Bachelor in Environmental Science

Bachelor Degree in Environmental Science

Students in our Environmental Science program have a rare opportunity to gain direct experience in field studies within the 6-million acre Adirondack Park. The campus is surrounded by lakes, streams and forests, making it a prime location to learn about ecosystems, environmental issues and the collaboration among people who work together to make a better environment. In your first days on campus, you begin your journey by working in the field, immediately learning about field techniques through active participation. You’ll continue with field studies in your upper division courses. The program allows students to tailor their coursework to their interests within this broad field of science. You’ll have the following opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills you need to enter the growing field of environmental science:

• Participate in biological and habitat surveys of forests, lakes, wetlands and streams.
• Study environmental issues related to soil and water conservation, land uses and water quality.
• Analyze data and present the findings through written or verbal communications.
• Work closely with faculty on senior capstone research projects.
• Participate in long-term ecological studies at our Smitty Creek Watershed project.
• Work with the Adirondack Watershed Institute on research, citizen outreach and hands-on stewardship to preserve water quality and manage invasive species.

Our faculty are dedicated to helping our students engage in a breadth of activities that will make them ready for employment. Our standard eight-semester sequence provides opportunities for summer employment, internships and study abroad. Environmental Science requires proficiency in science and math as a foundation for conducting research.

Key Facts

• B.S. degree
• 120 credit hours (minimum) required

Pairs well with the following minors:

• GIS
• Chemistry
• Forestry
• Environmental Communications

Career Options

Environmental issues are of increasing concern, and the environmental profession is becoming increasingly important. Typical jobs include:

• Environmental scientist
• Environmental specialists
• Soil and Water technician
• Biological technician
• Environmental compliance

Graduates can find employment with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private consultants.

Required Courses

Program Core Requirements

• Foundations of Environmental Science
• Biology I & II
• General Ecology
• Chemistry I & II
• Organic Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Physics
• Conservation Biology
• Statistics
• Politics of the Environment
• Introduction to GIS
• Senior Capstone Research

Program Electives

• Ecosystems: Atmospheric Science
• Soils and Hydrology
• Landscape Ecology
• Limnology
• Stream Ecology and Management
• Watershed Management
• Wetlands Ecosystems and Management
• Environmental Microbiology
• Biologic Effects of Toxins
• Geographic Information Systems: Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Advanced GIS Techniques
• Environmental Policy and Planning: Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Law and Regulatory Processes
• Sustainable Development