Overview
The Coastal Environmental Studies major, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree,
provides the skills, knowledge, and preparation for students to assess and address
coastal environmental problems. The curriculum integrates principles and methodologies
from physical sciences, natural sciences, and physical geography, combined with an
understanding of environmental ethics, environmental policy, and environmental law.
The major prepares students for entry-level employment in the public, private, or
non-profit sectors concerned with assessment, abatement, or regulation of a wide range
of coastal environmental problems. The major prepares students for graduate study
in environmental science, marine science, geoscience, environmental planning and related
fields.
Coastal zones have always concentrated people and economic activities because of their
natural resources and trading opportunities. Many of the world’s largest cities are
on seacoasts and at the mouths of the great rivers. The development of coastal zones
around the world has created an array of environmental problems and water and land
resource issues, further complicated by the sea level rise.
Stony Brook is located close to environmentally sensitive areas and provides access
to the Shinnecock Bay, Peconic Estuary, Atlantic Ocean, and the Central Long Island
Pine Barrens, as well as the presence of several groundwater wells and rare plant
and tree species on campus which allows for hands-on instruction in a range of relevant
topics. As part of the degree requirements, students will work in teams with students
enrolled in related majors to solve problems collaboratively. Students are encouraged
to take advantage of independent research opportunities, internships, and field camps
to gain real-world experience.
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