ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
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.
Students may enter the Bachelor of Science program as first-year students or as transfer students. 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 |
Applied Algebra & Trigonometry College Algebra & PreCalculus Survey Of Calc & Appl I |
G | 3 3 4 |
| APM 210 | Intro/Probability&Stats | G | 3 |
| EFB 100 OR EFB 101 AND EFB 102 |
Survey of Biology Gen Bio I:Organismal Bio&Ecol General Biology I Laboratory |
G | 4 3 1 |
| EFB 103 AND EFB 104 OR EST 231 |
Gen Bio II:Cell Bio & Genetics General Biology II Laboratory Environmental Geology |
G | 3 1 3 |
| EFB 120 | The Global Envirnmnt & Society | G | 3 |
| ESF 200 | Information Literacy | 1 | |
| EST 132 | Orientation Seminar:EST | 1 | |
| EST 133 | Intro to Environmental Studies | 3 | |
| EST 221 | Intro/American Government | 3 | |
| EST 245 | Foundations/Envrn Communicatn | 3 | |
| EST 255 | Research Methods/Envrn Studies | 3 | |
| EWP 190 | Writing And The Envrnment | G | 3 |
| EWP 220 | Public Presentation Skills | 3 | |
| EWP 290 | Research Writing & Humanities | G | 3 |
| FCH 110 AND FCH 111 OR FCH 150 AND FCH 151 |
Survey of Chemical Principles Survey/Chemical Principles Lab General Chemistry I General Chemistry I Lab |
G | 3 1 3 1 |
| FOR 207 | Introduction To Economics | G | 3 |
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 | 30 | |
| Open Electives | 18 |
Upper Division Environmental Studies Core Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes * | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFB 320 OR FOR 232 OR EST 220 OR FOR 442 OR LSA 321 |
General Ecology Natural Resources Ecology Urban Ecology Watershed Ecology & Management Ecol Appl/Plng & Design |
4 3 3 3 3 |
|
| EST 321 | Government & Environment | 3 | |
| EST 361 | DivrseHstries of Amer EnvMvmnt | G | 3 |
| EST 494 | Sr. Seminar in Envrn Studies | 1 | |
| EWP 407 | Writing/Env & Sci Professionls | 3 | |
| 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 | Social Processes & Envrn | 3 | |
| EST 395 | Public Communcatn/Science&Tech | 3 | |
| EST 493 | Envrn Comm Workshop | 3 | |
| 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 | Envrn Impact Analysis | 3 | |
| 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)