Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Environmental science at ESF is an interdisciplinary degree program that takes full advantage of its location within an environmentally-focused college. The program offers undergraduate students a tremendous variety of courses and faculty members to choose from, excellent facilities for research and field study, and a level of faculty expertise that is rarely found at other colleges.

The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the sciences and introduces students to the interdisciplinary breadth of environmental science through a selection of core courses dealing with the geographical, physical, social, and living environments. Students have the flexibility to satisfy their core requirements by completing courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, geography, engineering, forestry, environmental studies, and other areas of study. College-wide general education requirements provide additional opportunities for students to complete courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to develop a broader context for personal and professional growth.

Students in the junior and senior years of the program are able to focus more directly on professional courses that provide career preparation through a number of specialized options within environmental science. These options encourage students to develop career-related skills and expertise in areas such as environmental analysis, watershed science, environmental information and mapping, earth and atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, environmental health, or renewable and sustainable energy systems. Students may also develop self-designed minors in environmental science, or pursue a minor in another subject, to tailor their educational program to fit their personal goals.

Undergraduate students are encouraged to work closely with faculty members engaged in research and environmental problem-solving, and many choose to enter the College's nationally recognized graduate degree (MS, MPS, PhD) programs in environmental science. Teaching and research activities are supported by excellent laboratory, library and computing facilities available on the ESF campus and through Syracuse University. Faculty and students also benefit from a variety of field stations located on 25,000 acres of college-owned forest and wetlands.