Falk School of Sustainability & Environment

Discover Sustainability and Environmental Science Programs at Chatham University

One of the earliest schools of its kind in the country, the Falk School is a wellspring for leadership and education to overcome current and future sustainability and environmental challenges. The Falk School of Sustainability & Environment is inspired by the work of Chatham alumna Rachel Carson '29, whose knowledge about the environment and passion to preserve it are traits that drive the mission of the school.

The academic programs in the Falk School are dedicated to producing professional sustainability and environmental leaders. Students explore sustainability, environmental science, food systems, conservation, and community resilience through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiences.

Sustainable Summer: Immersive Environmental Day

Chatham University's Falk School of Sustainability & Environment is hosting a one-day summer immersive learning experience on Monday, June 22, 2026, for high school students interested in the environment, food, and sustainability. The Sustainable Summer: Immersive Environmental Day at Eden Hall Farm offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences led by Falk School faculty on topics including Forests & Plants and Food, Farms, & Community.

Explore the Program

Photo of three Chatham University students working in an Eden Hall Campus lab

Bachelor of Sustainability Degree Program

The Falk School has responded to challenging ecological and economic times with an innovative sustainability degree 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 through hands-on sustainability and environmental learning experiences.

Explore the Sustainability BA & BS

Photo of an instructor conducting an experiment on Eden Hall Campus

Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree

Chatham University is at the forefront of environmental studies and sustainability education. The environmental science degree program provides students with an interdisciplinary, scientific perspective to help them develop an evidence-based approach to environmental challenges. Employment for environmental scientists continues to grow due to increasing focus on energy, climate change, sustainability, and infrastructure challenges.

Explore Environmental Science

Bachelor of Arts in Food Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Food Studies (BAFS) offers a blend of practical skill-building and perspectives on food systems, sustainability, 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 careers.

Explore the BAFS

Photo of Shauna Kearns, MAFS '15 kneading bread dough

Master 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

Food Studies and Sustainable Tourism students at a street vendor

Master of Arts in Food Studies and Sustainable Tourism

In the Master of Arts in Food Studies and Sustainable Tourism (MFSST) program, students 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 sustainable tourism, food systems, and global sustainability studies across two renowned programs.

Explore the MFSST

Photo of four Chatham University students in a lab on Eden Hall Campus, working on a model of a forest

Master of Sustainability

The Master of Sustainability (MSUS) program in the Falk School prepares students with systems-level thinking to address local and global sustainability challenges and become the agents of change that corporations, governments, and organizations need to lead sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Explore the MSUS

Master of Sustainability+MBA Dual Degree

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 and business management skills. The MSUS + MBA positions graduates for leadership roles in sustainability, environmental management, corporate responsibility, government, and NGOs.

Explore the MSUS+MBA

Group of architects working on a sustainable community planning model

Master of Sustainability in Community Planning

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. Students develop expertise in sustainability planning, community development, and environmental resilience.

Explore the MSPC

Professionals discuss sustainable design options with solar and wind energy

Master of Sustainability in Environmental Management

Chatham's Master of Sustainability in Environmental Management (MSEM) is dedicated to developing forward-thinking professionals equipped to tackle today’s environmental and sustainability challenges. Using scientific knowledge, policy analysis, and practical skills, graduates create sustainable solutions that balance ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity.

Explore the MSEM

EcoChef

EcoChef is the first comprehensive accreditation program tailored to culinary and design professionals, focusing on electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability.

Learn About EcoChef

Eden Hall

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.

Explore Eden Hall Farm

Funding at the Falk School

The Falk School offers competitive undergraduate scholarships, work-study opportunities, and paid graduate student positions that can help students save on tuition and gain valuable experience.

Photo of Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus on a sunny day

Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars

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.

Explore the Scholars Program

Sustainability & Environmental Career Outcomes

With growing awareness of the systems that underpin society, sustainability, environmental science, and food studies professionals are increasingly in demand. Graduates hold positions in government, nonprofits, 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.

Meet the Dean of Falk School

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.