State University of New York at Fredonia
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Environmental Sciences major integrates the strengths of programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Geosciences to understand the Earth ecosystem as a whole. As our socio-economic system is nested within this ecosystem, our students are also required to take courses in geographic information systems, environmental history and environmental economics to provide a complete picture of the complexities of the problems we face as a society. Many of the courses in this major have field components where students collect environmental samples, analyze them, and produce comprehensive interpretations of the data. Students demonstrate their ability to conduct independent work in the environmental sciences through internships with local conservation departments, consulting firms or municipalities, or through research with a faculty member. Possible careers after completion of this major include: environmental consulting, resource management, conservation scientist, aquatic and fishery research/management, wildlife management, conservation officer, and environmental and community planning.

The Environmental Studies minor was designed to allow for exploration of environmental and sustainability issues through a variety of academic disciplines. Students develop a broad understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment through a core curriculum that includes Historical contexts, Humanities, and the Natural and Social Sciences. Beyond this core curriculum, students engage with at least two additional courses from two different disciplines including Anthorpology, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Environmental Sciences, Geology, History, Political Science, and Sociology. The program is tied together as a cohesive whole through two 1 credit capstone seminars. The Environmental Studies minor is a strong addition to the curricular transcript of those students who are thinking about environmentally focused careers in the areas of: advocacy and public policy, communications, economics, history, journalism, law, or writing. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the program provides a solid foundation in the multitude of perspectives from which to view the natural world, and the variety of independent but interconnected paths from which to build a career focused on sustainability. Course requirements for the ENVS minor can be found at: http://fredonia.smartcatalogiq.com/2013-2014/Catalog/All-Programs/Interdisciplinary-Studies-Minor-Programs/Environmental-Studies-minor