紐約州立大學水牛城分校

Why study Environmental Studies BA at UB?

Designed for students who find the environmental perspective compelling, Environmental Studies is a field that studies how human society intersects with the natural environment. The major encompasses the study of the natural and social sciences in order to understand environmental problems and processes. Fieldwork and internships are a required part of the curriculum. Specialty tracks provide a body of course work and experiences that prepare a student for a defined area within the field of environmental studies.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this concentration will:

• Understand critical concepts in environmental studies in the areas of ecological analysis, conservation biology and general ecology
• Understand the principles and processes of biological evolution; the interrelated physical processes; principles of ecology and ecological research; engage in and understand the processes and techniques of conducting environmental fieldwork
• Understand the interaction of historical, social and political phenomena with environmental issues; identify ethical, spiritual and aesthetic considerations that affect environmental attitudes and behavior
• Understand the foundational statistical methods and computing processes used to evaluate data in the environmental field
• Understand the role of environmental law/regulation in environmental issues; understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental understanding; practice environmental education techniques and strategies
• Understand the professional opportunities available through a well-defined series of Environmental Tracks in the areas of Environmental Policy, Education and Natural Resources
• Gain practical experiences through a variety of field-based courses and diverse opportunities in a well-established Environmental Internship Program

Career Outlook

Students who graduate from the Environmental Studies major are prepared to work in government, community education and organizing, and environmental business. Students have reported obtaining employment with the Office of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the New York Public Interest Research Group, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the Western New York Clean Air Coalition.

The interdisciplinary structure of the major prepares students to go on to advanced study in biology, environmental policy, environmental psychology and environmental science. Students have gone on to advanced studies at Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, University of Minnesota, SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry.