Overview
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF): Overview
Since it was founded in 1911 as the New York State College of Forestry, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has expanded both its role in education and its physical boundaries.
The college has expanded its initial emphasis on forestry to include professional education in environmental science, landscape architecture, environmental studies, and engineering in addition to distinguished programs in the biological and physical sciences.
Throughout its history, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has focused on the environmental issues of the time in each of its three mission areas: instruction, research, and public service. The college is dedicated to educating future scientists and managers who, through specialized skills, will be able to use a holistic approach to solving the environmental and resource problems facing society.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Degree Offerings
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers three undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.), and the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.).
The B.S. degree is awarded in aquatic and fisheries science, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, conservation biology, construction management, environmental biology, environmental resources and forest engineering, environmental science, environmental studies, forest ecosystem science, forest health, forest resources management, natural history and interpretation, natural resources management, paper engineering, paper science, wildlife science, wood products engineering, and an undeclared option. A number of options and concentrations are offered within specific curricula.
The B.L.A. degree, which requires an additional year of study, is awarded in landscape architecture.
A.A.S. degrees are awarded in forest technology and land surveying technology at the Ranger School campus in Wanakena, New York.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Research Opportunities
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers its students numerous research opportunities and financial support from international, state, federal and non-governmental benefactors.
In 2007-2008, about $14.5 million was spent at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry on externally funded research efforts, providing SUNY ESF students with unique and distinctive research opportunities. These projects ranged from global to sub-molecular levels and engaged students at all levels of education. Over 34 active patents have been issued to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students and faculty since 1983.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry research opportunities have been employed in locations including the U.S., South America, Russia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. SUNY ESF is progressively innovative and has plans to engage in new research experiences in areas including biotechnology and natural and environmental sciences in the foreseeable future.
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York is a nonprofit and privately owned corporation that sponsors programs and research designed and implemented by SUNY staff and faculty at its 64 campuses.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Student Life
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students have the opportunity to engage in more than 300 student organizations and groups through Syracuse University. Organizations include social, service, recreational, and professional affiliations that help supplement the SUNY students' educations, making them well-rounded citizens. On the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus there are about 25 student-run organizations.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry also has a student-athlete program where students can participate on numerous intercollegiate teams including cross country, timber sports, golf, and soccer. There are also many club and intramural-level sports activities available to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students through Syracuse University. These include ice hockey, skiing, volleyball, tennis, and over 35 other sports.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Campus
Syracuse, a metropolitan area of more than 730,000 people, is a leader in the manufacture of china, air-conditioning equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, drugs, automotive parts, and lighting equipment. It offers many cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities, including a symphony orchestra, museums, live theater, and historic points of interest.
Syracuse is one of the few cities in the nation situated at the crossing point of two superhighways. The driving time to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal is about 5 hours, from Buffalo and Albany, about 3 hours. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus is served by a modern international airport and major bus and rail lines.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Financial Aid
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the financial assistance program to which a student is applying. SUNY ESF makes it a priority to assist students with their educational and essential-living expenses. Financial aid is primarily awarded on a financial need basis and is assigned according to parental support, student savings, employment earnings, and financial assistance from other sources.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers a few fellowships and scholarships that are based on merit and academic achievement. Its graduate student fellowships, tuition scholarships, and assistantships are not awarded on a financial need basis.
