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Academic Catalog
Department of Sustainable Resources Management

Our mission in SRM is to advance our understanding of current environmental issues through cutting edge research, education, and outreach, with a special focus on sustainably managing renewable, natural and constructed resources, including energy, forests, recreation, soils, water, and building materials, to provide short- and long-term benefits with and for people. With a group of internationally known faculty, we address these issues both locally and nationally, across a range of scales through both applied and fundamental research, technology transfer and teaching.

The department offers programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the main college campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and three programs leading to the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree at The Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y. See the Ranger School for information about the associate of applied science degrees in forest technology, land surveying technology, and environmental and natural resources conservation.

Undergraduate Programs

Sustainable Resources Management programs prepare students for work with public and private sector organizations and consultancies, and for further professional or scientific study at the graduate level.

Summer Program

The Summer Program is required for all B.S. degree candidates in FES, FRM and NRM. The program is a four-week session that begins at the end of May and lasts through late June. It is taught at ESF's Wanakena Campus in the Adirondacks. The program consists of one course: FOR 304 Adirondack Field Studies. Students must complete the summer program before the junior year. Students who completed an A.A.S. degree from the ESF Ranger School meet this requirement through transfer credits.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Construction Management

Construction Management prepares students to work in an integrated team with a diverse group of owners, architects, engineers, construction craftspersons, and material suppliers. The manager helps to ensure that the owner's goals for cost, schedule, quality, and sustainability are met. Students may enter the Bachelor of Science program as first-year students or as transfer students. Our graduates have excellent placement rates and starting salaries.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management at ESF is distinguished by a strong emphasis on project-based learning, a unique focus on sustainability, a hands-on laboratory environment, and a strong relationship with Syracuse University.

  • Students are engaged each semester in classes, clubs, and competitions that allow them to take on responsibility and deliver projects for the campus and community. Whether building bridges or tiny homes, planning net zero projects for displaced residents or autistic children, CM students are building our future. Read how the CM students won a national prize for their work, and then helped the project be built.
  • ESF is a leader in sustainability, and the Construction Management program is no different. Our CM students take multiple courses on sustainability, and a majority take and pass the LEED Green Associate exam. CM students help to organize and run the NYS Green Building Conference, where they meet and engage with professionals on the cutting edge of the industry. For more on the Green Building Conference.
  • The green building materials lab, the wood machining lab, and the material testing lab give students the hands-on experience to understand the materials and processes used for construction. For an example of how CM students used their project management skills and these laboratories to design, plan, and construct an innovative bridge for the campus community.
  • ESF construction managers work alongside Syracuse University architects and engineers on integrated team projects and competitions. ESF Construction Management students taking classes at Syracuse University find themselves working with students from Real Estate, Management, Architecture, and Civil Engineering majors. See the video below about the ESF and SU first place team at the 2019 Solar Decathlon.

The educational program, leading to the professional Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 104 College Algebra and Precalculus G 3
APM 105
OR
APM 115
Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I

Essential Calculus
G

G
4

4
CME 132 Orientation Seminar: Sustainable Construction Management and Engineering   1
CME 215
OR
CME 304
Sustainable Construction

Environmental Performance Measures for Buildings



3

3
CME 226 Statics and Mechanics of Materials   4
CME 306 Engineering Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
CME 332 Mechanical and Electrical Equipment   3
CME 342 Light Construction   3
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills   3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 110 Survey of Chemical Principles G 3
FCH 111 Survey of Chemical Principles Laboratory   1
FOR 205 Principles of Accounting   3
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
FOR 360 Principles of Management   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
Electives     9

 

General Education courses

Course Codes* Credits
General Education courses in two of the following categories: American History, Foreign Language, The Arts, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations G 6

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
CME 255 Plan Interpretation and Quantity Takeoff   3
CME 303 Construction Management Internship   1 - 3
CME 305 Sustainable Energy Systems for Buildings   3
CME 327 Site Investigations and Solutions   3
CME 331 Construction Safety   3
CME 335 Cost Engineering   3
CME 343 Construction Estimating   3
CME 404 Applied Structures   3
CME 405 Building Information Modeling for Construction Management   3
CME 453 Construction Planning and Scheduling   3
CME 454 Construction Project Management   3
CME 455 Construction Contracts and Specifications   3
CME 497 Senior Ethics Seminar   1
ERE 371 Surveying for Engineers   3
FOR 485 Business and Managerial Law   3
RMS 387 Renewable Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 422 Composite Materials for Sustainable Construction   3

Upper Division Electives

Course Codes* Credits
Electives   9

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124


Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystem Science

Forest Ecosystem Science

The Forest Ecosystem Science degree is based on a vision that combines professional competency in forest management skills with an enhanced understanding of ecological sciences. Students interested in this program typically are drawn to natural settings and environments, enjoy nature, and want to understand how forested ecosystems work. ESF provides a wide variety of opportunities to meet student needs utilizing 25,000 acres of forest lands as teaching laboratories. Internships with natural resource-based organizations in the business, public and nonprofit sectors provide additional hands-on experiences. Experiential field learning is combined with learning concepts and skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus.

The undergraduate curriculum in forest ecosystem science consists of two broad categories of courses. The first category, general education, provides students with knowledge and skills that are useful and important for all educated persons regardless of their profession as well as preparation for advanced courses leading to a specific profession. The second category, professional courses, provides students with direct preparation for a career. The first two years of college usually focus on general education and the second two on the professional studies.

The FES program allows students to obtain the professional skills that employers look for in new employees and a deeper understanding of the scientific basis of those skills. These skills are developed through a combination of core courses focusing on biology, ecology, ecosystems, and management. The forest ecosystem science degree offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Graduates work throughout the United States in public agencies, private industry, and for nonprofit organizations. They also are well prepared to enter graduate programs in management of forest and natural resources, ecological research, or other areas of applied forest biology.

Forest ecosystem science offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Graduates work throughout the United States in public agencies, private industry, and for nonprofit organizations. They also are well prepared to enter graduate programs in management of natural resources, ecological research, or other areas of applied forest biology.

The educational program, leading to the professional Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Ecosystem Science, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under Forestry.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number  Course Codes* Credits
APM 105 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I G 4
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
EFB 101 General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology G 3
EFB 102 General Biology I Laboratory G 1
EFB 103 General Biology II: Cell Biology and Genetics G 3
EFB 104 General Biology II Laboratory G 1
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FOR 132 Orientation Seminar: Sustainable Resources Management   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
FOR 232 Natural Resources Ecology G 3
FOR 332 Forest Ecology   4
FOR 360 Principles of Management   3
PHY 101 Major Concepts of Physics I   4

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
EFB 336 Dendrology   3
ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies   3
FOR 304 Adirondack Field Studies S 4
FOR 313 Tree Structure and Function   3
FOR 322 Natural Resources Measurements and Sampling   3
FOR 323 Forest Biometrics   3
FOR 334 Silviculture   4
FOR 345 Introduction to Soils   3
FOR 465 Natural Resources Policy   3
FOR 492 Capstone Research in Forest Ecosystem Science   3
FOR 493 Capstone Synthesis in Forest Ecosystem Stewardship   3

 

Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
Directed Electives: Biophysical Science PE 12
Directed Electives: Management and Human Dimensions PE 9
Free Electives   14
General Education - Select at least two from the following five subject areas: American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, The Arts and Foreign Language G 6

Students should consult with their advisors and read the Sustainable Resources Management Handbook for lists of courses that can be elected to meet degree requirements.

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124


Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources Management

Forest Resources Management

Professional forestry education has been featured at ESF since the College's founding in 1911. Today's Forest Resources Management program is the top (#1) Forestry Program in the United States according to Study.com (https://study.com/degrees/bachelors-degrees-in-forestry.html). The program is based on a clear vision that combines professional competency with a strong foundation in the biophysical sciences, humanities, and social sciences to meet society's needs for forest managers.

Many ESF students enjoy trees and forests and want to work in forested settings. They appreciate nature, and want to master the knowledge and skills needed to conserve and manage forests and the environment. With 25,000 acres of college forestlands as teaching and research laboratories, ESF provides many opportunities to meet student needs for experiential learning. The Forest Technology program at ESF's Wanakena campus prepares students for careers in field forestry and is one option towards the Forest Resources Management program that emphasizes field skills. Internships with forest-based organizations in the private, public and nonprofit sectors amplify these hands-on experiences. Practical experience is combined with learning concepts and problem solving and critical thinking skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus.

Forest resources management is an integration of forest ecology and biology, forest measurements, forest policy and administration, and courses to predict and evaluate the effects of manipulation.

Timber, water, soils, recreation, wildlife, and a broad array of environmental values and services, such as biodiversity and healthy forest systems, are important results of effective management. This major prepares students to be well-rounded generalists who can practice forestry and succeed as professionals in a variety of allied natural resources management fields.

Forest resources management offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Our graduates are working throughout the United States as professional foresters and natural resource managers in private industry, public agencies, and for nonprofit organizations. Their duties can range from timber management to recreation planning to environmental education, to name a few.

The educational program, leading to the professional Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under Forestry.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 103
OR
APM 104
Applied College Algebra and Trigonometry

College Algebra and Precalculus
G

G
3

3
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
EFB 101 General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology G 3
EFB 102 General Biology I Laboratory G 1
EFB 336 Dendrology   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills   3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150
AND
FCH 151
OR
FCH 110
AND
FCH 111
General Chemistry I

General Chemistry Laboratory I

Survey of Chemical Principles

Survey of Chemical Principles Laboratory
G

G

G


3

1

3

1
FOR 132 Orientation Seminar: F&NRM   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
FOR 232 Natural Resources Ecology G 3
FOR 313 Tree Structure and Function   3
FOR 332 Forest Ecology   4

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Codes* Credits
ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies   3
FOR 304 Adirondack Field Studies S 4
FOR 322 Natural Resources Measurements and Sampling   3
FOR 323 Forest Biometrics   3
FOR 333 Natural Resources Managerial Economics   3
FOR 334 Silviculture   4
FOR 345 Introduction to Soils   3
FOR 360 Principles of Management   3
FOR 370 Forest Management Decision Making and Planning   3
FOR 373 Sustainable Harvesting Practices   3
FOR 402 Professional Forestry Mentoring Program   1
FOR 421 Practical Ethics for Resource Managers   3
FOR 433 Advanced Silviculture   3
FOR 465 Natural Resources Policy   3
FOR 490 Integrated Resources Management   3

 

Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
Technical Electives
Technical electives must include at least one course in each of the subject areas: human dimensions; water resources; forest health; wildlife management; business finances; and wood products. Students should consult with their advisor and the Forest and Natural Resources Management Handbook for recommended courses
PE 18
Free Electives   15
General Education - Select at least two from the following five subject areas: American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, The Arts and Foreign Language G 6

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 125


Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management

Natural Resources Management

The Natural Resources Management (NRM) program is structured to introduce students to a wide range of renewable natural resources (soils, water, vegetation, wildlife, recreation), while maintaining substantial flexibility for student-centered learning in understanding and managing natural systems. It is based on a vision that combines professional competency in management skills with a strong foundation in the social and biophysical sciences.

The program develops professional skills that employers tell us are the most important traits they look for in new employees. These traits are developed through a broad base of classes in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, communication, and quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills. The majority of work scheduled during the first two years (lower division) is in these areas. This major prepares students to be well-rounded natural resources managers.

The educational program, leading to the professional degree in Natural Resources Management, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 103
OR
APM 104
Applied College Algebra and Trigonometry

College Algebra and Precalculus
G

G
3

3
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
EFB 101 General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology G 3
EFB 102 General Biology I Laboratory G 1
EFB 200
OR
PHY 101
Physics of Life

Major Concepts of Physics I



3

4
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills   2 - 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150
AND
FCH 151
OR
FCH 110
AND
FCH 111
General Chemistry I

General Chemistry Laboratory I

Survey of Chemical Principles

Survey of Chemical Principles Laboratory
G

G

G


3

1

3

1
FOR 132 Orientation Seminar: Sustainable Resources Management   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
FOR 232 Natural Resources Ecology G 3
FOR 360 Principles of Management   3
FOR 372 Fundamentals of Outdoor Recreation   3
LSA 333 Plants Materials   2

 

Lower Division Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
General Education Courses - Select at least two from the following five subject areas: American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, The Arts and Foreign Language G 6
Sociology or Psychology Course
One course from EST 203, SOC 101 or PSY 205.
  3

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies   3
FOR 205 Principles of Accounting   3
FOR 304 Adirondack Field Studies S 4
FOR 322 Natural Resources Measurements and Sampling   3
FOR 333 Natural Resources Managerial Economics   3
FOR 345 Introduction to Soils   3
FOR 465 Natural Resources Policy   3
FOR 475 Recreation Behavior and Management   3
FOR 485 Business and Managerial Law   3
FOR 490 Integrated Resources Management   3

 

Upper Division Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
Free Electives   21
Vegetation Management   3
Technical Writing Directed Elective   3
Water Resources Directed Elective   3
Wildlife or Fisheries Course
One course from EFB 390, EFB 413, or EFB 487
  3-4
Specialized NRM Course:
Two upper division courses with a Natural Resources focus, see FNRM Student Handbook
  6

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 121


Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Energy Management

Sustainable Energy Management

The Sustainable Energy Management (SEM) program introduces students to a wide range of energy markets and resources (fossil fuels, electricity, renewable and sustainable energy resources) while maintaining substantial flexibility for student-centered learning in understanding and managing energy systems.

The Sustainable Energy Management program is based on a vision that combines professional competency in management skills with a strong foundation in the social and biophysical sciences. The study of responsible energy resources use, and the development of sustainable sources of energy, has become a critical national and global issue. Energy issues include concerns about the quality and quantity of the different potential resources, energy security, and potential impacts of each on the environment and human health. It is essential that our society and energy professionals gain an understanding of production and conversion of different forms of energy, their current and future supplies, the markets and policy mechanisms that regulate their supply, and the associated impacts on the environment for each fuel.

Students interested in this program typically have a strong interest in energy use and associated impacts on our natural resources and environments. This major exposes students to views from a variety of disciplines as they investigate issues related to current and future energy supply and use. Students likely have an interest in exploring sustainable uses of energy and resources and want to develop the professional knowledge and skills needed to conserve, and manage energy resources and the environment. ESF provides a variety of opportunities to meet students’ needs through sustainable and renewable energy demonstration projects, research in energy topics, and ESF's adoption of energy efficient and renewable energy projects. Experiential field learning is combined with learning concepts and skills in the classroom and laboratory on ESF's Syracuse campus.

The SEM major requires a base of coursework in math and science, with additional work in applied economics, statistics, and applied energy courses. The major has a strong focus on developing management skills needed to work in the energy field. ESF has significant applied energy research and demonstration projects in place to provide students with valuable sources of experiential learning and data for analysis. In addition, the Central NY region has significant sustainable energy projects in place and underway as more assets for the development of experiential learning opportunities.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 103
OR
APM 104
OR
APM 105
Applied College Algebra and Trigonometry

College Algebra and Precalculus

Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
G

G

G
3

3

4
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
EFB 101 General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology G 3
EFB 102 General Biology I Laboratory G 1
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills   2 - 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 110
AND
FCH 111
OR
FCH 150
AND
FCH 151
Survey of Chemical Principles

Survey of Chemical Principles Laboratory

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry Laboratory I
G



G

G
3

1

3

1
FOR 132 Orientation Seminar: Sustainable Resources Management   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
FOR 360 Principles of Management   3
SRE 150 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Management   1
SRE 225
OR
PHY 101
Physics of Energy

Major Concepts of Physics I
G 3

4

 

Lower Division Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
General Education Courses - Select at least two from the following five subject areas: American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, The Arts and Foreign Language G 6

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
CME 305 Sustainable Energy Systems for Buildings   3
ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies   3
FOR 205 Principles of Accounting   3
FOR 333 Natural Resources Managerial Economics   3
FOR 411 Analytical and Technical Writing for Resource Managers   3
FOR 485 Business and Managerial Law   3
SRE 325 Energy Systems   3
SRE 337 Energy Resource Assessment   4
SRE 416 Sustainable Energy Policy   3
SRE 422 Energy Markets and Regulation   3
SRE 441 Biomass Energy   3
SRE 450 Sustainable Energy Capstone Planning   1
SRE 454 Sustainable Energy Finance and Analysis   3
SRE 479 Life Cycle Assessment   3
SRE 491 Sustainable Energy Management Capstone G 3

 

Upper Division Elective Courses

Course Codes* Credits
Directed Elective Courses: Five courses from CME 215, CME 304, CME 306, CME 444, EFB 103/104, EFB 320, EEE 370, EST 220, EST 231, EST 202, EST 366, EST 390, EST 426, EST 427, EST 450, EST 550, FIN 301, FOR 338, FOR 370, FOR 465, FOR 487, FOR 489, MAR 301, MGT 247, PSC 302, PSY 205, SOC 101, RMS 422, SRE 335, SRE 419   15
Free Electives   18

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 120