Career opportunities for Environmental Studies graduates include positions in fish and wildlife management, natural resource conservation, soil conservation, environmental consulting, land management, and environmental education. Positions exist in the private sector and with government agencies such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Soil Conservation Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Department of Health.

FLCC's Associate in Science degree program in Environmental Studies is designed to prepare students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Through classroom and field study, it provides fundamental math and science preparation, knowledge of current environmental issues, and hands-on experience in natural resource management. The program also allows students to enroll in environmental courses and begin studying within their field of interest early in their academic career.

Courses are offered at FLCC in fish and wildlife; environmental conservation; terrestrial and aquatic ecology; soils, waters and forests; and other science and natural resource-related subjects. Field trips to fish hatcheries, visits to wildlife refuges, work with conservation agencies, and experiences on wilderness camping trips enhance classroom studies. In addition, students have the opportunity to use industry-standard research technology such as electro-fishing equipment, water quality probes, GIS computer software, and wildlife tracking radio-telemetry devices. The Muller Conservation Field Station, located at the southern end of Honeoye Lake, provides additional outdoor experiences.

Intensive ecology expedition courses to unique wilderness areas such as the Florida Everglades, Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, and East Coast maritime communities are also offered yearly. From the sea otters of Prince William Sound to the saw grass prairie of the Everglades, students have a rare opportunity to observe and study the animals, birds, plants, and geology of these natural areas. Led by FLCC professors, the itinerary for these three-credit expedition courses may include camping, backpacking, kayaking, and hiking trips.

Additionally, through the Forest Technology 1+1 articulation agreement with the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Ranger School, located in Wanakena, N.Y., you can complete one year of study at FLCC and then transfer to the Ranger School to pursue a career as a surveyor, forest ranger, or forester.

The program at Finger Lakes will introduce you to environmental conservation and focus on the courses necessary for transfer to the Ranger School. At the Ranger School, you continue your studies using the school’s impressive outdoor teaching facilities. The school has a 2,800 acre managed forest and is surrounded by New York’s beautiful Adirondack Park. Graduates of the program work with private companies and public agencies such as the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service.
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FLCC has a long history of commitment to environmental education. In addition to the Environmental Studies program, the College offers associate degrees in Natural Resources Conservation, Natural Resource Conservation-Law Enforcement, and Ornamental Horticulture. To support these programs, the College's unique campus features modern technology classrooms and outdoor facilities, including an on-campus fish culture center, wildlife observation blinds, an arboretum, and a greenhouse. The campus of more than 275 acres contains second-growth woodlands, wetland areas, streams, and abandoned fields in varied states of natural succession. All are accessible by a system of hiking trails and boardwalks.

A.S. Environmental Studies students are encouraged to participate in science conferences by assisting with the collection and analysis of data from actual environmental field studies, preparation of reports, and presentation of research findings. The skills students develop through these activities help to strengthen confidence and communication abilities that are often required of conservation professionals.

Graduates of this program are prepared to transfer to pursue bachelor's degrees at institutions such as SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, SUNY Brockport, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Utah State University, Cook College (of Rutgers University), and others that offer degree programs in environmental-related fields.

Several scholarships are offered for students enrolled in this degree program. For more information, including application procedures and deadlines, visit our Financing your education Web page.