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The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ major in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) combines and augments two prior majors: Natural Resources (NTRES) and the Science of Natural and Environmental Systems (SNES). ESS emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of all environmental challenges facing society today and prepares students for a wide range of careers and life-long learning. Over 70 faculty in 20 different departments and four of Cornell’s colleges participate in this program. The major seeks exceptional students capable of engaging multiple disciplines in order to confront and explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The ESS Core Curriculum is rigorous. In the first two years, students are expected to develop fundamental knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical sciences, mathematics, environmental social sciences and humanities, and develop critical reasoning skills. Students simultaneously explore a range of environmental topics including biodiversity conservation, global change biology, sustainable communities, wildlife and aquatic resources management, land degradation, and ecological agriculture. Understanding fundamental dimensions of environmental challenges will allow students to select a concentration within the ESS major. In the latter two years of the curriculum, students develop depth in one of four faculty-designed concentrations or, in collaboration with their advisor, design an individualized concentration related to their interests. The four faculty-designed concentrations are: Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology (EBAE); Environmental Policy and Governance (EPG); Environmental Economics (EE); Biogeochemical Sciences (BGCS). Examples of topic areas in which students might develop their own concentration include biodiversity conservation and natural history, environmental agriculture, environmental communication, environmental education, environmental health, environmental information science, marine science, sustainability science, and wildlife or fisheries biology.
Program overview
Main Subject
Environmental Sciences
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ major in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) combines and augments two prior majors: Natural Resources (NTRES) and the Science of Natural and Environmental Systems (SNES). ESS emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of all environmental challenges facing society today and prepares students for a wide range of careers and life-long learning. Over 70 faculty in 20 different departments and four of Cornell’s colleges participate in this program. The major seeks exceptional students capable of engaging multiple disciplines in order to confront and explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The ESS Core Curriculum is rigorous. In the first two years, students are expected to develop fundamental knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical sciences, mathematics, environmental social sciences and humanities, and develop critical reasoning skills. Students simultaneously explore a range of environmental topics including biodiversity conservation, global change biology, sustainable communities, wildlife and aquatic resources management, land degradation, and ecological agriculture. Understanding fundamental dimensions of environmental challenges will allow students to select a concentration within the ESS major. In the latter two years of the curriculum, students develop depth in one of four faculty-designed concentrations or, in collaboration with their advisor, design an individualized concentration related to their interests. The four faculty-designed concentrations are: Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology (EBAE); Environmental Policy and Governance (EPG); Environmental Economics (EE); Biogeochemical Sciences (BGCS). Examples of topic areas in which students might develop their own concentration include biodiversity conservation and natural history, environmental agriculture, environmental communication, environmental education, environmental health, environmental information science, marine science, sustainability science, and wildlife or fisheries biology.
Admission Requirements
7+
Other English Language Requirements: 600 (paper exam) on TOEFL.
Jan-2000
Tuition fees
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
# =29QS Subject Rankings
Environmental SciencesMain Subject Area
Program overview
Main Subject
Environmental Sciences
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
Program overview
Main Subject
Environmental Sciences
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
Admission Requirements
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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