Environmental Studies B.A.

Skidmore College’s Environmental Studies program gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning through field studies, community-based research, internships, and environmental projects. Students work collaboratively to investigate real environmental challenges, learn how to collect and interpret evidence, and communicate findings to academic audiences and local communities. The department also offers internship funding and research opportunities that can help students gain practical experience before graduation.

Students can develop practical skills through the following program-specific opportunities:

• Fieldwork and laboratory experience: ES 105: Field Studies in Environmental Science examines watersheds, streams, lakes, water quality, and human impacts on ecosystems through fieldwork and laboratory activities.

• Community-based research: All Environmental Studies and Environmental Science seniors complete a year-long capstone research project. Students work in teams to investigate a local environmental issue, develop research methods, collect data, and present their findings to faculty, students, and community members.

• Research and data analysis: ES 374: ESS Research Capstone: Design and Methods introduces research planning, literature reviews, hypotheses, and data collection methods. ES 375: ESS Research Capstone: Data Collection, Analysis, and Communication develops students’ analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills.

• GIS and mapping: Students can take ID 210: Introduction to GIS to develop skills in geographic information systems and spatial analysis, which can support work in environmental planning, conservation, and land management.

• Professional internships: The department offers ES 299: Professional Internship in Environmental Studies and Science and ES 399: Professional Internship in Environmental Studies and Science. Students may gain experience in environmental consulting, advocacy, environmental law, or environmental outreach, subject to departmental approval.

• Internship funding: Skidmore offers competitive funding for unpaid summer internships and other approved experiences. Environmental Studies students can explore opportunities in conservation, agriculture, energy, research, sustainability, water quality, and public policy.

• The Soil Inventory Project: Through the Covey Lab’s collaboration with The Soil Inventory Project, eligible students can apply for summer internships involving soil sampling and soil-carbon research. Previous placements have included farms, vineyards, and other land-management settings.

• Study abroad and off-campus learning: Students can explore environmental issues through approved domestic and international programs, including faculty-led travel seminars and opportunities to investigate environmental challenges in different regions.

• Environmental research resources: The department provides access to capstone project archives, current course information, internship guidance, and information about the college’s sustainability initiatives.

Skidmore College’s Environmental Studies B.A. prepares students to explore environmental challenges through research, policy, social analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Graduates can pursue careers with nonprofit organizations, consulting groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and environmental organizations, or continue to graduate school in fields such as public policy, environmental science, and law.

Potential Career Paths

Graduates may consider roles such as:

• Environmental Policy Analyst: Research environmental regulations, assess policy proposals, and help organizations understand the effects of environmental decisions.

• Environmental or Agricultural Consultant: Advise organizations on environmental management, sustainable practices, resource use, and related issues.

• Environmental Campaign Coordinator: Support environmental advocacy, public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives.

• GIS Technician: Use geographic information systems to analyze spatial data and support environmental planning, conservation, and land-use projects.

These are potential career paths identified in connection with the department’s broader academic preparation, not guaranteed job placements. Some technical or specialized positions may require additional training or postgraduate qualifications.

Career Development and Professional Opportunities

Students can use Skidmore’s career services, internship programs, and research opportunities to prepare for employment and further study:

• Career Development Center: Skidmore’s Career Development Center supports career exploration, professional preparation, and access to post-graduation outcome information. Students can use these resources to connect their interests with relevant employers and further-study options.

• Internships and academic credit: Environmental Studies students are encouraged to complete at least one internship. With faculty sponsorship and program approval, internships can earn academic credit and provide experience in environmental consulting, advocacy, law, and outreach.

• Environmental internship funding: Competitive summer funding can help students pursue unpaid internships, research experiences, volunteer positions, and community-service projects related to environmental studies.

• Research and professional preparation: The senior capstone includes research design, data collection, analysis, public presentations, and professional development. Students also work on résumé preparation, interview skills, and planning for internships, employment, and graduate study.

• Graduate outcomes: Skidmore reports that 93% of its graduates are employed or pursuing further education one year after graduation, and 95% complete an internship or professional experience. These are college-wide statistics, not Environmental Studies-specific outcomes.

• Alumni connections: The department maintains Environmental Studies and Sciences alumni networks that can help students learn about job opportunities, graduate assistantships, and internships.

• University–industry partnerships: The Soil Inventory Project offers a specific example of collaboration between the Covey Lab, an external research initiative, and participating farms and land-management organizations. These internships provide exposure to soil-carbon research and sustainable land management; they do not constitute a guaranteed employment partnership.

• Accreditation and long-term career value: The official catalog does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the Environmental Studies B.A. The degree instead emphasizes transferable research, writing, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Certain regulated or specialized careers may require additional qualifications.

• Salary information: The official sources reviewed do not provide a specific median salary for Environmental Studies B.A. graduates. Salary expectations will depend on the job role, location, relevant experience, and any additional qualifications.