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SUNY Plattsburgh Offers New Environmental Studies Major

New Environmental Studies major joins vibrant 30-year SUNY Plattsburgh tradition of environmental education and research

The "human dimension" of the environment might seem obvious to many persons. After all, isn't the environment - or nature - really the place where humans live, and not just something "out there" where non-human creatures exist, beyond the borders of civilization?

Plattsburgh State's new Environmental Studies major now lets students explore this important dimension of environmental study in the context of a professionally oriented program that integrates the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

After completing general college requirements, students take courses in human and physical geography, ecology, geology, history, ethics, environmental law, environment and society, and environmental justice. Advanced course work spans such areas as policy, management, planning, culture, history, philosophy, geography, and environmental science.

Students also select from courses in technology skills and from exciting "adventure learning " courses set outdoors in the College's remarkable natural surroundings. In fact, the Adirondack/Champlain Valley region provides valuable training for students who could one day be dealing with environmental, political, and cultural issues that are characteristic of, but not unique to, the Lake Champlain Basin and Adirondack Mountains.

Professional Focus

Environmental Studies is designed to foster ethical values and the stewardship of responsible citizenship within a global community. But the major has a career focus, too, preparing students for a variety of in-demand jobs in the public, non-profit, and private sectors.

Graduates will find themselves well suited for the professional landscape of environmental consulting, advocacy, planning, policy, lobbying and law - all careers that demand a sophisticated understanding of the complex relationships between human culture and the natural environment in local, national, and global contexts.

The major also prepares students well for further environmental study in graduate school, especially for those who decide to pursue a Master of Arts, Master of Professional Studies or Doctoral program in Environmental Studies at other SUNY institutions. Finally, by crossing disciplinary boundaries, the program lets students draw from the talents and expertise of a diverse faculty.

Contact Information

If you would like to learn more about the Environmental Studies program, please contact:

Dr. Robert Fuller (Director)
Campus Location: Hudson Hall, 102, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: 518-564-2028
Toll-Free Phone: (877) 554-1041
Fax: 518-564-5267
E-mail:[email protected]

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