Environmental Science BS and Environmental Studies BA (BA, BS)

Program Overview

Binghamton University’s Environmental Studies Program seeks to prepare each student for life as a citizen and as a leader, who is equipped to understand and address the complex environmental challenges facing our communities, nations, and planet. Graduates of our program (with either a BA in Environmental Studies or a BS in Environmental Science) will be able to tackle environmental and societal concerns in four critical areas.

  • Critical thinking skills for understanding and confronting problems that involve the intersection between the natural and human worlds at multiple scales
  • Fundamental knowledge about the three E’s of sustainability: environment, economics, and equity
  • Methodological training for generating and analyzing data needed to investigate, explain, and mitigate environmental issues and problems
  • Communication abilities to share information with technical and non-technical audiences

Check out our student outcomes.

Students who pursue a BS in environmental science or a BA in environmental studies may specialize in ecosystems, earth systems, economic systems or sustainability systems.

Degrees Offered

  • BA in Environmental Science: Earth Systems
  • BS in Environmental Science: Earth Systems
  • BA in Environmental Studies: Economic Systems
  • BA in Environmental Studies: Ecosystems
  • BS in Environmental Science: Ecosystems
  • BS in Environmental Science: Environmental Systems
  • BA in Environmental Studies: Sustainable Systems

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

  • Internship opportunities are available at a variety of local agencies such as the Broome County Health Department, Broome County Parks and Recreation, Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES), New York Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow (NYNEST) and Binghamton University Nature Preserve.
  • Students can intern in their hometown, county, state and federal agencies such as the National Park Service or the EPA, or with nonprofit groups.
  • Students also have numerous opportunities to work in the field. Students do fieldwork as part of labs, discussion section or research projects.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

After You Graduate

Graduates can pursue a wide range of careers, including research in environmental science, positions within advocacy groups or consulting firms, environmental law and environmental education. There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Some students choose to pursue graduate or professional studies.