (Trace metal geochemistry): University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL
M.S. (Geochemistry): University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
B.S. (Honors, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering):
University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Trace metal chemistry, surface water chemistry, indoor air quality assessment, Brownfields characterization, Phase I and II site assessments, urban geochemistry.
Environmental Sustainability (SUST 2100)
Global Environmental Issues (GNM 2475)
Intro to Environmental Pollution (GNM 2261)
Water Chemistry (ENVL 3334)
Environmental Pollution and Regulation (ENVL 3241) Environmental Toxicology (ENVL
3601)
Environmental Quality: Science and Law (ENV 4401)
Environmental Remediation and Biotechnology (ENVL 446)
International Sustainable Development (SUST 3701)
NW/SW Field Experience (ENVL 4502)
Environmental Quality (ENSC 5202)
Jessica Hallagan
Jessica Hallagan
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Jessica Hallagan grew up in Southern New Jersey and is a Stockton alumna. At Stockton, she majored in chemistry with a focus on environmental chemistry. During her years as a doctoral student at Virginia Tech, Dr. Hallagan was fortunate enough to spend a great part of her time hiking in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. For her doctoral research, she studied soil science and examined inorganic soil biogeochemistry. Specifically, her graduate work investigated selenium geochemistry and bioavailability in phosphate mine soils in southeastern Idaho. She is eager to continue working with students through research and to instill the notion of the importance of soils and the environment through teaching.
In her spare time, you are likely to find Dr. Hallagan outdoors, either running, hiking, kayaking, fishing, or gardening.
Website/CV:
Instagram:
Ph.D., Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences (Soil Chemistry), Virginia Tech
B.S., Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry), 国产传媒
Soil science, soil biogeochemistry
ENVL 1100 Introduction to Environmental Studies
ENVL 3432 Soil Science
Soil biogeochemistry, mine soils, agricultural/viticultural soils, inorganic contaminant mobility, nutrient cycling, plant bioavailability, soil amendments
Favorito, J.E., M.J. Eick. and P.R. Grossl. 2017. Adsorption of selenate and selenite on ferrihydrite in the presence and absence of dissolved organic carbon. Journal of Environmental Quality. In Review.
Favorito, J.E., M.J. Eick, P.R. Grossl, and T.Z. Davis. 2017. Selenium Geochemistry in Reclaimed Phosphate Mine Soils and Its Relationship with Plant Bioavailability. Plant and Soil 418. 541-555.
Min Kook Kim
Min Kook Kim
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
BIOGRAPHY
Ph.D. (Forest Resources), University of Maine (MUP), State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) M.A., Seoul National University, South Korea BEcon, Chung-Ang University, South Korea
- Geospatial technology for natural resource management and conservation (remote sensing, GIS modeling, public participation GIS, and visualization).
- Park, public land, and protected area management: monitoring visitor-induced impacts (vegetation, soil, and water) and visitor use (spatial distribution and accessibility).
GNM 1242: Mapping The World鈥檚 Natural Resources
ENVL 3302: Geographic Information Systems
I am currently conducting two projects for Acadia National Park. In the first project, I am investigating vegetation cover changes along trails, campsites, and road systems to identify if those recreational infrastructures attract more direct vegetation impacts. In the second project, I am emphasizing the utility of remote sensing technology as a way of monitoring visitor-induced impacts and eventually assessing the efficacy of management strategies designed to enhance vegetation recovery at high-use destinations in the park.
Kim, M., Kim, J., & Sharp, R. (2022). Spatial Variations of Condition Class in Clifty Wilderness, Daniel Boone National Forest, KY, USA. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 40, 100558. doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2022.100558.
Kim, M., & Daigle, J. (2022). Long-Term Monitoring of Vegetation Cover Changes by Remote Sensing, Cadillac Mountain Summit, Acadia National Park. Parks Stewardship Forum, 38(1): 132-144. doi.org/10.5070/P538156127.
Kim, M. (2021). Continuity of Instruction: Hands-on Exercise in GIS Course. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education. doi:10.1080/1937156X.2021.1978912.
Kim, M., & Graefe, D. (2020). Geographically weighted regression to explore spatially varying relationships of recreation resource impacts: A case study from Adirondack Park, New York, USA. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 39(2), 43-63. doi:10.18666/JPRA-2020-10515.
Vashti Mahadeo
Vashti Mahadeo
Teaching Specialist, Environmental Studies
BIOGRAPHY
Ph.D. Biological Sciences (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) Binghamton University,
M.S Biology (Ecology, Evolution and Conservation), Adelphi University
B.S. Biology (Ecology and Evolution), Stony Brook University
ENVL 2400 Statistical Analysis of Ecological Systems
ENVL 4300 Environmental Issues
Ecology, urban ecology, riparian ecology, entomology, science education
I am broadly interested in how global change impacts ecological communities and ecosystem structure and function. My research involves urban ecology, science education, riparian ecology, community ecology, entomology, and conservation.
Daniel A. Moscovici
Matthew Olson
Matthew Olson
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Ph.D. in Forest Resources - University of Maine
Forest ecology, Silviculture, Restoration Ecology, Forestry
Dendrology, Ecological Forest Management, Statistical Analysis of Ecological Systems, Trees
Ecology and management of forests with an emphasis in forest regeneration and stand dynamics
Hossain, S.M.Y., H.C. Stuhlinger, M.G. Olson, and B. A. Babst. 2019. A comparison of slow-release watering devices for benefiting newly transplanted urban trees. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. 45: 109-119.
Olson, M.G., S.M.Y. Hossain, K.K. Cunningham, M. Pelkki, and H.C. Stuhlinger. 2018. Rehabilitating degraded hardwood stands with overstory removal and oak enrichment planting: 14-year results. Open Journal of Forestry. 8: 459-471.
Olson, M.G. and M.T. Keeley. 2018. Controlling dense layers of pawpaw (Asimina
triloba) in mesic upland forest understories. Forest Science. 64: 324-329.
Knapp, B.O., M.G. Olson, and D.C. Dey. 2017. Early stump sprout development
following two levels of harvest in a Midwestern bottomland hardwood forest. Forest
Science. 63: 377-387.
Olson, M.G., B.O. Knapp, and J.M. Kabrick. 2017. Dynamics of a temperate
deciduous forest under landscape-scale management: Implications for adaptability to
climate change. Forest Ecology and Management. 387: 73-85.
Olson, M.G. and M.R. Saunders. 2017. Long-term research on managed hardwood forests in eastern North America. Forest Ecology and Management. 387: 1-2.
Rota, C.T., A.J. Wolf, R.B. Renken, R.A. Gitzen, D.K. Fantz, R.A. Montgomery, M.G. Olson, L.D. Vangilder, and J.J. Millspaugh. 2017. Long-term impacts of three forest management strategies on herpetofauna abundance in the Missouri Ozarks. Forest Ecology and Management. 387: 37-51.
Olson, M.G., A.J. Wolf, and R.G. Jensen. 2015. Influence of forest management on
acorn production in the southeastern Missouri Ozarks: early results of a long-term
ecosystem experiment. Open Journal of Forestry. 5: 568-583.
Olson, M.G., D. Gwaze, and A. Elliott. 2015. Fate of residual trees during the first
decade after harvest in a northeast Missouri mixed bottomland hardwood forest. Forest
Science. 61: 190-196.
Knapp, B.O., M.G. Olson, D.R. Larsen, J.M. Kabrick, and R.G. Jensen. 2014. MOFEP: A success story for long-term, landscape-scale, collaborative silvicultural research. Journal of Forestry. 112(5): 513-524
Olson, M.G., S.R. Meyer, R.G. Wagner, and R.S. Seymour. 2014. Commercial thinning stimulates natural regeneration in spruce-fir stands. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 44(3): 173-181. doi:10.1139/cjfr-2013-0227
Bataineh, M.M., R.G. Wagner, M.G. Olson, and E.K. Olson. 2014. Mid-rotation
response of ground vegetation to herbicide and precommercial thinning in the Acadian
Forest of Maine, USA. Forest Ecology and Management. 313: 132-
Matthew "Rocky" J. Severs
Matthew "Rocky" J. Severs
Associate Professor of Geology
BIOGRAPHY
.
I'm from Indiana originally and have always had an interest in the earth and its formation. I attended Colby College as a history major originally before switching to geology as it was far more interesting and then went to Virginia Tech for my doctorate. I am the hard-rock geologist in the Geology Program at Stockton, meaning that I focus my teaching and research on igneous and metamorphic rocks. All of my classes have a strong field component to them as geology is best seen in the field. It has been my pleasure to involve my Stockton students in research projects that have taken us to Rhode Island, Maine, Newfoundland, Mount St. Helens, WA the Adirondacks, NY, and to Virginia. I am also the faculty advisor for the Geology Club.
Website/CV:
Ph.D. Geosciences, Virginia Tech
BA, Geology, Colby College
Geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks, ore deposit formation, melt and fluid inclusions, lamprophyres and their generation in the mantle, pegmatite generation, migmatites and early stage melting of rocks, and adakites; Igneous Petrology; Metamorphic Petrology; Volcanology; Ore Deposits; Mineralogy
Physical Geology and 鈥婰ab (GEOL 2101/2105)
Earth and Space Science (GEOL 2120)
Mineralogy (GEOL 3211)
Petrology (GEOL 3212)
Hydrothermal Fluids and Ore Deposits (GEOL 3202)
Tectonics (GEOL 4610)
Minerals and Human History (GNM 1048)
Volcanoes (GNM 2194)
The History of You (GIS 3XXX)
My research focuses on using geochemistry to answer geological questions that focus on igneous petrology, ore deposits, and tectonics. Techniques that I use include petrography, bulk rock geochemistry, mineral geochemistry, and microanalyses of fluid inclusions. My largest current project involves looking at alkali-rich igneous rocks called lamprophryes from the end of Appalachian mountain building events in northern New Jersey and southern New York to better understand how they formed and their relationship with other intrusions in the area. My newest project is looking at critical minerals necessary for alternative energies such as gallium, germanium, and others in historic mining districts in New York to better understand whether these deposits or others like them could be reimagined for modern metals, but also how they form from hydrothermal fluids. A third project is aimed at understanding the mantle beneath the continental lithosphere of the East Coast by looking at xenoliths of the mantle rocks brough to the surface by volcanic activity in lamprophyres from Rhode Island. Finally, the last project that I am working on is understanding how iron oxide-apatite ore deposits form and whether these deposits can have rare earth elements needed for alternative energies, electric vehicles, and all modern technologies.
Severs, M.J., Gryger, K.J.*, Makin, S.A.*, Bodnar, R.J., and Bradford, W.B.*, 2013. Investigation of long-term geochemical variations and magmatic processes in Mount St. Helens eruptive units. Geofluids 13, 440-452.
Bodnar, R.J., Azbej, T., Becker, S., Cannatelli, C., Fall, A., and Severs, M.J., 2013. Whole Earth Geohydrologic Cycle: From the Clouds to the Core 鈥 The Role of
Water in the Dynamic Earth System. In: M.E. Bickford, Ed., Geological Society of America
Special Paper 500, 125th Anniversary Special Volume I: The Web of Geological Sciences:
Advances, Impacts, and Interactions. Chapter 13, 431-462.
Severs, M.J., Beard, J.S., Bodnar, R.J., Fedele, L., Hanchar, J.M., and Mutchler, S.M., 2009.
Partitioning behavior of trace elements between dacitic melt and plagioclase, orthopyroxene,
and clinopyroxene based on laser ablation ICPMS analysis of silicate melt inclusions.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 73, 2123-2141.
Severs M.J., Azbej, T., Thomas, J.B., Mandeville, C.W., and Bodnar, R.J., 2007. Experimental
determination of H2O loss from melt inclusions during laboratory heating: Evidence
from Raman spectroscopy. Chemical Geology 237, 358-371.
Azbej, T., Severs, M.J., Rusk, B., and Bodnar, R.J., 2007. In situ quantitative analysis of H2O-CO2 fluid
inclusions by laser Raman Spectroscopy. Chemical Geology 237, 255-263.
*Indicates Stockton student/alumni author
Catherine A. Tredick
Jeffrey Webber
Jeffrey Webber
Associate Professor of Geology
BIOGRAPHY
Greetings, I originally hail from Bozeman Montana where I grew up surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and gained a curiosity for the local geology. During my undergraduate studies at Montana State University, I became fascinated with the deformation and metamorphism of crustal rocks and decided to pursue a Master's degree at The University of Vermont under the mentorship of Dr. Keith Klepeis. While at The University of Vermont, I was able to work on magmatic processes within the Coastal Batholith of central Chile and assisted research on deformation distributions in deep-crustal rocks of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. After finishing my Master's degree, I began working on a doctoral project at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This project, advised by Dr. Laurie L. Brown and Dr. Michael L. Williams, focused on the role of deformation and metamorphism in controlling the spatial distributions of aeromagnetic anomalies in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. I am excited to continue with past research while starting new projects involving Stockton undergraduates.
Website/CV:
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
M.S., The University of Vermont
B.S., Montana State University
Structural Geology, Tectonics, Metamorphic Petrology, and Rock Magnetics
Physical Geology, Field Geology, Geophysics, Earthquakes, Mountains and Mountaineering, Physical Geography, and Environmental Geology.
My current research interests incorporate many aspects of structural geology, metamorphic petrology, and rock magnetism within the context of field geology. I am interested in understanding the relationships between deformation and metamorphism at a variety of scales from thin sections to crustal exposures. These relationships provide the context for geochronological analyses that can be related to kinematic studies and metamorphic conditions including pressure, temperature, and oxygen fugacity. By determining the conditions of deformation and metamorphism, geophysical data derived from aeromagnetic and gravity surveys can be better interpreted with an understanding of the processes that influence rock properties such as magnetic susceptibility and density. I believe that this approach is instrumental in accurately reconstructing the kinematics, timing and rheology of crustal domains within polydeformed terrains. Ultimately, the information gained from this style of research furthers our understanding of modern tectonic processes and gives us insight to the geologic history of specific locations.
Webber, Jeffrey R., Laurie L. Brown, and Michael L. Williams. "Petrophysical constraints on magnetic anomalies associated with metamorphic reactions in northern Saskatchewan, Canada." Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 56, no. 9 (2019): 895-911.
Bailey, Scott W., Donald S. Ross, Nico Perdrial, Michael Jercinovic, Jeffrey Webber, and Rebecca Bourgault. "Determination of primary mineral content and calcium sources in forest soils using electron probe microanalysis mapping and cluster analysis." Soil Science Society of America Journal 83, no. 6 (2019): 1830-1841.
Regan, S. P., M. L. Williams, L. Zieman, J. R. Chiarenzelli, M. J. Jercinovic, B.
L. Cousens, J. R. Webber, and L. B. Aspler. "IN-SIMS zircon U-Pb geochronology from the Snowbird tectonic zone
Large igneous Province (STZ LIP), western Churchill Province, Canada." Precambrian
Research 377 (2022): 106751.
J.R. Webber, K.A. Klepeis, L.E. Webb, J. Cembrano, D. Morata, G. Mora-Klepeis, and G. Arancibia. Deformation and magma transport in a crystallizing plutonic complex, Coast Batholith, central Chile. Geosphere, 11(5), 2015.
L.L. Brown, J.R. Webber, M.L. Williams, S.P. Regan, and S.J. Seaman. Magnetism of the Lower Crust: Observations from the Chipman Domain, Athabasca Granulite Terrain, northern Canada. Tectonophysics, 624-625:66-74, 2014.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate
Various industries and organizations use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze trends, visualize historic changes, and aide in future decision-making strategies. GIS is used in different sectors such as politics, public health, business, emergency response, science, and many other fields. The GIS Certificate is the right choice for professionals interested in advanced skills in computer mapping, spatial modeling, and spatial data mining technologies, and is expected to grow a 35% growth each year over the next decade.
Individuals with GIS certification possess a skill set that is transferable to a variety of industry sectors and can open a broad base of job options and careers.
Common uses of GIS include:
- Inventory and management of resources
- Crime mapping
- Establishing and monitoring routes
- Managing networks
- Monitoring and managing vehicles
- Managing properties
- Locating and targeting customers
- Managing agricultural crop data
- Addressing public health concerns
- Mapping wildfire risk and preparedness
- Modeling hazmat risk
- Mapping, monitoring, and mitigating invasive species
Learn how you can complete a certificate program within one year!*
*students who meet prerequisites
Dual-Degree BS/PSM
The accelerated dual-degree BS/PSM program is an intensive five-year curriculum that offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor鈥檚 in Environmental Science and a Professional Science Master鈥檚 degree. Students take enough courses to meet all requirements for the undergraduate BS and then transition into the MS program in their 鈥渟enior鈥 year, the fourth year of study. This program is designed as a terminal degree for students who want to obtain advanced skills that will prepare them for the workplace. Students interested in research leading to a doctoral degree should consider more traditional programs and are advised to enroll in the BS in Environmental Science and take basic and applied science courses that prepare them for a broad range of research opportunities typical of a conventional graduate program.
Internships
Stockton鈥檚 Environmental Science/Studies program gives students a powerful head start by integrating real鈥憌orld experience directly into the degree. Every ENVL major completes hands鈥憃n internship or independent study credits, opening doors to government agencies, private consulting firms, natural resource industries, and environmental organizations. Whether students are restoring habitats, supporting land鈥憉se planning, or contributing to state鈥憀evel environmental initiatives, these placements turn classroom learning into meaningful professional impact.
With flexible credit options, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to complete multiple internships, students build a resume long before graduation. Each experience is supported by guided reflection, research, or presentation work that strengthens communication and analytical skills. From local planning departments to statewide environmental programs, Stockton interns gain the confidence, connections, and practical expertise that set them apart in a competitive field.
Our students have interned at the following organizations:
Additional Information
Stockton Forest Management Plan (SFMP)
Additional Program Information
Opportunities
Environmental Science students at 国产传媒 are prepared for both immediate careers and advanced study. Qualified students can continue into the accelerated 4+1 dual-degree program to earn a Professional Science Master鈥檚. Graduates work across government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and resource management industries, with some launching their own environmental consulting businesses. Others pursue graduate degrees at leading institutions, often supported by research and teaching assistantships.
Student Testimonials
Forest management is a conservation effort that helps to increase forest biodiversity and provides habitat for species that favor young, successional habitat. Schielzo, who has loved wildlife for as long as she can remember, aspires to be a conservation or wildlife biologist and to work overseas with threatened and endangered species.
B.S. Environmental Science, Minor Biology
During my junior year, I had the opportunity to use the forest on Stockton's campus as a living classroom. 国产传媒 is the first public land in the New Jersey Pinelands to have a comprehensive forest management plan, and I was one of the lucky few who played a role in its inception.
B.S. Environmental Science, Minor in Writing
Stockton's Environmental Track prepared me for this opportunity through their knowledgeable professors, who facilitated professional and personal growth through challenging courses and field experiences.
B.S. Environmental Science
After a circuitous first 2 years of undergrad at another University, I transferred to Stockton to pursue my real passion in the ENVL program. Upon starting my job, I was astonished at just how much my undergrad degree prepared me to make the jump into the working world.
B.S. Environmental Science
Career Information
{{ studyArea.title }}
{{ studyArea.type }}
