COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety at Rochester Institute of Technology is a 126-credit, five-year program designed to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation in environmental science, sustainability, and occupational health and safety, while emphasizing extensive real-world experience. In the first year, students develop core knowledge through courses in chemistry, physics, calculus, environmental sustainability, and climate change, along with general education subjects such as writing, ethics, and global perspectives. The second year builds on this foundation with biology, environmental monitoring, sustainable resource management, safety principles, and topics like hazardous waste and water sustainability, helping students understand both scientific and social dimensions of environmental issues. In the third year, students study advanced subjects including industrial wastewater management, environmental and occupational health, and statistics, while beginning cooperative education (co-op) placements that provide hands-on, full-time work experience. These co-op opportunities continue into the fourth and fifth years, allowing students to gain significant industry exposure and professional skills. The fourth year also includes specialized courses such as accident causation and prevention, environmental law, and air emissions management, along with electives and interdisciplinary immersion courses. In the final year, students complete advanced coursework in environmental health and safety management and undertake a capstone project focused on solving real-world environmental challenges. Overall, the program combines rigorous academics with practical training, preparing graduates for careers in environmental management, workplace safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across diverse industries.