Program Overview

Introduction to the Environmental Science Program

Binghamton University's Environmental Science Program seeks to prepare each student for life as a citizen and as a leader, who is equipped to understand and address the complex environmental challenges facing our communities, nations, and planet. Graduates of our program will be able to tackle environmental and societal concerns in four critical areas.

Critical Areas of Focus

• Critical thinking skills for understanding and confronting problems that involve the intersection between the natural and human worlds at multiple scales
  • Fundamental knowledge about the three E's of sustainability: environment, economics, and equity
• Methodological training for generating and analyzing data needed to investigate, explain, and mitigate environmental issues and problems
• Communication abilities to share information with technical and non-technical audiences

Degrees Offered

• BA in Environmental Science: Earth Systems
• BS in Environmental Science: Earth Systems
• BA in Environmental Studies: Economic Systems
• BA in Environmental Studies: Ecosystems
• BS in Environmental Science: Ecosystems
• BS in Environmental Science: Environmental Systems
• BA in Environmental Studies: Sustainable Systems

Specializations

Students who pursue a BS in environmental science or a BA in environmental studies may specialize in:

• Ecosystems
• Earth systems
• Economic systems
• Sustainability systems

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

Internship opportunities are available at a variety of local agencies, including:

• Broome County Health Department
• Broome County Parks and Recreation
• Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES)
• New York Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow (NYNEST)
• Binghamton University Nature Preserve Students can also intern in their hometown, county, state, and federal agencies, such as the National Park Service or the EPA, or with nonprofit groups.

Fieldwork and Research

Students have numerous opportunities to work in the field, including:

• Fieldwork as part of labs
• Discussion sections
• Research projects

Coursework

Some courses to consider in the first year include:

• ENVI 101 - Humans & Ecological Environment
• ENVI 201 - Humans & Physical Environment
• ENVI 140 - Intro Environmental Chemistry
• ENVI 149 - Environmental Ethics
• ENVI 206 - Geospatial Sensing - Part I
• ENVI 250 - Farm-to-Table Food

Career Opportunities

After graduation, students can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Research in environmental science
• Positions within advocacy groups or consulting firms
• Environmental law
• Environmental education There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Some students choose to pursue graduate studies at Binghamton's Graduate School or in a 4+1 program.