State University of New York at New Paltz

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational natural science with applied conservation techniques and research skills. Core topics typically include ecology, conservation biology, wildlife and fisheries management, soils and watershed science, environmental chemistry, and ecosystem restoration. Laboratory and field components are emphasised: students gain practical experience in field sampling, species identification, habitat assessment, GIS and remote sensing, and quantitative data analysis.

Typical structure:

• Foundations: introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and earth systems to build the scientific base.
• Core conservation courses: ecology, conservation principles, wildlife and plant ecology, restoration ecology, and natural resource policy.
• Technical skills: statistics for ecological data, spatial analysis/GIS, field methods, laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Research and capstone: supervised research projects, senior seminar or practicum that integrate fieldwork, data analysis and written reporting.
• Electives and concentrations: options may include aquatic ecology, urban ecology, environmental education, invasive species management, and climate impacts on ecosystems.
• Hands-on learning: local field trips to regional preserves and watershed sites, semester-long field courses, and opportunities for summer field internships.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed a college-preparatory secondary school programme with coursework in biology and mathematics; chemistry and earth science are strongly recommended. Admissions decisions consider academic record, letters of recommendation and, where applicable, personal statements or interviews. Transfer applicants should present college transcripts showing completion of introductory science and mathematics courses; relevant field or volunteer experience in conservation is viewed favourably.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in conservation, natural resource management and environmental science. Common early-career positions include:

• Conservation technician or field biologist for government agencies, non-profits or consulting firms
• Natural resource technician in parks and protected areas
• Environmental consultant specialising in habitat assessment, permitting or mitigation
• GIS or mapping technician supporting land-use planning and resource inventories
• Research assistant in university, government or NGO studies

Many graduates also continue to graduate study in ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or related professional programmes, or move into environmental policy, education and outreach roles.

Why study at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz is located in the Hudson Valley, offering immediate access to diverse field sites including woodlands, rivers, wetlands and nearby protected preserves—an asset for hands-on conservation training. The university supports applied learning through field courses, internships with regional agencies and non-profits, and faculty-led research projects. Students benefit from well-equipped laboratories and GIS facilities, small-class interaction with faculty active in regional environmental research, and the wider SUNY system resources for internships and cross-campus collaborations.

The programme’s combination of practical field experience, technical training and research opportunities prepares graduates to step directly into conservation roles or to pursue advanced study, while the local landscape provides an ideal living laboratory for natural resources education.