Environmental Studies

The Adirondacks provide an ideal classroom to begin or continue your study of environmental issues. How can we protect natural resources while maintaining a thriving economy? Why are management practices of wilderness and other public lands so important? Environmental Studies students stand outside in the woods near a body of water listening to a professor speak

The Environmental Studies degree program is designed to engage students in these types of dialogues and the broader issues facing the United States and the world such as environmental policies, economic development, land management practices, and responses to climate change. As an Environmental Studies major, you will be able to study these topics within the Adirondacks where these issues affect residents on a daily basis.

With environmental agencies and groups such as the Adirondack Park Agency, Adirondack Council, Nature Conservancy, Department of Environmental Conservation and others close to campus, you will have access to internships and opportunities to work with leading organizations in the field of environmental policy and advocacy.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES: Environmental Analyst, Land Use Specialist, Environmental Planner, Environmental Policy Advocate, Environmental Consultant.

WHAT'S NEXT: Transfer for a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or related field.

View the Environmental Studies program worksheet for more information.

Take a closer look at a few of our Environmental Studies courses

Students stand in a river with a net

Intro to Outdoor and Environmental Studies

ENV 101

This course includes the study of the environmental movement, shifts in environmental philosophies, human impact on the environment, ethics, economic policy, sustainability, and outdoor recreation. The course will include an exploration of the unique balance of economic development, tourism, recreation, and conservation within the Adirondack Park.

A photo of a pond with trees along the shoreline in the morning sun

Wilderness Management

REC 251

This course explores history of wilderness in the U.S. as well as current wilderness issues on a regional, national and global scale. Topics include wilderness values, legislation, principles of management, recreational impacts, threats to wilderness, and Adirondack Wilderness.

A student smiles at the camera as she climbs a rock wall

Basic Rock Climbing

PED 129

An introduction to rock climbing as a recreational activity. The topics covered include, contemporary issues in rock climbing, rationale and techniques for minimum impact cliff use, and introduction of fundamental rock climbing skills.