Program Description

Environmental scientists understand the scope and severity of the problems facing human society. We also now recognize the importance of considering people’s attitudes and preferences in the search for solutions to preserve the natural systems on which all life relies.

The Environmental Studies BA degree program at Purchase College reflects this new, interdisciplinary focus on the interactions among the sociopolitical, economic, and ecological systems where the natural world and human society overlap. This new approach offers challenges and opportunities for those motivated to help improve the health of our environment and the quality of human existence.

In addition to 11 foundation courses in three categories—natural sciences, social structure and function, and research and data analysis—students choose courses from an allied discipline, according to their personal interests and career goals. Former students have investigated environmental issues from the standpoint of biology, policy, and economics.

The program culminates in the senior project—an extensive research project undertaken in collaboration with a faculty member. Senior research projects vary widely in topic and method, but all incorporate a common theme: environmental impacts cannot be addressed without consideration of human society.

Program Faculty

Requirements for the Major

• Introduction to Environmental Science
• General Ecology (with lab)
• Geology (with lab)
• Microeconomics I
• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Policy
• Behavioral Statistics
• Geographic Information Systems
• Outdoor Skills or Scuba or Rock Climbing
• Human Ecology
• Environmental Regulations or Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Studies Internship
• Environmental Studies Junior Seminar
• Electives in the field of focus
• Senior Research Project

Representative Elective Courses

Animal Behavior
Applied Terrestrial Ecology
Aquatic Pollution
Conservation Biology
Ecology of Urban Environments
Environmental Education
Environmental Journalism
Environmental Justice
Environmental Sociology
Environment and Sustainable Development in South Asia
Field Biology of Local Landscapes
Globalization, Development, and Poverty
Government and Politics Worldwide
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology
Law, Energy, and the Environment
Marine Ecology
Natural Resources
Physical Geography
Vertebrate Zoology

Representative Alumni

• John Brasino ’78, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison; co-owner, Environmental Partners, Inc.
• Carolyn Cunningham ’77, JD, Pace University School of Law; consultant, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Shelli Dubay ’93, PhD, University of Wyoming; assistant professor of natural sciences, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
• John Fusco ’98, lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve, and intelligence analyst, New York State Office of Homeland Security
• Louis Iannacchino ’99, environmental account specialist, Zurich U.S.
• Patrick Limber ’03, PhD student in earth and ocean sciences, Duke University
• Donald Pierson ’78, PhD, Uppsala University (Sweden); supervisor of the Reservoir Modeling Program, New York City Department of Environmental Protection
• Scott V. Ollinger ’89, PhD, University of New Hampshire; associate professor, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire
• Lindsay Randall ’07, MA student in political management, George Washington University; regional field director for Western states, Operation Free
• Ronald F. Robbins ’84, MA, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; resource conservation specialist, Headquarters Environmental Policies and Programs Office, U.S. Postal Service
• Carl Safina ’77, PhD, Rutgers University; cofounder and president, Blue Ocean Institute; founder of the Living Oceans Program and former vice president for ocean conservation, National Audubon Society
• Mackenzie S. Schoonmaker ’04, JD, Pace University School of Law; associate with a general environmental, litigation, and regulatory practice, Beveridge and Diamond, P.C., Washington, D.C.
• David Yozzo ’87, PhD, University of Virginia; research scientist and senior program manager, Barry A. Vittor & Associates, Inc.

For more information, visit the Environmental Studies site in Academic Programs or e-mail naturalsciences@purchase.edu.

Updated May 5, 2010