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State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

Syracuse, USA

4 Years

English

Full time, Part time

15 Jan 2025*

13 Jan 2025

USD 10,015 / per semester **

On-Campus

* regular decision filing deadline

** maximum total tuition for 12 credit hours or more

Introduction

To address environmental issues, we must first understand the problems that cause them. In order to effectively do so, we need the right combination of social, cultural, and scientific knowledge, perspectives, and skills. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies program helps you address the big issues of climate change and environmental degradation with an ethical mindset.

The B.S. in Environmental Studies program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental affairs. That means learning about the scientific diagnosis of environmental issues and having enough knowledge to work with scientists, in addition to the social, cultural, and technological causes of those issues. It also means understanding the diversity of approaches needed to treat the problems. In the pursuit of these objectives, the Environmental Studies program brings together philosophical, theoretical, and practical perspectives on a wide range of environmental concerns. In this way, the program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to work for a more ecologically sustainable and socially just world.

Our courses demonstrate the interconnectedness of environmental concerns.

In the first two years of the program, students will develop a foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences as they relate to environmental affairs. A key part of the first (fall) semester is student participation in the Orientation Seminar for Environmental Studies and Introduction to Environmental Studies, the “gateway” courses for the major. During that time, students also fulfill SUNY general education requirements and take some open elective courses.

In the final two years of the program, students must select one of three Option Areas:

  • Environment, Communication, and Society 
    How communication and social systems influence environmental affairs and shape our perceptions of the non-human world. Addresses the subjects of rhetoric and discourse; news media; public participation; advocacy campaigns; collaboration; conflict resolution; risk communication; social processes; and representations of nature in literature and popular culture.
  • Environmental Policy, Planning, and Law 
    Concerned with how environmental policies, plans, and laws from the local to the global are created, implemented, and contested. It emphasizes legislative, regulatory, and collaborative approaches to addressing environmental issues.
  • Natural Systems Applications
    For students interested in the interface between biology and socio-economic issues. Provides an emphasis on biology with an eye to the interaction with societal issues ranging from education to habitat management.

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