Environment and Sustainability

373 Cooke Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4670

716-645-6777
arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/environment-sustainability.html

Environment and Sustainability Overview

Businesses, governments, institutions, and non-profit organizations all know that addressing the issue of sustainability will become increasingly important to their success. The department of Environment and Sustainability consists of a transdisciplinary group of dedicated researchers and scientists working together to solve our planet’s most wicked problems and give solutions for our sustainable future. The department offers three undergraduate degrees: Environmental Sustainability BA, Environmental Studies BS and Environmental Science BS.

The Environmental Sustainability BA and Environmental Studies BS are designed for students who find the environmental perspective compelling. Students study how human society intersects with the natural environment. The majors encompasses the study of the natural and social sciences in order to better understand environmental problems and processes. Fieldwork and internships are a required part of the curriculum. Students obtaining a BA have complete electives related to issues of environmental politics and sustainability, whereas students pursuing our BS complete electives related to environmental resources and management. Many BA students to go on to advanced study in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, and Environmental Education.  The BS students often to go on to advanced study in biology, environmental policy, environmental psychology and environmental science.

Environmental Science BS is an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating physical, chemical and biological aspects of the environment and environmental systems. There is a large (and increasing) demand for scientists with quantitative, interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences to address, mitigate, and manage many complex environmental problems facing society. Students benefit from a wide selection of courses as well as high-quality internships and field experiences.  Later on in your academic career, you will find that our undergraduate program feeds seamlessly into our graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. As part of the Environmental Science program, you are part of a small, tight-knit group that has immediate access to advisors, research opportunities, and many environmental clubs and organizations. Graduates boast many skills ranging from computer and analytical lab techniques to experiential field research methods. The curriculum prepares students for graduate school or for entry level positions in the environmental sciences with employers such as The National Park Service, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Protection Agency, as well as private consulting firms.

Academic Advising

Students obtain academic advice and guidance from the academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement & Services office (275 Park Hall) and from faculty in their program of study. For Environmental Science degrees, see Dr. Henshue, and for Environmental Studies or Sustainability, see Mr. Geffner. 

Academic Advising Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisement & Services
275 Park Hall, North Campus
North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-4140
Phone: 716-645-6883
Email: cas-advisor@buffalo.edu

Programs

• Environmental Science BS
• Environmental Studies BS
• Environmental Sustainability BA

• Environmental Studies Minor