Falk School of Sustainability & Environment

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 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 leaders.

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.

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

Bachelor of Sustainability

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.

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Bachelor of Environmental Science

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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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, 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.

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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 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.

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Master of Sustainability+MBA

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.

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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.

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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 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.

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EcoChef

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

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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.

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Funding at the Falk School

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.

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.

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Career Outcomes

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.

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.