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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