SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

[EduCativ]

A confluence of merit, minds and mission with a century of history, ESF stands alone in its balanced dedication.

There is no better time than now for ESF to step up and meet the unprecedented challenges faced by our planet and its inhabitants — challenges posed by environmental degradation and environmental change. There is, similarly, an unprecedented opportunity for ESF faculty, students and alumni to sound the charge for our institutions to take these threats seriously and lead the way in developing sustainable solutions to Earth's environmental challenges. In fact, ESF scientists have been doing this for decades.

ESF is truly a gem in New York state and within the SUNY system. ESF was recently ranked one of the top 10 small colleges in New York state and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best educational values in the country.

The prescience of its mission and the culture that embraces that mission is only part of what makes ESF special. Its size and the diversity of its research portfolio provide an array of opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to participate in ground-breaking research that is directly applicable to the health of our ecosystems. ESF has real-world laboratories in its expansive network of biological and field stations throughout the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands and Central New York, thus allowing our faculty to engage our students in developing real-world solutions.

At ESF, you will study with professors whose work improves and sustains the environment from the New York to Namibia. Their expertise is sought by governments and businesses worldwide. That same faculty will be personally concerned with your progress. Their cutting-edge research will be part of your ESF educational experience, and that experience will give your ESF degree higher value in the world beyond the college.

International students may apply for entry as first-year students if they will be enrolling immediately following the completion of secondary school or as a transfer student if they have previously completed college or university level coursework after graduation from secondary school.

The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants part-time employment educational loans diversity student scholarships and fellowships assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students a deferred tuition payment plan and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.

Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents or holders of I-151 cards. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another.

Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement or minority status. Assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based upon academic achievement.

Finding an internship is very similar to finding a job. The research and application process entails a large time commitment that includes researching career fields and organizations, searching for opportunities, creating resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and evaluating internship descriptions and offers. Passion, persistence, patience, early planning, and commitment are your keys to landing a great internship.

Volunteering to improve the quality of life locally, nationally and globally is an invaluable way to develop your skills, take on greater responsibility, meet new people and gain perspective into the diverse nature of our world. With over 160 community partnerships and growing, ESF is continuously collaborating with community organizations. Numerous community engagement opportunities are available in the Syracuse community and beyond.

ESF offers a range and balance of opportunities to match your interests, with as much support as you want or need. Enjoy a rich life as you prepare to do wise work for Earth.

The Division of Student Affairs provides assistance to students experiencing hardship, support to faculty and staff working with students of concern, and guidance to parents/family seeking help and information on behalf of their student.

Counselors work with students to accommodate busy schedules. Please keep in mind, counseling is short-term, solution-focused in nature. If the student requires additional and/or intensive services, the counselor will work with the student to connect with agencies and other counselors in the surrounding community for ongoing care.

Research at ESF is remarkably diverse, current and challenging, with contributions being made in fields like aquatic ecosystems, bioenergy, biotechnology, biodiversity, ecology, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, remote sensing, wildlife disease prevention and many others.

ESF is a leader in integrating the energy and excitement of research with the formal requirements of degree and certificate programs. A high percentage of undergraduates and virtually all graduate students participate in research activity as part of their educational experience.

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