Phone: (845) 257-3760
Location: Science Hall, Room 105
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/envscience
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program is administered by the Department of Geology and focuses on the environmental aspects of geology, chemistry and biology. Through formal courses, laboratories, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological, chemical and biological processes that impact society and the environment. Both a major and a minor in Environmental Science are offered.
In the major program, a sophomore-level survey course, EGS370 Introduction to Environmental Science & Engineering, draws on the foundation courses to bring together a truly interdisciplinary view of environmental science. Students will see how the different sciences must be combined to understand and address environmental problems. Particular emphasis will be placed on the roles of chemistry, geology, and environmental engineering. In the senior year, students will engage in a full-year Senior Research Project under the supervision of a faculty mentor or an experienced regional scientist. During the spring term of the senior year, oral presentations of student research projects will be made in a Senior Seminar. This seminar will also feature guest scientists who will relate their own work in environmental science.
The Environmental Science major is a rigorous four-year sequence in science and mathematics, so it is essential that interested students seek advising early in their undergraduate studies. First-year students should take GLG201 Physical Geology and GLG211 Physical Geology Laboratory, CHE201 General Chemistry I and CHE211 General Chemistry I Lab, and MAT251 Calculus I in their first semester, followed by PHY201 General Physics 1 and PHY211 Physics 1 Laboratory, CHE202 General Chemistry II and CHE212 General Chemistry II Lab, and MAT252 Calculus II in their second semester.
Transfer students should complete the above first-year requirements before entering SUNY New Paltz and should additionally take one year of calculus-based physics, a course in statistics, a laboratory course in historical geology, and organic chemistry.
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses required for the Environmental Science major or minor.
This information is provided as a resource for students to aid in selecting a major or degree track. Students should, however, obtain a current plan of study form and consult with an advisor before selecting a program or enrolling in coursework. Complete advising guidelines may be obtained from the Department of Geology or by consultation with the Director of the Environmental Science program (Fall 2025: Prof. John Rayburn, rayburnj@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-3767; Spring 2026: Prof. Shafiul Chowdhury, chowdhus@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-2618.)
Environmental Science (BS) Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge Areas
Students who successfully complete the Environmental Science program will:
- Demonstrate mastery of the fundamental knowledge areas in geology, chemistry and, to some extent, biology, which are related to solve environmental problems.
- Show the ability to read and interpret topographic, geologic, and other maps, and demonstrate map making skills.
- Acquire competency in the supporting fields of physics, chemistry, biology, geography and mathematics, particularly as related to the environmental sciences.
- Demonstrate mastery of basic wet chemistry techniques, particularly with regard to standard and sample planning and preparation.
Research Skills
Students will:
- Understand and use the scientific method to conduct research and be able to critically evaluate scientific work.
- Demonstrate the ability to observe, describe and identify environmental problems in different land use settings using field data collection.
- Have the ability to acquire information resources from scientific journals, environmental databases, internet resources and other primary sources.
- Apply quantitative methods for problem solving, data analysis and model formulation.
- Develop the skills to work independently and collaboratively on scientific problems.
Technical Skills
Students will:
- Use a variety of geochemical field equipment for data collection.
- Use common geological, chemical and biological laboratory instruments and techniques.
- Perform quantitative data analysis and interpretation using computers.
Communication Skills
Students will:
- Effectively communicate technical findings and conclusions through written reports using formats and styles required for scientific writing.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills by giving oral presentations in a professional style.
- Use maps, three-dimensional diagrams and other imagery to communicate factual information and concepts.
Learning Skills
Students will:
- Demonstrate a regional and global understanding of the earth, including tectonic, historical, environmental, and resource management aspects.
- Show the ability to identify and describe environmental problems in different land use settings by applying scientific knowledge, observational techniques, the ability to synthesize, and communication skills.
- Engage in group field excursions with faculty members and other students involving the scientific study and aesthetic appreciation of the geo-environmental aspects of our world.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO340 | Ecology | 4 |
| CHE201 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE202 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE211 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHE212 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CHE303 | Introduction to Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHE306 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHE318 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE407 | Instrumental Techniques | 4 |
| EGS courses | See descriptions below | |
| GEO341 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| GLG201 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| GLG211 | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GLG339 | Natural Resources and Energy | 3 |
| GLG346 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 |
| GLG407 | Hydrogeology | 4 |
| GLG475 | Geology Research Project 1 | 3 |
| GLG476 | Geology Research Project 2 | 3 |
| MAT241 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| MAT251 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT252 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHY201 | General Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY202 | General Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHY211 | Physics 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| PHY212 | General Physics 2 Lab | 1 |
EGS370. Introduction to Environmental Science & Engineering. 4 Credits.
A survey course covering the broad scope of environmental science and engineering, including air pollution, water pollution, water quality control, environmental chemistry, global atmospheric change, solid waste management and resource recovery. Case studies and outside speakers. COURSE FEE.
Attributes:
- Liberal Arts
Restrictions:
- Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
EGS475. Environmental Sciences Research Project 1. 3 Credits.
Students will undertake a two semester research project, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, focusing on a detailed examination of a real world environmental problem. The project will culminate in a written document and an oral presentation in the Senior Seminar.
Attributes:
- Liberal Arts
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Undergraduate
- Must be enrolled in the following class: Senior
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Environmental Geochem Science (519)
- Environmental Science (526)
- Geology (510)
EGS476. Environmental Science Research Project 2. 3 Credits.
Continuation of EGS475.
Attributes:
- Liberal Arts
Prerequisites:
- EGS475 Minimum Grade of C-
EGS477. Senior Seminar in Environmental Science. 1 Credit.
A series of presentations by senior students and by invited speakers. In the course, students nearing graduation present the findings of their senior project. On alternate weeks, invited professionals from the environmental sciences present relevant aspect of their work.
Attributes:
- Capstone or Creative Works
- Liberal Arts
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Undergraduate
- Must not be enrolled in one of the following classes: Sophomore, Freshman
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Environmental Geochem Science (519)
- Environmental Science (526)
- Geology (510)
Prerequisites:
- EGS475 Minimum Grade of C-
Faculty
Belinsky, Kara
Associate Professor, Biology
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Office: CSB 218
Phone: (845) 257-3748
E-mail: belinskk@newpaltz.edu
Chowdhury, Shafiul H.
Program Director, Spring 2026
Associate Professor, Geology
Ph.D., Western Michigan
Office: SH 105
Phone: (845) 257-2618
E-mail: chowdhus@newpaltz.edu
Engel-DiMauro, Salvatore
Professor, Geography & Environmental Studies
Ph.D., Rutgers University
Office: SH 133
Phone: (845) 257-2991
E-mail: engeldis@newpaltz.edu
Ferguson, Megan
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
Office: CSB 217
Phone: (845) 257-6935
E-mail: fergusom@newpaltz.edu
Keeling, Eric
Associate Professor, Biology
Ph.D., University of Montana
Office: CSB 220
Phone: (845) 257-3745
E-mail: keelinge@newpaltz.edu
McGlinn, Lawrence
Associate Professor and Chair,
Geography & Environmental Studies
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Office: SH 115
Phone: (845) 257-2696
E-mail: mcglinnl@newpaltz.edu
Rayburn, John
Professor, Geology, and Program Director, Fall 2025
Ph.D., Binghamton University
Office: SH 104
Phone: (845) 257-3767
E-mail: rayburnj@newpaltz.edu
Richardson, David
Professor, Biology
Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park
Office: CSB 227
Phone: (845) 257-3805
E-mail: richardsond@newpaltz.edu
Vollmer, Frederick
Professor and Chair, Geology
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Office: SH 112
Phone: (845) 257-3760
E-mail: vollmerf@newpaltz.edu
