Starting fall 2008, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry will offer two new master’s programs in environmental studies. ESF started one of the first environmental studies programs in the country in 1956, and these two new graduate courses add to the evolution of the program.

The first of the two programs is a Master of Science (MS) degree in environmental studies, and the second is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in environmental studies. Both programs are social science and humanities-oriented degrees geared toward environmental science, with a holistic approach to looking at environmental issues and programs. Applications for fall admission to either program are due Feb. 1.

David Sonnenfeld, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Studies, believes these programs are new territory for the department and will set ESF apart from other similar graduate programs.

‘These programs include a new systematic and integrated series of core courses, so that entering students will receive a solid foundation of interdisciplinary environmental courses,’ Sonnenfeld said. ‘They’ll go on to learn research methods and take up topics of their particular interests to address today’s environmental issues and problems. We think it’s a big step forward for the institution in terms of offering environmental studies here.’

The MS program is a research degree geared toward students who are interested in research-oriented professions or higher education with the goal of achieving a doctorate. For more experienced individuals, the MPS degree caters to working adults who may already have jobs and want to upgrade their skills and standing in the workplace.

Completion of either of the programs can be expected to take one and a half to two years with full-time coursework. Tuition is standard tuition for a full-time ESF graduate student: $3,500 per semester for in-state students and $5,500 per semester for out-of-state students.

Mark Meisner, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, recognizes there is a need for this program at ESF, and is pleased the entire school has been supportive of the new programs.

‘At many schools, environmental studies programs are very broad, so we wanted to have one that focused on the most important subject areas students need to know about,’ Meisner said. ‘These programs will prepare students for environmental careers in policy, communications, research and consulting.’

Although Sonnenfeld expects the programs to begin with a modest number of students, he anticipates that over time, the program will grow in popularity and become moderately competitive.

‘I think that it will be quite popular in the northeastern part of the US, as well as in a variety of international locations,’ Sonnenfeld said. ‘Over time, we anticipate to have applicants from all over the country and all over the world.’

The two graduate programs serve as another step taken by ESF to broaden the range of its students’ experiences. One in four ESF students is international, due to the popularity of the environmental programs in the Caribbean, Latin America, Eastern Asia and Africa. One in 10 environmental studies students are obtaining dual degrees from ESF and SU, and these new programs are expected to strengthen the relationship between the two schools, Sonnenfeld said.

‘Many SU students take ESF courses even if they’re not in the environmental studies program. We welcome that, and we find that relationship a mutually rewarding one,’ Sonnenfeld said. ‘The new programs will enrich opportunities for coursework for SU students as well as ESF students.’

These new additions to available coursework will prepare students for multiple types of careers by giving them ‘professional research competencies with a social science dimension related to environmental issues,’ Sonnenfeld added.

Students will be prepared for careers in the public and private sectors, community organizations and international groups. For those students who wish to teach environmental science topics, the graduate programs will provide a solid platform to continue in doctoral studies.

Published on January 16, 2008 at 12:00 pm