Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Curriculum develops students who can apply multiple perspectives in the sciences and humanities in order to analyze and respond to environmental situations in ways that promote the health and flourishing of the living world. The B.A. in Environmental Studies offers students a thorough integration of humanistic inquiry with environmental science, promoting a deeper understanding of the environment, which is one of the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.
Sustainability Symposium 2023 Photo Gallery
The Misericordia Ocean Sustainability Symposium (MOSS), was sponsored by the Environmental Studies program, and focused on the role of the ocean in all of our lives.
Through our students’ efforts and our guest speakers, the symposium showcased the role that humans play in the health of 70% of our planet’s surface.
Newly formed relationship with The Ecological Society of America (ESA)
Check out the certification newsletter from ESA
Program Highlights
Interdisciplinary
Curriculum
Team-Taught
Classes
Diverse Career Opportunities
Fieldwork
Opportunities
Hands-On
Research
Different Track
Options
The environment is a critical concern of the Sisters of Mercy, and as climate change threatens to render large areas of the planet uninhabitable, environmental issues are among the most important for humanity generally.
B.A. in Environmental Studies Tracks
- Standard Track
- Also available as
- Pre-Law
- Pre-DPT
- Also available as
- Environmental Science Track
An Environmental Studies Minor is also available
Career Opportunities
- Environmental science
- Environmental law
- Environmental policy, planning, and management
- Environmental advocacy
- Middle and secondary education
There are currently more than 370,000 Environmental Studies majors in the work force, making an average salary of $68,265*
Collaborative
Major courses are team-taught by professors from across the College of Arts and Sciences.
An Innovative, Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Curriculum
A new four-course interdisciplinary Environmental Studies course sequence forms the backbone of the major. These courses are:
- ENV 100: Environment and Society
- ENV 200: Issues in Sustainability
- ENV 300: Environmental Research Design
- ENV 400: Senior Capstone.
ENV 410, an independent research option is also included. Additionally, the curriculum includes a series of new upper-level Environmental Studies electives.
Versatile
With eight free electives, the B.A. in Environmental Studies makes it easy to combine with other majors and/or minors.
It is also transfer-friendly!
Real-World Experience
Fieldwork
Student will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through the fieldwork requirement. Using Misericordia's regional partners such as the Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) and local farms, students will benefit from a true community learning experience.
Research
The Environmental Studies program contains an independent research component that is essential for adapting and augmenting the classroom learning and for informing the capstone.
Get to Know Dr. Auker
Contact
Assistant Professor Biology and Program Director Environmental Studies
Phone: (570) 674-6359
E-mail: lauker@misericordia.edu
Our Environmental Studies curriculum has been made possible in part by a Humanities Connections Planning Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Featured Environmental Studies News
Linda Auker, Ph.D., program director of Environmental Studies and assistant professor of Biology at Misericordia University, and Kate Lazzeri '21, recently published a research paper in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. The title of their research paper is "The Role of Invasion Status and Taxon of Basibionts in Marine Community Structure."
University News & Happenings
A newly released study by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) highlights Misericordia University as a powerful economic engine for the Commonwealth, contributing an estimated $164.4 million annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supporting more than 1,400 jobs.
Misericordia University’s Art Gallery Director Lalaine Little, Ph.D., and Psychology Professor Alicia Nordstrom, Ph.D., recently presented at the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) Annual Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Misericordia University announces the successful launch of its Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, which is housed within the College of Business at Misericordia University and has already built strong connections with regional employers and community partners while preparing to roll out new professional development programs this fall.
Misericordia University’s (MU) Board of Trustees recently awarded the rank of professor emeritus to Joseph Cipriani Ed.D., OTR/L to recognize his 34 years of exceptional service in teaching, research, and contributions to the university.
Misericordia University is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Jeff “Woody” Woodworth Award for Service, an honor recognizing staff members who exemplify outstanding dedication, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to the university’s mission.
Misericordia University recently wrapped up another successful and enjoyable session of its long-running partnership with the Deutsch Institute, welcoming campers for the annual Celebration of the Arts camp.
Misericordia University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) have signed a new affiliation agreement that establishes a formal 4+4 program, creating a clear and structured pathway for Misericordia students to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Each summer, select Misericordia University undergraduates gain valuable experience through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This competitive 10-week program pairs students with faculty mentors for hands-on, thesis-driven research across disciplines, from original projects to foundations for larger studies.
Misericordia University students recently volunteered their time and skills at the Allstar Abilities: Sports Camp, an adaptive sports program designed for children with disabilities.
Karen Klimas, MS, RT, RDMS, a dedicated faculty member in Misericordia University's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, recently led a team of students on a life-changing volunteer mission to Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Misericordia University's PA Jazz Institute was recently featured on WBRE/WYOU's PA Live!, spotlighting the university's signature summer jazz camp and its ongoing commitment to arts education.
Misericordia University sophomore Kaitlyn Marley placed third in the nation in both the Finance Case Competition and the Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, held May 30 to June 2 in Dallas, Texas.
Misericordia University has announced the addition of a new Bachelor of Arts in sociology program, launching fall 2025, through its College of Arts and Sciences.
Marko Marcinko, Misericordia University Director of Music Performance, has been awarded the Centennial Medalist Award by the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.
Misericordia University is pleased to announce the students who were eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies held on Saturday, May 10, 2025.