Environmental Science (Biophysical Track)

Careers in Environmental Science

Working in wildlife management, forestry, and environmental education involves spending time outdoors and studying plants and animals in their natural habitats. Environmental scientists often work for federal, state, and local governments, managing public lands. Jobs are also available in the private sector and with advocacy organizations.

Environmental Science graduates who earn a related bachelor's degree work in a variety of fields, including:

• Ecological Monitoring and Restoration
• Environmental Education
• Fish and Wildlife Management
• Forestry
• Invasive Species Management
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Threatened/Endangered Species Protection
• Wetland Protection and Restoration

Where Our Graduates Work

Graduates often begin their careers at federal and New York State agencies dedicated to preserving our natural resources, including:

• Bureau of Land Management
• Department of Health
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• National Park Service
• US Fish and Wildlife Service

Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

The Environmental Science (Biophysical Track) A.S. degree prepares you to transfer to a related bachelor’s degree program. You'll take classes that align with the requirements of a future college major.

FLCC partners with other colleges to make your transfer path easier:

• Transfer Agreements outline how FLCC classes and credits transfer to a partner college.
• Joint Admissions Agreements admit you to FLCC and a transfer school at the same time.

Our advisors will help you select courses that fit your goals and make the most of your credits when you transfer.

View Transfer Options

Where Our Students Transfer

Students in our Environmental Science program go on to earn a bachelor's degree from colleges such as:

• Colorado State University
• Cornell University
• Paul Smith's College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Stony Brook University
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY Potsdam
• Unity Environmental University

Applied Conservation Experiences

Complete 30 hours of field experience throughout the program. Participate in faculty-led workshops covering species identification, data collection, and the use of standard equipment in fisheries, forestry, limnology, and wetland and wildlife management.

Prepare for your next step by attending at least 3 career and transfer events, developing a professional resume, completing a mock interview, and writing a final reflection.

Field Study and Ecology Expeditions

Gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in conservation and wildlife management.

Our environmental education coursework includes:

• Field Work: Take field trips to local fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges, collaborate with conservation agencies, and bond with your classmates on wilderness camping trips.
• Expeditions: Explore unique wilderness areas through our three-credit expedition courses. Students have traveled to the Florida Everglades, the Rocky Mountains, South Africa, Alaska, and East Coast maritime communities. You will have a rare opportunity to observe and study the animals, birds, plants, and geology of these natural areas. FLCC professors design the itineraries for these expeditions, and the trips often include camping, backpacking, kayaking, and hiking.
• Technology: Practice using industry-standard research tools, including trail cameras, electrofishing gear, water-quality probes, GIS software, and wildlife-tracking radio-telemetry devices.
• Research: Participate in research conferences by collecting data from environmental field studies, analyzing the results, preparing reports, and presenting your findings.

Explore Field Study

Environmental Science Courses

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• BIO 121 - General Biology I
• BIO 122 - General Biology II
• BIO 221 - Terrestrial/Aquatic Ecology
• BIO 221L - Prin of Terrestrial/Aquatic Ecology Lab
• CON 100 - First Year Experience in Conservation
• CON 102 - Introduction to Fish and Wildlife
• CON 103 - Environmental Science
• CON 224 - Dendrology and Field Botany
• CON 270 - Applied Conservation Experiences
• HRT 280 - Field Entomology W/ Integrated Pest Mgmt

Visit our academic catalog for a complete list of program requirements. Review prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum