State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Bachelor of Science in Environmental StudiesSyracuse, USA
DEGREE TYPE
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest start date
TUITION FEES
USD 10,015 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular decision filing deadline
** maximum total tuition for 12 credit hours or more
Key Summary
Introduction
To address environmental issues, we must first understand the problems that cause them. In order to effectively do so, we need the right combination of social, cultural, and scientific knowledge, perspectives, and skills. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies program helps you address the big issues of climate change and environmental degradation with an ethical mindset.
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.
Our courses demonstrate the interconnectedness of environmental concerns.
In the first two years of the program, students will develop a foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences as they relate to environmental affairs. A key part of the first (fall) semester is student participation in the Orientation Seminar for Environmental Studies and Introduction to Environmental Studies, the “gateway” courses for the major. During that time, students also fulfill SUNY general education requirements and take some open elective courses.
In the final two years of the program, students must select one of three Option Areas:
- Environment, Communication, and Society
How communication and social systems influence environmental affairs and shape our perceptions of the non-human world. 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
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
For students interested in the interface between biology and socio-economic issues. Provides an emphasis on biology with an eye to the interaction with societal issues ranging from education to habitat management.
Admissions
Program Outcome
Graduates of this program have gone on to graduate programs in multiple disciplines, including law and medical school. They have also gone on to work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), education, government, and the private sector; pursuing careers in such areas as policy, advocacy, conservation, consulting, administration, law, and education to name just a few.
Career Opportunities
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Hazardous Materials/Waste Specialist
- Park Ranger
- Planning Analyst
- Urban Planner
- Water Quality Scientist
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students; a deferred tuition payment plan; and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.
Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another.
Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement. Assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based upon academic achievement.
In order for students to receive aid, they must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Please refer to the appropriate sections under ESF College Aid, Federal Student Aid, and New York State Aid later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.
In addition, students are only eligible to receive most types of aid for courses that are required for degree completion. Students enrolled in credits beyond the number required for the degree or enrolled in courses that are not applicable to a degree requirement will have financial aid adjusted accordingly.
Financial aid advisors are aware of the many problems associated with financing higher education and meeting living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students and are available to discuss individual problems. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Financial Aid Philosophy
Financial aid at SUNY ESF is intended to assist students with education and essential cost-of-living expenses. Funds are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and are coordinated to supplement parental support, student employment earnings, savings, and assistance from other sources. Some scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on additional criteria, such as academic achievement. Graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships are not based on financial need.
Special Circumstances
Financial aid advisors at SUNY ESF are aware of the many challenges involved with financing higher education and meeting day-to-day living expenses. Families and students with special circumstances affecting their ability to cover these expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. Circumstances warranting a file review include, but are not limited to:
- Job Loss or Change in Family Income
- Education or Essential Living Expenses not Included in the Cost of Attendance Budget
- Unexpected or Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
Rankings
ESF is consistently ranked highly for its outstanding academics, unwavering commitment to sustainability, global impact, affordability, and more. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing the best experience and outcomes for our students.
Number 1
- #1: Most Affordable School for Women in STEM | study
- #1: Sustainability Curriculum | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #1: Sustainable Investments and Finance | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
Top 5
- #2: Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation | The Princeton Review
- #2: Zero Waste Campus | Post Landfill Action Network
- #3: Sustainability Research | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Public Engagement | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Top Green College | The Princeton Review