The Academic Program
At New Paltz, the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers a comprehensive major within the liberal arts curriculum (41-44 credits) as well as a concentration in environment (45-47 credits) and a concentration in planning (53-61 credits). All of these programs are designed to prepare students for graduate study in geography or for employment in private business or government.
A minor program is offered in Geography (18 credits). In addition, the department cooperates with various programs, such as Asian Studies, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Students in the Elementary Education curriculum (B-2 or 1-6) may major in geography; students in Secondary Education (social studies) may select geography as a minor.
To complement the academic program, the department offers an internship at several public and private agencies in the region, such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Mohonk Preserve. One semester long, the internship offers students the opportunity to gain practical, on-site experience at a planning, development, or environmental protection agency.
The Geography and Environmental Studies program has a liberal arts orientation and, thus, offers a broad range of courses in both topical and regional subjects that are available to majors/minors. Many of these courses satisfy General Education requirements as well.
For degree requirements for Geography in both Liberal Arts and Elementary Education, please visit the online Undergraduate Catalog.
