Human population growth and economic development require large quantities of natural resources, often resulting in environmental degradation. As a result, there is an increasing demand for scientists with a background in environmental science to address the environmental challenges we face in this century. The major in Environmental Sciences integrates the principles of the natural sciences to study human resource utilization and evaluate the options to mitigate impacts to natural ecosystems and resources. In this major, an assessment approach is taken in the study of topics such as species diversity, point and non-point source pollution, fate and transport of hazardous substances, geological resources, hydrological patterns, etc. In the process, students study scientific phenomena and are trained in applications to field and laboratory work, data analysis and modeling. Many of the courses in this major have field components where students collect environmental samples, analyze them, and produce comprehensive interpretations of the data. Students draw on the strengths of SUNY Fredonia’s programs in biology, chemistry, geosciences, geographic information systems, and environmental science courses specifically designed for this major. As seniors, students demonstrate their ability to conduct independent work in the environmental sciences through an internship with local conservation departments, industries and municipalities, or through research with a Fredonia faculty member.

Possible careers after completion of this major include: graduate school, environmental consulting, resource management, conservation scientist, aquatic and fishery research/management, wildlife management, conservation officer, environmental and community planning, etc.