BA in Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, is designed to provide students with the analytical and communication skills and the broad background necessary to understand and address complex environmental issues. The major also offers the opportunity for students to carry out focused study within a specific area of interest. Environmental issues are not resolved in the scientific, technological, social, or political arenas alone. The curriculum is, therefore, interdisciplinary and integrates principles and methodologies from the social sciences, engineering, the natural sciences, and humanities. The goal is to address the complex scientific, legal, political, socio-economic and ethical issues that define and surround environmental issues.

The major in Environmental Studies prepares the student for further education and entry-level employment in areas such as public interest science and advocacy, environmental conservation, law, journalism, management, television documentary production, ecotourism, population studies, and public service including public health.

The Environmental Studies major is offered by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), the State University of New York's center for marine and atmospheric research, education, and public service and one of the leading oceanographic institutions in the nation.

The more than 50 SoMAS faculty members are internationally known for their leadership in research in both the atmospheric sciences and all the major disciplines of oceanography - biological, chemical, geological, and physical. The School's students enroll in degree programs at both the Stony Brook campus and Stony Brook Southampton.

Program Description

To demonstrate depth of learning, an elective study area is required of all students in the major. Additionally, a research course, an internship, or field study is an essential part of the curriculum to provide real-world experience in an appropriate subject area. Seniors are expected to share these experiences with the rest of the academic community by participating in an annual environmental studies colloquium. In addition to the completion of approximately 66 credits for the major, students are also expected to complete approximately 45-48 credits in the University's Diversified Education Curriculum as well as meeting competency in basic Mathematics, Writing, elementary Foreign Language and American History.

A. Foundation Courses

B. Core Requirements (20 credits)

Students enrolled in ENS 487 or 488  are required to make an oral presentation on their research/internship at an annual senior colloquium.

C. Concentrations (12 credits)

All students in the major must take a set of four courses in an elective study area to develop depth of knowledge in a specific field of interest. Approved elective study areas are available in the following areas: