Program Overview:
The Environmental Science major prepares a student who is interested in Earth’s interconnected environmental systems for a position in industry, government, or education, and for graduate studies requiring a background in environmental, ecological, and earth sciences. The modern world is in need of scientists and policy-makers who understand complex environmental issues. This program will prepare students for careers that tackle the environmental challenges of today, including sustainable development, environmental conservation, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and responses to environmental threats such as global climate change and invasive species. This program provides the essential theoretical and practical aspects of geologic, ecologic, and organism-level biologic processes for a graduate to qualify for positions with environmental and ecological consulting firms, state and national parks, state and federal geological surveys, and private educational institutions. Practical hands-on field and laboratory work is emphasized, and the curriculum is focused on real-world issues and needs. The required geology, biology, and ecology courses are supplemented with essential math, chemistry, and physics courses needed for a basic understanding of the quantitative nature of the principles of environmental science. This program is for full-time day students.
The program has two tracks, geoscience and ecology. The two tracks have common core courses.
Program Contacts:
To email contact:
Dr. Jacqueline Smith, Associate Professor of Geology
Program Webpage:
Environmental Science, BS
Program Requirements:
Required Courses – both tracks (63 Credits)
| ESC 185 | Intro to Enviromental Geology | 4 |
| | or | |
| ESC 190 | Introductory Geology (with permission) | 4 |
Geoscience track – required courses (16 Credits)
| ESC 220 | Mineralogy & Petrology I | 4 |
| ESC 310 | Sedimentology & Stratigraphy | 4 |
| ESC | 2 upper-level ESC courses | 8 |
Ecology track – required courses (16 Credits)
Major Credits (79 Credits)
Additional credits required
| | Credits for Liberal Education requirements* | 31 |
| | Credits for General Electives (includes Research) | 12 |
Total credits needed for graduation (minimum) 122 credits
Culminating Academic Experience
| ENV 405 | Environmental Issues Capstone | 4 |
Professional Accreditation:
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
The environmental science major is designed for students who are seeking careers that focus on understanding environmental problems and developing and implementing solutions to those problems. Our students will be ready for opportunities in government, industry, and the non-profit sector, and also for graduate school if they wish to seek advanced degrees. The geosciences track emphasizes preparation for employment in positions that that include groundwater investigation and cleanup, water resources, slope stability hazards, coastal issues, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and climate change evaluation and adaptation. The ecology track emphasizes preparation for employment in positions that include ecosystem management , conservation and protection , watersheds and water resources, environmental pollutants, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and managing our response to climate change. Analytical laboratories hire environmental scientists for sampling and testing. Graduates will also be positioned for graduate school in Environmental Science, Geology, or Biology, or in secondary education programs.
Minor(s):
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.
What Makes an Application Complete
- Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
- SAT or ACT scores (See Test Optional FAQ's)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
- Essay or Graded Paper
- Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
- Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.
The Bottom Line
The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.
More about Financial Aid
Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.
The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.
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