Baruch College announced two new undergraduate majors for students to pursue starting in fall 2026: a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Both programs will be under the Department of Natural Sciences in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. 

These additions, along with the existing minors in environmental sustainability and natural sciences, signal Baruch’s goal of becoming a more well-rounded institution, rather than one known solely for business majors. 

The new majors come after the New York City Economic Development Corp. projected a 144% jump in the city’s “green economy.” 

The NYCEDC defines the city’s green economy as “the set of activities that directly and intentionally contribute to achieving our climate goals,” according to its Green Economy Action Plan.

“Our goal is to prepare undergraduates with the analytical, quantitative, and communication skills they need to succeed in climate-related careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors,” Baruch’s Department of Natural Sciences Chair Stephen Gosnell said in a press release.

It is clear that Baruch intends to maintain its prestige while expanding its academic offerings, following its high placements in college rankings. Baruch was named the best value college for 2026 by The Wall Street Journal and the best college for accounting and finance in New York by Niche.

As Baruch expands its science programs, it should consider improving the quality of its laboratories. 

Doing so could attract more prospective students toward the new majors and organically grow Baruch’s reputation in the sciences.

Baruch should also inform its undergraduate students of the two new majors, along with any opportunities for scientific research available for undergraduate students. 

For example, independent study courses allow students to work under the supervision of a faculty member to study an area not covered in Baruch’s courses. 

Students who present their work at Baruch’s annual Research and Creative Inquiry Expo could also boost Baruch’s reputation in the sciences and interact with those who wish to carry out and present their own research in the future. 

The addition of the environmental science and environmental studies majors is a good step for Baruch in improving its reputation in the sciences and its rankings.

However, Baruch should supplement the addition with enhancements to its scientific facilities and promotion of different opportunities.