SUNY Potsdam & Finger Lakes Community College Launch Seamless Transfer Pathway for Environmental Degrees
SUNY Potsdam Student Ambassador Luke Tytler (far right) leads a campus tour for visiting students and faculty from Finger Lakes Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Participants included, from right to left, John DeRue, Cajsa Young, Mason Bush, Brechante Bolivian, Dan Skelton, Morgan Paro, and Maura Sullivan. The visit marked a new articulation agreement between the two colleges, creating a streamlined transfer pathway for students pursuing environmental science careers.
SUNY Potsdam and Finger Lakes Community College are excited to announce a new articulation agreement that streamlines the path to environmental careers. The new 2+2 partnership allows students to easily transition from earning their associate degrees at FLCC, to wrapping up their baccalaureate studies at Potsdam.
To mark the new agreement, a group of FLCC students and faculty traveled to the SUNY Potsdam campus to meet with their counterparts in the environmental programs
By matching coursework between SUNY Potsdam and FLCC, the agreement is designed to guarantee college credits completed at Finger Lakes are accepted at SUNY Potsdam, ultimately helping students maintain a direct college path to their 4-year institution without acquiring a surplus of credits unrelated to their 4-year program of study.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of environmental leaders. Together, we’re creating a clear and affordable path for students who want to make a difference in the world—allowing them to study and conduct fieldwork in two of the most beautiful corners of New York State along the way,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.
Under the new pathway, FLCC students who are completing their associate degree in either environmental science, fish and wildlife technology or natural resources conservation can receive guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Science degree program in environmental science or the Bachelor of Arts degree program in environment and sustainability. The partnership is designed so that students can complete all of the remaining coursework needed to wrap up their undergraduate studies within two years, with dedicated advising to ensure continuity.
“Some of our best alumni completed this path, and it will really benefit future students to have this formal arrangement established. Their foundation at FLCC really prepares them to expand their hands-on work at SUNY Potsdam,” said Dr. Jess Pearson, chair of the Department of Environment and Sustainability.
“SUNY Potsdam provides another favorable transfer option for our students within the SUNY system and a clear path to a bachelor’s degree in a growing field,” said John Foust, chair of the FLCC Department of Environmental Conservation and Horticulture.
SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Science degree program in environmental science is an interdisciplinary major that gives students the knowledge and skills they need to understand the complex interactions between the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the natural world. The curriculum equips students with the interdisciplinary tools needed to tackle today’s most urgent environmental challenges, with broad cross-training on the Earth’s major systems, coupled with the skills and policy knowledge needed to address problems and concerns.
The environment and sustainability major (formerly called environmental studies) is interdisciplinary, and is designed to prepare environmental leaders of the future. The Bachelor of Arts degree curriculum emphasizes four aspects of environmental knowledge: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and hands-on skills. It seeks to provide students with an understanding of human attitudes and behaviors toward nature, and emphasizes a grounding in science to prepare them to shape viable environmental policy and practice.
Both baccalaureate programs benefit from SUNY Potsdam’s stunning location, offering outdoor classes, field trips and hands-on research projects, everywhere from the nearby shores of the Raquette River to the heights of the Adirondack High Peaks. Faculty are dedicated to applied learning, working directly with students on field experiences, internships and research.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental-related occupations are projected to increase by 4 to 6 percent over the next 10 years. Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Environmental science
- Conservation and geoscience
- Non-profit environmental leadership
- Graduate studies in related fields
To learn more about the new transfer pathways and all of SUNY Potsdam’s majors, visit www.potsdam.edu/apply.
About Finger Lakes Community College:
Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) is a public community college in Canandaigua, N.Y. As a SUNY school, FLCC provides a high-quality, low-cost education. FLCC offers more than 55 career and transfer programs that prepare students to lead fulfilling lives. For more information, visit www.flcc.edu.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.