ESF Welcomes Largest Graduate Class in College History, Launches New Certificates of Advanced Study

08/27/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Aug. 27, 2026 – The Graduate School at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) welcomed its largest incoming graduate class in College history this fall.

The record-setting class represents an approximately 53% increase over fall 2025 enrollment and reflects growing interest in ESF's graduate programs, research opportunities, and commitment to developing solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

“Welcoming the largest graduate class in ESF history is an important milestone for our College," said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “This remarkable growth reflects both the quality of our graduate programs and the increasing demand for the kind of science-based, solutions-oriented education that ESF provides. From groundbreaking research to innovative offerings like the new Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise and the Environment, we are equipping graduate students with the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful environmental and economic impact.”

“This year’s graduate class, our largest to date, marks an exciting milestone for the College,” said ESF Dean of Graduate School and Associate Provost for Academic Administration Zora Thomova. “This growth is a testament to our faculty’s dedication in creating meaningful academic opportunities and attracting talented students. Our Graduate School staff played a key role through their commitment to recruitment, admissions, and student support. Together, we have welcomed an outstanding group of graduate students who will contribute to our campus community, advance research and scholarship, and carry forward the mission of ESF. I am excited to start this academic year such momentum and look forward to all we will accomplish as a community.”

The increase in enrollment spans ESF's graduate degree programs, where students work alongside expert faculty on research and applied projects focused on climate change, conservation, sustainable materials, ecosystem restoration, environmental policy, engineering, and other critical environmental issues.

The growth also coincides with the launch of ESF's new Sustainable Enterprise and the Environment Graduate Certificate of Advanced Study, which provides students and professionals with advanced training at the intersection of sustainability and business. The certificate is designed to help graduates develop the knowledge and skills needed to integrate environmental stewardship, economic performance, and social responsibility into organizational decision-making.

ESF has also recently expanded its graduate certificate offerings with the 

Indigenous Peoples and the Environment Graduate Certificate of Advanced Study. Developed in partnership with Indigenous scholars, communities, and leaders, the certificate provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental stewardship, sovereignty, and the relationships between people and the natural world. The program complements ESF's commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and preparing graduates to address environmental challenges through inclusive and culturally informed approaches.

These new certificates expand ESF's portfolio of graduate offerings and respond to growing demand for specialized, interdisciplinary credentials that prepare graduates to address today's complex environmental, social, and economic challenges. Together, they reflect ESF's commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities that meet the evolving needs of students, communities, and employers.

Graduate students play a vital role in ESF's research enterprise, contributing to projects that address regional, national, and global environmental concerns. The historic incoming class strengthens the College's capacity for discovery, innovation, and community impact while reinforcing ESF's position as a leader in environmental graduate education.

To learn more about ESF’s graduate certificate programs, and master's and doctoral degree opportunities, contact the SUNY ESF Graduate School at [email protected], or visit www.esf.edu/graduate. 

About SUNY ESF 

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and conduct research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across New York state.