New Cedarville Program Links Science and Society
As debates around climate change and environmental responsibility continue in the United States, a new program at Cedarville University is encouraging students to engage these issues through the lens of scientific inquiry and Christian stewardship.
As debates around climate change and environmental responsibility continue in the United States, a new program at Cedarville University is encouraging students to engage these issues through the lens of scientific inquiry and Christian stewardship.
The new Bachelor of Arts in environmental science, which launched during the current 2025–26 academic year, is designed to complement the existing Bachelor of Science in environmental science. While the B.S. degree is geared toward technical and field-oriented careers, the B.A. program emphasizes public-facing applications like public policy, environmental law, environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts.
For Gathany, the two programs work together to encourage students to interact with environmental science according to their interests. “Some students love monitoring rivers,” said Gathany, “but others are gifted in communicating the importance of clean water.”
As part of the program’s coursework, environmental science students participate in hands-on experiences through field trips, internships and coursework. The programs partner with the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies and many local and regional organizations to offer supplemental opportunities to students.
“We’re preparing and educating students to be professionals. We make sure to give them opportunities to get real-world exposure and professional experience,” said Gathany. “I think our students are going to be very well-rounded, and that’s going to give them an advantage.”
The program’s coursework educates students in both scientific excellence and biblical stewardship, equipping students to better influence the dynamic environmental issues. As environmental concerns grow, Gathany desires that “the students be biblically grounded, Kingdom-focused gatekeepers ready to wisely guide the use, conservation, and restoration of God’s gifts in Creation.
“Personally, I used to think that more science, more data, was what would make a difference. Now, I know that science alone doesn’t often convince people. Public policy and communication with the public is where a lot of important work is done,” said Gathany.
The new program reflects Cedarville’s commitment to equipping students with both scientific expertise and the ability to engage in society thoughtfully and faithfully. “My hope is that they’ll be able to be better communicators to the public about how to be better stewards,” said Gathany. “Our students are prepared to go work in the world because they know the one who made it.”
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;