Environmental Studies - BA

The major offers two concentrations which are organized to promote an intensive understanding of contemporary physical science, specifically earth system science as it relates to environmental issues, and an intensive understanding of a system-based approach to the dynamic nature of human-environmental interactions particularly as manifest in contemporary politics and economics. The concentrations are Environmental Earth Science and Environmental Management and Policy. It is suggested that students select a concentration as they enter the major with the understanding that the choice is not final at this stage and students can switch concentrations as they advance in the program. To aid in this process, the curriculum offers a common core of required courses, as well as sufficient overlap within the required elective courses. It is strongly recommended that students considering this major meet with the adviser to discuss their interests and program of studies as courses may be added or deleted as the college’s and department’s offerings change. One or more courses not listed below may be included in a student’s concentration with the advice and consent of the adviser.

Internships

Students can receive from one to four credits for internships in government agencies, consumer and activist groups, business and industry and media organizations involved in energy issues (e.g., Council on the Environment of NYC, Energy Task Force, NY State Assembly, Sierra Club, International Earthcare Center, NY State Department of Energy, Brooklyn Union Gas, NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the American Museum of Natural History).

Teacher Education Pathway

Students planning to teach this subject in grades 7-12 should look at the School of Education: Program List for information about their programs that lead to the recommendation for New York State Initial Certification required to be a lead teacher in NYS public schools.

Honors Work and Individual Study

To graduate with departmental honors, a major in the geography or environmental studies program must be admitted to

GEOG 49000 - Honors in Geography or
PGEOG 49000 - Honors in Environmental Studies
and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA in the major.

The following courses

also offer students the opportunity of undertaking individual research in geography, geology or environmental studies.

Fieldwork

Several courses offer students an opportunity to study geography, geology and environmental situations in the field. They are usually offered during intersession periods, summer session or on weekends (consult Schedule of Classes). In addition to the regular field courses, special-topic field courses are offered periodically and fieldwork is conducted in connection with a number of the other courses. The department participates in the Study Abroad Program. It offers a field geography of selected world regions course (check with adviser for current location). An additional fee for transportation, lodging and food allowance is attached to these courses, depending on the focus of the course and its itinerary.

Graduate Study

Graduate-level courses may be taken for credit toward the bachelor’s degree by highly qualified seniors. Written permission must be obtained from the undergraduate and graduate advisers.

Intern Program

Internship provides opportunities for qualified majors and minors in both geography and environmental studies to work in positions of responsibility in professional institutions while earning from 1 to 4 academic credits. See a departmental adviser for details.

Degree Map

Degree Map for Environmental Studies