Why an Environmental Studies Degree from Le Moyne?

The “Green” movement is now touching almost every facet of our society – business, education, economics, government, religion – all are being reshaped before our eyes to conform to new social and environmental realities. It is absolutely essential that the individuals who make the decisions that shape our society understand the implications of society on the environment, and vice versa, and these individuals should be Le Moyne graduates fulfilling the mission of the College. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.)and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies degrees have been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific foundations of environmental science and the mechanisms of society. The goal of the program is to train students to draw on their knowledge in one area to consider problems in another. Students need to understand the scientific basis of environmental issues just as much as the workings of the government agencies that have the power to address these issues. It is only through acquiring this interdisciplinary knowledge and skill-set that students can be prepared to work for a more ecologically sustainable and socially just world. The B.S. degree provides more comprehensive training for students for graduate study in policy or law, or positions in industry. The B.A. degree requires fewer courses, allowing students to combine the study of the environment with another field, such economics, political science or communications.

Program Highlights

Offered through the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Environmental Studies are interdisciplinary programs of study that prepare students for a wide range of careers. Students have opportunities to study environmental systems in international locations (see program highlights for the environmental science systems major), engage in research projects or gain professional experience through internships. To ensure that students are prepared for a rapidly changing field, the major features courses in:

  • Environmental Studies
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Biology
  • Sociology
  • Mathematics
  • Writing and Communications

Many ES majors are active in Le Moyne's chapter of FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship), a program of the NYS Parks Department that supports conservation and educational outreach activities through internships.

Our Stories

 

Photo Morgan Nivison

Larry Tanner

/ 2015

"I love research trips and traveling,”

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Photo Jason Luscier

Jason Luscier

/ 2016

It feels pretty incredible to have my inspiration come full circle in such a way

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Photo Samantha Peltz

Samantha Peltz

/ 2017

She'd found her calling.

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Careers

We expect students graduating with the Environmental Studies degree to find opportunities for employment with:

  • local and regional planning boards
  • local and regional government
  • nongovernmental organizations
  • print or electronic media
  • private sector business and industry

More information on environmental careers can be found here

Alternatively, students may consider graduate study in environmental law, government policy, environmental marketing or environment studies. Potentially, this program could lead to the development of an articulation agreement with SUNY-ESF for graduate study in the Department of Environmental Studies, similar to that recently announced between Le Moyne and Syracuse University for graduate study in engineering.

Students whose interests are more focused on the scientific aspects of the environment, and who wish to conduct scientific research, should consider the major in Environmental Science Systems (Bachelor of Science).

Environmental Studies Degree Options

Major
B.S. in Environmental Studies
B.A. in Environmental Studies
Dual Major Communications/Environmental Studies

Minor
Minor in Environmental Studies

Distinctive Courses:  Environmental Politics, Ecosystems of North America, Poisoning of a Planet

Learn more in our Academic Catalog