SUNY New Paltz adds Environmental Studies minor

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz has added an Environmental Studies minor to the list of programs offered through the School of Science and Engineering.

The Environmental Studies minor is a highly interdisciplinary program. It gives an overview of the causes and consequences of current environmental problems, and provides basic tools and understanding students will need to become active participants in the solutions.

Course work comes from anthropology, chemistry, geography, geology, mathematics, political science, sociology and fieldwork experience.

David Clark, the director of the Environmental Studies minor, said, “Perhaps the central problem that we face in the twenty-first century is that of determining how our vast population and economy can persist without consuming and destroying the natural environment that sustains it. Solving this problem is a fascinating challenge that will require just about every area of expertise we have. By coupling this program with their chosen majors, our students will be able to actively contribute to this effort in the future.”

The new Environmental Studies minor adds to a growing core of environmental programs at SUNY New Paltz. In August 2003, the college gained final state approval to offer a unique baccalaureate degree in Environmental Geochemical Science. Last fall, Congressman Maurice Hinchey secured $750,000 for the modernization and development of environmental science laboratories at SUNY New Paltz and Ulster County Community College.

In addition, environmental lectures are frequently sponsored through the School of Science and Engineering Colloquium Series and the Environmental Task Force.

For more information about this minor, visit www.newpaltz.edu/environmentalstudies or contact Dr. David Clark, program director, at (845)-257-3728 or clarkd@newpaltz.edu.