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Plant Science

Apply to SUNY Cobleskill

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY DEGREES:

Plant Science BT

• Agronomy
• Enviromental Studies
• Floriculture
• Horticulture
• Landscape Contracting
• Turfgrass and Recreation/Sports Area Management

Landscape Contracting

Turfgrass Management Golf Turf

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES:

Crop Production

Environmental Studies

Ornamental Horticulture:

• Floriculture
• Landscape Development
• Nursery Management
• Recreation/Sports Management
• Turfgrass Management
• Agricultural Science: Ornamental Horticulture and Recreation and Sports Area Management

Environmental Studies

Overview

The significant concern in society about environmental quality has generated a need for technically-trained environmental specialists and natural resource managers. An Associates in Applied Science Degree in Environmental Studies at SUNY Cobleskill prepares students for beginning an exciting career in environmental protection in the public or private sectors. The study of soil erosion, water pollution, natural resources protection, ecology, and the world of plants, with a strong foundation in the natural sciences provides a diverse program which prepares students for job entry or transfer to Bachelor Degree programs.

Excellent Facilities and Learning Experience

The Environmental Studies program involves significant learning experiences through laboratory activities, exciting field trips and interaction with natural resource and environmental professionals. Excellent laboratory facilities are utilized for extensive hands-on learning in chemistry, biology, botany, soil science, water resources, geology, ecology and computer applications. Extensive college land provides numerous opportunities for investigating forests, cropland and stream system environments, all within a short walking distance of the Plant Science classrooms and laboratories.

Students in the Environmental Studies program are provided the opportunity to visit various places of ecological significance through field trips in many courses. A hike up a mountain trail or a walk on a bog in the vast Adirondack Park; a visit to a globally rare ecosystem in Albany; a tour of a modern water treatment plant; and a tour of one of the largest caverns in the eastern United States, all provide excellent field experiences. In addition, the trips usually involve presentations and tours by expert natural resource professionals including New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officers, soil conservation technicians, reservoir and watershed management specialists, water treatment plant operators, state foresters and ecologists.

Knowledgeable and Dedicated Faculty

Students in the Environmental Studies program are taught by faculty who are very knowledgeable in their areas of specialization. The faculty in the Plant Science Department are very helpful in providing individualized advisement on course selection, transfer opportunities and potential careers. Faculty place a high priority on maintaining professional contacts in government and industry. Faculty in allied fields consistently integrate environmental application into course material in chemistry, mathematics, biology and geology.

Students in the Associate in Applied Science in Environmental Studies will study the following coursework in their major field:

(Students should check with their advisors to make sure courses are taken in proper sequence and any prerequisites have been met. Some flexibility is available as to when courses must be taken. Students should consult with their advisors during the scheduling process.)

Environmental Studies students must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours of academic work with a GPA of not less than 2.00. This includes 26-27 credits of major field requirements, 6 credits of agricultural electives, 29 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 4-5 credits of general electives.

Major Field Requirements (26-27 credits)

Agricultural Electives
6 credits. Courses with any of the following prefixes: AGBU, AGEN, AGRN, AGSC, BIOL, FWLD,
ORHT, RECM.

Students should check with their advisors to make sure courses are taken in proper sequence and any prerequisites have been met. Some flexibility is available as to when courses must be taken. Students should consult with their advisors during the scheduling process.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Requirements (29 credits)

Free Electives (4-5 credits)

Transfer Opportunities

Students from SUNY Cobleskill's Environmental Studies program have successfully transferred to colleges such as Cornell University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and SUNY Plattsburg. Many students have decided to continue their education at SUNY Cobleskill pursuing a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Plant Science with courses and internships emphasizing environmental applications.

Potential Career Opportunities

Soil Conservation Technician
Soils Laboratory Technician
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Conservation Educator
Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Laboratory Technician
Water Conservation Technician
Erosion Control Material Specialist
Watershed Management Specialist
Environmental Journalist

For more specific information on degree requirements for the Environmental Studies Associate in Applied Science go to the Registrar's Page.

For more information about the Environmental Studies degree program contact:
Dr. John Kowal
KOWALJJ@Cobleskill.edu
518-255-5246