ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
Students may enter the Bachelor of Science program as first-year students or as transfer students. Students who are preparing to transfer to ESF as juniors must have earned at least 60 credits of college coursework, in courses comparable to the lower-division course requirements as noted below.
In the first two years of the program, students develop a foundation in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences as they relate to environmental affairs. During that time, students also fulfill SUNY general education requirements and take some open elective courses.
Option Areas
In the final two years of the program, students must select one of three specializations called Option Areas.
Environment, Communication and Society
This option focuses on how communication and social systems influence environmental affairs and shape our perceptions of the non-human world. It 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
This option is 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
This option is designed for students interested in the interface between biology and socio-economic issues. It provides an emphasis on natural systems and their interactions with societal issues ranging from education to habitat management.
Lower Division Environmental Studies Core Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 103 OR APM 104 OR APM 105 |
G | ||
| EFB 100 OR EFB 101 AND EFB 102 |
G | ||
| EFB 103 AND EFB 104 OR EST 231 |
G | ||
| EFB 120 | G | ||
| ESF 200 | |||
| EST 132 | |||
| EST 133 | |||
| EST 221 | |||
| EST 245 | |||
| EST 255 | |||
| EWP 190 | G | ||
| EWP 220 | |||
| EWP 290 | G | ||
| FCH 110 AND FCH 111 OR FCH 150 AND FCH 151 |
G G G | ||
| FOR 207 | G |
Lower Division Electives
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
| General Education Course in one of the following categories: US History & Civic Engagement, The Arts, World History and Global Awareness, World Languages |
G | 3 |
| General Education Course in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice | G | 3 |
| Directed Electives | 27 | |
| Open Electives | 18 |
Upper Division Environmental Studies Core Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 391 | G | ||
| EFB 320 OR FOR 232 OR EST 220 OR FOR 442 OR LSA 321 |
|||
| EST 321 | |||
| EST 361 | G | ||
| EST 494 | |||
| EWP 407 | |||
| Senior Synthesis |
Upper Division Electives
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
| Upper Division Computing OR Natural Science Course |
Environment, Communication and Society Option
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST 390 | |||
| EST 395 | |||
| EST 493 | |||
| Choose two of the following five courses: EWP 495, EWP 420, ESF 300, EFB 417, EFB 312 | 6 | ||
| Option Courses (Including 3 credits in Methods) | 15 |
Environmental Policy, Planning and Law Option
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST 550 | |||
| Method Courses | 6 | ||
| Law Option Courses | 3 | ||
| Planning Option Courses | 3 | ||
| Environmental Policy/Planning/Law Option Courses | 15 |
Natural Systems Applications Option
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
| Field Methods GIS (Required) | 3 | |
| Field Methods Scientific Breadth | 3 | |
| Natural Applications Suboptions Natural Systems | 3 | |
| Natural Applications Suboptions Environmental Quality | 3 | |
| Social Science Policy or law courses | 9 | |
| Social Science Communication courses | 6 | |
| Social Science Critical Issues in the Environment | 3 |
Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 122-125 (total credits must include a minimum of 51 credit hours at the 300 level or above)