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Environmental Studies Graduate Program

SUNY-ESF now offers two new graduate degrees: the Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Environmental Studies. These degrees were approved in November 2007 by the New York State Education Department. A description of the new Environmental Studies Graduate Program follows, below. For priority consideration, applications for fall admission to the new program are due by February 1; separate applications for financial support are due by February 15. For further information, see:

About the Program

Overview. The Environmental Studies Graduate Program at SUNY-ESF is dedicated to preparing students to actively support local to global communities working to achieve sustainability. The program integrates social, cultural, and environmental knowledge and skills to address the challenges of the 21st century. Students in this program want to make a difference. Our program offers students a focused, yet flexible, interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues, the problems that underlie them, and the paths that lead to sustainable communities. The program facilitates student engagement with the study of fundamental cultural, social, political, technical, and economic forces that drive environmental degradation as well as the emerging approaches that can foster sustainability.

Coursework. Students in our program draw on the frameworks of social science, humanities, and natural science to enhance their critical, analytical, and communication skills. Coursework combines theoretical, practical, and applied approaches to engage areas such as environmental policy, environmental communication, sustainable communities, human behavior, collaborative governance, public participation, and environmental impact analysis.

Core Environmental Studies courses present its many disciplines and methodologies, and demonstrate its applicability to problem analysis, action, and the quest for sustainability. In addition to completing the core requirements, students may pursue a general program of study or emphasize a particular theme. A general program of study builds on the core and typically broadens it in multiple directions, providing a thorough preparation for diverse professional careers. A thematic focus builds additional competencies related to specialized academic and career goals. Suggested themes and lists of recommended courses will be available in the Environmental Studies graduate program handbook (forthcoming). Examples include conflict resolution, sustainable development, risk management, media and environmental journalism, watershed policy, and ecosystem-based management. For M.S. students, a thematic choice is the preferred -- though not required -- alternative, since it should strengthen substantive content knowledge in an area relevant to the thesis.

Plan of Study. Faculty work with individual students to develop a tailored plan of study to meet their specific goals. The plan of study is an opportunity for students to work out their learning, research and career objectives in narrative form and outline a sequence of courses and other learning experiences to help meet those objectives. The plan of study is also used by their major professor in order to provide effective advising on program, research, and internship choices. Guidelines for preparing the plan of study will be available in the Enviromental Studies graduate program handbook (forthcoming).

The Environmental Studies Graduate Program is intended to prepare students to address the emerging challenges of the environmental professions by enabling their abilities to critically investigate issues, analyze problems, and implement innovative approaches to environmental affairs and sustainability. As part of one of the world's foremost schools focused exclusively on environmental research and applications, the program is enhanced by SUNY-ESF's diverse expertise in the natural sciences and engineering, as well as by Syracuse University's extensive curriculum.

Degree Options. The Environmental Studies Graduate Program offers two degree options: the Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.). The requirements of each are outlined below. The M.P.S. and M.S. degrees may be completed in 1-1/2 to 2 years of full time study, respectively.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies M.S. degree program is a 37 credit hour experience focused on advanced academic scholarship and research related to environmental affairs and sustainability. This degree requires the completion of a Master's thesis. Details on thesis proposals and expectations will be available in the Enviromental Studies graduate program handbook (forthcoming). All students must present a Capstone Seminar during their final semester. If necessary, the distribution of required credits may be adjusted to take into account a student's prior academic work and background.

Core (12 credits)

All students take: All students also take at least three of the following:

Research Methods (7 credits)

All students take: All students also take two research methods courses, typically from the following list and typically to support their thesis research needs:

Generalized / Thematic Area (12 credits)

All students take four courses--typically in a thematic area--in consultation with their major professor. The thematic area should be used to substantively prepare the student for thesis work. EST 898 and EST 899 may not be included as thematic area courses.

Thesis Research (6 credits)

All students with an approved thesis proposal take at least six credits of:

Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies M.P.S. degree program is a 39 credit hour experience focused on advanced academic scholarship and its application to environmental affairs and sustainability. This degree requires the completion of a synthesis experience which frequently, though not always, involves a professional internship. Details on internships and other synthesis options will be available in the Enviromental Studies graduate program handbook (forthcoming). All students must present a Capstone Seminar during their final semester. If necessary, the distribution of required credits may be adjusted to take into account a student's prior academic work and background.

Core (18 credits)

All students take:

Natural Sciences (3 credits)

All students take one natural science course. Typically this would be one of the following courses, though alternatives may be considered in consultation with the major professor.

Research / Technical Methods (6 credits)

All students take two research or technical methods courses, typically from the following list and typically to support their learning objectives:

Generalized / Thematic Area (6 credits)

All students take two courses in consultation with their major professor. The thematic area should be used to substantively prepare the student for capstone synthesis work. EST 898 and EST 899 may not be included as thematic area courses.

Synthesis (6 credits)

All students take the equivalent of two courses of:

Admission Requirements

Entering students in both the M.S. and M.P.S. programs must demonstrate adequate preparation to engage in graduate-level work. They are expected to have successfully completed at least the following undergraduate courses: Interested students without these prerequisites may take them at ESF during their first year in the program but the credits will not count toward degree requirements. Further undergraduate courses in statistics, economics, political science, philosophy, communication, and sociology are recommended, but not required.