Bachelor of Science

Interdisciplinary Studies - Environmental Science

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Solve Environmental Challenges

Understand the Earth's environment and the challenges it faces in the bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in environmental science program at the University at Albany. You will gain deep knowledge of our natural environment and how societies interact with the Earth's system.

Explore major issues including climate change, biodiversity preservation, land-use planning and sustainability. Customize your studies to align with your interests and career goals. Many of our students also go on to pursue advanced degrees in graduate school.

Additional Program Information

Undergraduate Bulletin | Course Catalog | Four-Year Plans | Department Contact: Justin Minder

Program of Study
Applied Learning
Combined Master's
Career Outcomes
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Program of Study

programofstudy

The BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Environmental Science is a combined major and minor where you can choose from one of four specializations:

Climate Change
Ecosystems
Geography
Sustainability Science and Policy

Each track has a customized set of classes. In addition to environmental science, you will complete core coursework in math, biology, chemistry and physics. Benefit from the expertise of faculty, who are highly recognized and active researchers in the field of environmental science.

Honors Program

Students who have by the end of their fourth semester attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in courses required of the major in environmental science may apply to the department chair for the program leading to a B.S. degree with honors in environmental science.

Environmental Science Courses

Introduction to Environmental Science and Lab
Understanding the Earth
Sustainable Development: Energy and Resources
Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics, and Circulation
Ocean Science
Environmental Statistics and Computation
Meteorological and Environmental Measurement
Environmental Science Fieldwork Experience
The Adirondack Environment
Climate Laboratory
Paleoclimatology
Major Topics in Environmental Science

Specializations

Ecosystems

Focus on ecology, biodiversity and health.

Required courses

(7 credits)

Introductory Genetics
Ecology

Electives

(15 credits) In addition to environmental science courses, you can take electives in areas like anthropology, biology, public health, geography and political science. Sample courses:

Culture, Environment, and Health
Genetics of Human Disease
The Adirondack Environment
Urban Ecology
International Political Economic Science
Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health

Four-Year Plan

Climate Change

Focus on climate variability and climate change.

Required courses

(12 credits)

Climate Variability and Change
Water and Climate Change
Climate Laboratory
Paleoclimatology

Electives

(9 credits) Choose from courses in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, math, political science, public health and public administration & policy. Sample courses:

Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy
Environmental Internships
Calculus II
International Environmental Policy
International Political Economic Science
Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health

Four-Year Plan

Geography

Focus on land-use planning, resource management and geographic information systems.

Required courses

(10 credits)

Introductory Urban Geography
Introduction to Cartography
Geographic Information Systems

Electives

(12 credits) Sample Courses:

Climatology
Computer Mapping
Environmental Planning
Water and Climate Change
Sustainable Development: Energy and Resources

Four-Year Plan

Sustainability Science and Policy

Focus on renewable energy, air quality and environmental policy.

Required courses

(9 credits)

Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy
Sustainable Development: Energy and Resources
Selected Topics in Political Science

Electives

(12 credits) Select from anthropology, atmospheric science, biology, environmental science, geography, public administration, political science and public health courses. Sample courses:

Culture, Environment, and Health
Weather, Climate Change, and Societal Impacts
World Food Crisis
The Adirondack Environment
Introductory Urban Geography
Environmental Planning
International Environmental Policy
International Political Economic Science
Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health

Four-Year Plan

Applied Learning

The nearby environment features many parks, wildlife preserves and sanctuaries to put your coursework to practice.

The University's location at the state capital provides access to environmental science internship programs and career opportunities with organizations including:

New York State Museum
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
U.S. Geological Survey
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Past students have taken advantage of opportunities for coordinated study abroad involving departmental collaborations with universities in Argentina, Brazil and Taiwan. Students also have opportunities to travel to conferences to present their research and participate in professional development.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

You can conduct research in a wide variety of environmental topics, such as Earth’s past climate, energy and sustainability.

If you’re interested in pursuing research, you can come up with your own project idea and speak to a faculty member about overseeing the project. Alternatively, you are welcome to approach a faculty member whose research interests match yours.

One to three credits of ENV 497 (independent study) or three credits of ENV 498 (undergraduate research) can be taken and used towards environmental science major elective requirements.

appliedlearning

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Combine your Environmental Science degree with the MS in Information Science program. This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.

combined

Career Outcomes

With an environmental science degree, you will be equipped for a wide variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors, or to pursue an advanced degree. Our graduates have obtained positions in organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and renewable energy companies.

Potential job titles include:

Environmental scientist
Environmental consultant
Environmental attorney
Environmental engineer
Renewable energy specialist
Air quality scientist
Data scientist
Secondary and primary school education

Undergraduate student researchers at the summit of the Greenland Ice Sheet

career

"I am so grateful for my time with the UAlbany Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. As a student, I was able to work with passionate professors who instilled in me the strong scientific background needed to understand and tackle today’s environmental challenges. The department also connected me with internships that launched my career as a sustainability professional."

- Carly Lindsay '21, BS Interdisciplinary Studies - Environmental Science

"Going through the environmental science program provided me with a strong education, lab and fieldwork experiences, and opportunities to explore research possibilities within the field. I was given support and encouragement from professors, not only with classes but with figuring out my future plans and direction."

- Sumar Hart '22, BS Interdisciplinary Studies - Environmental Science

testimonials

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Science

Effectively communicate with colleagues or others via clear and efficient writing or presentation technique.
Identify and describe the various systems comprising the Earth's environment, including recognizing key aspects of these systems’ interaction and feedback loops.
Perform quantitative analyses specific to environmental evaluation, including assessing relevant parameters and interpreting their trends in space and/or time.
Apply field methods, data, concepts, and models to the solution of problems in the environmental sciences.

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What Makes The University at Albany Great

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors

Acting
Africana Studies
Anthropology
Art
Art History
Atmospheric Science
Bioethics
Biology
Broadcast Meteorology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese Studies
Cognitive Science
Communication
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice Studies
Cybersecurity
Documentary Studies
East Asian Studies
Economics
Educational Studies
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electronics
Film Studies
Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
English

Forensic Science
French
Game Design and Development
Geographic Information Science
Geography
Globalization Studies
Hebrew
History
Informatics
Instrumental Performance
International Studies
Italian
Japanese Studies
Journalism (Fully Online Option)
Judaic Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Law and Philosophy
Leadership
Legal Studies
LGBTQ Studies
Library and Information Science
Linguistics
Machine Learning
Mathematics

Medical Anthropology
Music
Musical Performance
Musical Theatre
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Portuguese
Pre-Education
Psychology
Public Health
Public Policy
Religious Studies
Russian
Russian and Eastern European Studies
Social Welfare Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Sustainability
Theatre
Theatrical Design/Technology
Urban Studies and Planning
U.S. Latino Studies
Vocal Performance
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies