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The RVCC Center for Environmental Studies engages approximately 100 students each year in real-world learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. These experiences empower students to transform their academic knowledge into real-world research and problem solving skills that prepare them to pursue successful careers in environmental science, sustainability, ecology, natural resources management, and related fields.

Members of the Center, including faculty, staff, interns, and students, work together with the college and community organizations to address environmental concerns through research, monitoring, stewardship, restoration, public outreach, and educational programs. These activities benefit the community by raising public awareness and understanding about environmental issues and by helping community members implement evidence-based practices to address those issues while working towards a more sustainable future.

CES Co-Director’s Contact Information:

Dr. Jay Kelly – Jay.Kelly@raritanval.edu | 908-526-1200 x8531
Dr. Emilie Stander – Emilie.Stander@raritanval.edu | 908-526-1200 x8344

Degree Programs

Degrees designed to transfer to four-year colleges

Environmental Science – Associate of Science (A.S.)

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Environmental Studies – Associate of Arts (A.A.)

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Alumni Stories

rvcc alum alejandra

I will be the Program Coordinator at Rutgers University for a new joint initiative called the Health Outcome, Policy, and Economics (HOPE). The role entails organizing educational campaigns for the department, advising 20 graduate students & fellows, being a TA for several graduate courses, among other very exciting things!

Alejandra Murillo, RVCC Alum

rvcc alum cory

In Costa Rica I work for the Leatherback Trust as a project manager on a sea turtle conservation project. While in the States, I work for a small land trust called Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space along with the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team doing land stewardship and invasive species management.

Cory Snyder, RVCC Alum

rvcc alum Adam

All of the opportunities I have received have stemmed from my time at the RVCC Center for Environmental Studies. The staff are incredibly talented and giving with their time and knowledge. The program left me with a great base in ecological understanding, as well as future friends/colleagues.

Adam Kohler, RVCC Alum

rvcc alum Jason

My studies and internships at RVCC introduced me to rare plant and forest ecology research, which has become the foundation of my career. Today, I review wetland permit applications for impacts to New Jersey's 836 rare and endangered plant species.

Jason Hafstad, RVCC Alum

Enrich your student experience

Academic Courses

The Biology and Environmental Science courses offered at RVCC provide an even blend of rigorous academic learning within the classroom and the laboratory courses that place an emphasis on field work and real-world research experience, utilizing the campus as a living laboratory for studying ecology, sustainability, and more!

Biology:
BIOL101 – General Biology I
BIOL102 – General Biology II
BIOL150 – Plants, Humans, and the Environment
BIOL231 – Ecology
BIOL232 – Field Botany
BIOL247 – Vertebrate ZoologyGeology and Geography:
GEOL157 – Intro to Geology
GEOG101 – Intro to Physical Geography		 Environmental Science:
ENVI101 – Environmental Studies
ENVI102 – Environmental Science and Sustainability
ENVI103 – Energy and the Environment
ENVI105 – Foundations for Environmental Success
ENVI201 – Environmental Capstone
ENVI299 – Ecology Experience Abroad (Brazil)Other Science Courses:
SCIE210H – Independent Science and ResearchCourse DescriptionsClick here to view the course catalog.

Field Trips & Study Abroad

Field trips and hands-on learning experiences are a central component of Biology and Environmental Science classes offered at RVCC. Students taking Ecology conduct research in a variety of NJ ecosystems, ranging from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens. Students taking Environmental Science study a range of topics, from waste and recycling to stream health, learning stewardship practices from local environmental professionals and participating in community projects. These field experiences in combination with coursework prepare our students to enter the workforce with marketable skills on par with early-career scientists.

Ecology Experience Abroad: The Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil

The Ecology Experience Abroad course is an immersive experience that involves an in-class component and a study-abroad component. First, students learn about Brazil’s local culture, language, geography, ecology, and natural history in the classroom at RVCC. Then, the entire class and the professors travel to the Atlantic Rainforest of Bahia, Brazil. There students experience life at a biological research station, learn basic field research skills, participate in rainforest restoration and conservation efforts, explore the diversity of tropical flora and fauna, and experience the food, language, and culture of Bahia.

Internships

The Center for Environmental Studies offers paid internships to RVCC students and alumni. Interns work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct research in a variety of environmental fields: Sustainability & Outreach, Coastal Conservation, Forest Ecology, Water Quality, Wildlife and Rare Plant Research. In addition to working on the internship projects, interns also have opportunities to attend and present at local and regional conferences.

Environmental Club

The RVCC Environmental Club seeks to positively affect the community and create environmental awareness and eco-friendly living by making the campus more “green” through education and community projects. Club meetings are all about taking action and club members maintain organic vegetable gardens, make maple syrup, restore local habitats, sell organic fair-trade coffee and chocolate, participate in litter cleanups, create stations for Little Scientists Night, and go on hikes and camping trips. The club also organizes trips to places like the New York Botanical Garden, the Lakota Wolf Preserve, and more!

Service Learning

Service learning is an integral part of many courses offered by the RVCC Environmental Science and Studies programs. Students who participate in service learning have an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences that benefit the college and the local community. Together students apply their academic knowledge and practice their skills while solving real-world environmental problems. For example, students in the Environmental Science and Sustainability course design a “green” parking lot for RVCC, maintain rain gardens in the local community, and conduct biological assessments of local streams.

Galileo Scholarship

The Galileo Scholarship is offered to RVCC students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In addition to financial support, Galileo Scholars also benefit from being a part of a close-knit community with career counseling, professional development workshops, and special events. For more information visit the RVCC Scholarship Page.

teacher pointing over a student's shoulder assisting with assignment

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RVCC has advisors who can guide you on your path to success. Our team will help you map your path by discussing your interests and your academic and professional goals. We’ll help you build a plan and a schedule that works for you.