Incoming students

Welcome Incoming Students!  Class of 2028!

Welcome Incoming Students!  Class of 2028!

Environmental Science as a Career

Are you considering becoming an environmental scientist?   If so, these videos might provide some useful information to think about before you leap in:

5 honest reasons why you should study Environmental Science

10 Environmental science careers you should know about (& salaries!)

Environmental Science is a field that is growing!   According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay is almost $80K per year.  There were 85,000 environmental science jobs in the US in 2023, with 6,000 of them being new positions.   That's a 7% growth rate, which was higher than the average for other fields.  Learn more about what environmental scientists do here

Why Study Environmental Science at Ithaca College?

We are always ready to welcome motivated students that are passionate about the environment to join our ENVS community. Our incoming ENVS class is usually about 15-20 students. This might be an ideal opportunity for you if you like:

  • learning about all aspects of the environment and their interconnection
  • learning by doing, especially outside
  • being in small classes where you know your classmates and your professors
  • working together to produce amazing work

Our program caters to students eager to learn and ready to challenge themselves. In addition to the foundational courses, we offer:

  • a unique “intensive” experience, in which students take two courses in the same semester that approach a topic, such as water, trees, agriculture, or technology, from different perspectives. This allows for many field trips and deep discussions and experimentation.
  • the opportunity to add another major or minor, such as biology, chemistry, math, art, or legal studies
  • hand-on research opportunities in one of our faculty led programs. You could join one of the following programs: (list them with links)
  • All that IC has to offer- natural lands, professional schools, clubs, athletics, and a great view!

We invite you to visit campus and spend some time with us. For more information or to schedule a specialized visit catered to you, contact us!

I love that a huge part of the classes take place outdoors. Land Stewardship Program, Non-Timber Forest Products, Environmental Sentinels, Critical Skills, Tracking, and many labs like Hemp Research and Beekeeping, all take place nearly entirely outdoors. This has transformed my relationship with my surroundings of Ithaca, getting to know the region better than some people who've lived here their whole lives. It has helped connect me to my area and has made me fall even more in love with Upstate New York!

Julia Freitor (she/her) '2025

The culture when you step into CNS, the Natural Lands, or the South Hill Apiary is unmatched anywhere else on campus. The people and energy is so encouraging, authentic, grounded, and adventurous.

Carley Kaiser, '25

I love the people, the opportunities, and the courses. Honestly everything about this program is so important and special to me and I feel so grateful. The people are just so wonderful. Since it is a smaller populated major, everyone knows one another which makes it a lot more fun!

Bella Phelps, she/they, '28