The Environment
The issues surrounding the appropriate use and management of the environment continues to be one of the most important challenges facing humankind today. From global issues such as climatic change to local issues such as land use planning, environmental scientists can help US Understand the complex interconnections that exist in the natural world and the linkages with the human communities of the earth. The SUNY Oneonta Environmental Sciences Program is designed to prepare young scientists and planners for leadership in this vital task.

Environmental Sciences Program Description
At SUNY Oneonta, five academic departments have brought their faculties together to provide a highly integrated interdisciplinary program which leads to the bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences. This high-quality environmental sciences program begins with addressing the needs of an environmentalist to understand a wide range of concepts pertaining to Earth's ecosystems. Our program fulfills this need through a broad-based science core. At the same time, the program provides a choice of four different specific concentrations. The capstone provides the student with experience in applied research opportunities. Together, these components form a unique and highly effective program for those seeking careers in the environmental sciences.

Program Concentrations

Environmental Chemistry
A curriculum covering aspects of the chemical environment, including Courses in inorganic, organic, physical, environmental and environmental health chemistry, and quantitative and instrumental analysis with related work in physics, biology, geology, math, geography, waste management and general environmental quality.

Environmental Earth Sciences
A spectrum of courses involves all aspects of the physical environment, including geology, oceanography, meteorology and physics. Course work also covers topics in chemistry, computer software and waste management.

Environmental Planning
A three component approach offers selections that highlight (1) interdisciplinary aspects of science and social science, (2) multiple topics in geography, and (3) courses that focus on regional and land use planning.

All concentrations lead to a capstone experience with options that include a senior thesis, internship, or departmental seminar.

Faculty and Instruction
At SUNY Oneonta our focus is on high quality undergraduate education. The five departments participating in the program are noted for instructional excellence. Many of our faculty have ongoing research programs in environmentally-related areas of their disciplines, many sponsored by national and local research funding organizations and including active participation by students.

Facilities
A hands-on approach utilizes modern laboratory and field research equipment, including atomic absorption, X-ray spectrometry, water analysis, electron microscopy, weather map retrieval system, computerized cartography, computerized data bases for geographic systems, remote sensing, an astronomical observatory, and more.

The Biological Field Station is a unique facility that enhances the quality of the environmental program. This research complex contains multipurpose laboratories, a library and a large aquarium room. The lake-front location, as well as access to over 1,700 acres of woodland, bogs, marshes and ponds, allows research and instruction in a variety of ecological communities.

Student Involvement
Small class size is especially necessary for laboratory and field-oriented courses. This allows for close faculty-student interaction and individual student attention. Students work with faculty on research projects on campus, at the Biological Field Station, and at other field sites in New York, the Northeast, and Alaska. At the Biological Field Station, students often work with the staff in collecting data that are used to support environmental action to protect the natural resources of New York State.

Many students are active in extra-curricular organizations such as the Biology Club, the Environmental Science Society, the Geography Club, the Geology Club, the Meteorology Club, the Physics Club, and others. These organizations involve faculty/student interaction in social and academic activities, including inviting guest speakers for seminars, organizing field trips, etc. The faculty and students also socialize at departmental picnics, graduation receptions, and annual academic awards ceremonies.

Career Potential
Career potential in the environmental area is good. There is a great deal of work that needs to be accomplished. If you want to leave the world a better place, then there are few other areas that can be as rewarding. Graduates of the Environmental Science Program pursue a number of different occupations and qualify for career paths in a number of settings, including local, state, and national governmental agencies, consulting firms, non-profit advocacy organizations, private industry, and teaching.

The Environmental Science Program imbues the student with the subject matter, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and a world view that is especially helpful in fulfilling the demand of employers as well as promoting improvements in environmental quality.