What is the Division of Environmental Studies Program at Alfred University?

Environmental Studies ("ENS") was established at Alfred University to provide both students and faculty with an opportunity to pursue interests in this broad and multidisciplinary field. The program is guided by faculty in ENS as well as others, who are in traditional disciplines but who choose to apply their knowledge to problems that cross disciplinary boundaries. This arrangement provides students with the security of a coordinated and thorough curriculum while allowing them great flexibility in choosing the emphases of their own programs.

Our program emphasizes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art field and laboratory equipment. This learn-by-doing approach means that from day one, students are being exposed to methods and techniques used by natural and social scientists to identify, analyze and interpret environmental problems.

The personalized curriculum is achieved through course selection after consultation with an ENS advisor. An independent research project is required of all ENS majors and minors in their senior year. Internships or summer employment are immensely important for thorough preparation and a diverse number of opportunities are available through ENS or the Career Development Center.