The Falk School has responded to challenging ecological and economic times with an innovative program: the Bachelor of Sustainability. As a graduate of our program, you can do more than tell employers what you're capable of doing; you'll be able to show them what you've done.
Explore the Sustainability BA & BS : Checkerboard 1 - Bachelor of Sustainability
Chatham University is on the forefront of environmental studies. The environmental science major provides students with an interdisciplinary, scientific perspective to help them develop an evidence-based approach to environmental challenges. Employment for environmental scientists is projected to grow 15% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations partially due to energy, climate change, and infrastructure challenges.
Explore Environmental Science : Checkerboard 2 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
The Bachelor of Arts in Food Studies (BAFS) offers a blend of practical skill-building and perspectives on food and agriculture through the analysis of social, cultural, economic, and environmental topics. It prepares students for multi-faceted careers and professional engagement in a wide variety of sectors in food and agriculture, with the skill sets to address the practical, economic, community, and social justice issues that are a hallmark of contemporary food systems jobs.
Explore the BAFS : Checkerboard 3 - Bachelor of Arts in Food Studies
The Masters of Arts in Food Studies (MAFS) emphasizes a holistic approach to food systems, from agriculture and food production to cuisines and consumption, providing practical experience from field to table. One of the greatest attributes our food studies education supplies is deep understanding.
Explore the MAFS : Checkerboard 4 - Master of Arts in Food Studies
In the Master of Arts in Food Studies and Sustainable Tourism (MFSST) program, you will spend one year in Chatham’s Food Studies program and one year in the Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE)’s Sustainable International Tourism program in Costa Rica, building knowledge through hands-on experience in two established and renowned programs across borders.
Explore the MFSST : Checkerboard 5 - Master of Arts in Food Studies and Sustainable Tourism
The Master of Sustainability (MSUS) program in the Falk School prepares students with full-scale thinking to act upon our important local and large-scale global problems and be the agents of change that corporations, governments, and other organizations need to lead their sustainability initiatives.
Explore the MSUS : Checkerboard 6 - Master of Sustainability
This dual degree program leverages the strengths of Chatham’s Master of Sustainability and Master of Business Administration (MSUS+MBA) programs to develop sustainability leadership in business management. The MSUS + MBA positions graduates for leadership positions in sustainability across all sectors, including business, government, and NGOs.
Explore the MSUS+MBA : Checkerboard 7 - Master of Sustainability+MBA
Chatham's Master of Sustainability in Community Planning (MSPC) aims to cultivate innovative leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and advocate for sustainable solutions in urban and rural environments.
Explore the MSPC : Checkerboard 8 - Master of Sustainability in Community Planning
Chatham's Master of Sustainability in Environmental Management (MSEM) is dedicated to developing forward-thinking professionals who are equipped to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Using scientific knowledge, policy analysis, and practical skills, our graduates create sustainable solutions that balance ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity.
Explore the MSEM : Checkerboard 9 - Master of Sustainability in Environmental Management
EcoChef is the first comprehensive accreditation program tailored to culinary and design professionals, focusing on electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability.
Learn About EcoChef : Checkerboard 10 - EcoChef
Located 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh, Chatham's Eden Hall is the world's first academic community built from the ground up for sustainability. The grounds and infrastructure support research and learning around energy and climate; water and aquaculture; food and agriculture; community and health; and design and planning. The farm produces thousands of pounds of food for our campus cafeterias, culinary courses, community meals, and food pantries on and off campus. As a Falk School student, you will balance your time between the Shadyside Campus and Eden Hall.
The Falk School offers competitive scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels, work-study opportunities, and graduate assistantships that can help students save tuition money and gain valuable experience.
The Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars program is a short-term residency at Eden Hall for leading scholars and professionals living the legacy of conservationist, public health advocate, and Chatham alumna, Rachel Carson. Hosted by the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, the program provides an opportunity for scholars to spend a few weeks living at Eden Hall; engaging with Chatham faculty, students and partners; and sharing their work with local and regional leaders in Pittsburgh.
With the growing awareness of the systems that underpin all aspects of society, sustainability and food studies professionals are increasingly in demand. Graduates hold positions in government, non-profits, the private sector and education including at the City of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Allegheny Land Trust, Carnegie Mellon University, French Creek Valley Conservancy, Evoqua Water Technologies, 3R Sustainability, World Resources Institute, Hertz, and the Museum of Food and Drink.
Emily Heffernan, Ph.D., joined Chatham University as the Dean of the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment in August 2025. Dr. Heffernan comes to Chatham from Bellevue College, where she was dean of science.
Dean's Office, Falk School of Sustainability & Environment
412-365-1347
FSSE@chatham.edu
