Paul Smith's College
Paul Smith's College provides an experiential education that emphasizes "hands-on" experiences in labs, businesses, kitchens, hotels, and in the outdoor lab that surrounds. The curriculum is grounded in a wide range of courses to stimulate critical thinking, writing and discovery. It's located in Paul Smith's, New York in the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, approximately 25 minutes from Lake Placid, NY. The Park is an internationally-designated biosphere reserve that encompasses everything from rivers and wetlands to alpine forests and majestic mountains.
The college's tranquil, but exhilarating location allows students to fully embrace its "spirit of creative self-reliance." They can pursue bachelor's degrees in 23 fields and associate degrees in seven. Bachelor's programs include fish and wildlife, natural resource conservation, biology (with a zoology, animal, ecological focus), human health and the environment, culinary arts and baking options, management, sports and events management, entrepreneurial business studies, environmental studies, sustainable communities and working landscapes and hotel, resort and tourism management.
Bachelor of Science in Biology
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology allows students to study how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. In fact, they only have to walk a short distance from their residence halls to learn about these natural habitats. They also work closely with faculty members to conduct scientific research. This biology program is unique in that the curriculum has a focus in the areas of zoology, plant biology, ecological and environmental science.
Students complete a curriculum that contains a minimum of 120 credits of coursework including 40 credits of 300/400 level courses and 60 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses. Upon graduation, they're prepared to excel in a variety of careers including the following:
- Biodiversity researcher
- Conservation educator
- Environmental analyst
- Geneticist
- Plant ecologist
- Research biologist
- Science educator
- Wetlands ecologist
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts and Service Management
The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Culinary Arts and Service Management prepares students for positions as executive chefs, hotel and resort managers, managers of large-scale food service operations, private chefs, and restaurant entrepreneurs.
The program, which has accreditation from the American Culinary Federation, consists of 123 credits of courses including at least 31credits of liberal arts and sciences courses and 45 credits of 300/400 level courses. It also includes 800 hours of industry work experience.
Hands-on learning takes place in the college's two on-campus restaurants, six commercial-quality food laboratories, and student-run retail bakery. Additionally, a semester long series of culinary, food service, and hotel work experiences allow students to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real world settings. For those who want to specialize in baking they offer a BPS in Baking and Service Management.
BS in Management
The BS in Management offers three areas of concentration: Sports and Events Management, Management, and Entrepreneurship.
The Sports and Events Management concentration prepares students to plan and effectively manage sports and other events in private, public and corporate venues.
The Management concentration teaches students the skills necessary to perform leadership roles in the business and corporate work, with emphasis on administrative duties, financial responsibility, and the control of physical resources.
The Entrepreneurship concentration focuses on business startups and small businesses, helps students explore their visions and increase their chances of creating successful businesses. They learn about entrepreneurship management and the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. Students also take courses that cover all aspects of running a business including finance, management, marketing, and operations.
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
The Bachelor or Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies integrates the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities to understand and address complex environmental issues. It allows students to examine climate change, energy, globalization, invasive species, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and population pressure. They complete a minimum of 120 credits of courses including 45 credits of 300/400 level courses and 90 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses.
Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue careers in environmental advocacy and education, environmental policy and law, teaching, writing, and public relations or earn graduate degrees.
BS in Sustainable Communities and Working Landscapes
The BS in Sustainable Communities and Working Landscapes trains students to connect people with the environment. Its curriculum has a minimum of 120 credits of courses including 45 credits of 300/400 level courses and 60 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses. It teaches students how to perform the following tasks:
- Develop entrepreneurial business strategies that integrate social and environmental consciousness into economic practice
- Help communities establish and maintain cultural and natural resource sustainability in accordance with a range of social-economic conditions
- Help communities preserve traditional arts and culture
- Make proper land-use decisions based on diverse factors
Students graduate with the skills and experience to obtain a variety of positions including community sustainability planner, green design consultant, organic farm manager, natural resource analyst, and corporate sustainability officer.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Approximately, 98% of Paul Smith's College's students receive some type of financial aid from the following sources:
- Federal grants, loans, and work study
- New York State Tuition Assistance Program - NY state residents
- Vermont Student Assistance Program (VSAC) -- VT state residents
- Paul Smith's Merit and Need based Scholarships
Student Life
Paul Smith's College's location in Adirondack Park provides a wondrous setting to live and learn. From snowshoeing and skiing to hiking and canoeing in the lake on campus, students can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The "VIC" or Visitor Interpretive Center offers 50 miles of trails and great XC skiing. They also have many opportunities to socialize, get involved, and have lots of fun. Events include bands, comedians, contests, DJs, field trips, games, guest speakers, movies, open mic nights, and pool tournaments.
Paul Smith's offers some traditional sports teams like basketball, soccer, volleyball and XC, but also has one of the best woodsmen team in country, a snowshoe racing team, bowling and rugby. Some students love to fish and hunt, so the college provides an armory for the safe storage of hunting weapons on campus.
Students can also participate in clubs that provide access to conferences, networking opportunities, career-related activities, job contacts, and hands-on experience. They also have access to a full range of resources including accommodative, health, and counseling services; a fitness center, salt water pool and recreational programs; academic and career services; technology and library services; and housing and residence life services.
Faculty Members
Paul Smith's College's faculty members are a major part of its unique educational experience. They are excellent teachers, researchers, and mentors who have expertise in a diverse range of disciplines.
Eric Holmlund, PhD is one of the college's talented and accomplished faculty members. He's currently an associate professor of environmental studies and director of the Watershed Stewardship program. His professional experience includes positions as an expedition leader for a number of colleges and leadership trainer for banks, business schools, and corporations. He also co-authored the book, "The Camper's Guide to Outdoor Pursuits" (1997).
