Outside the classroom, you'll have many opportunities to learn by doing, including internships, independent research projects and service-learning activities. Faculty-led field courses provide hands-on learning and in-depth study of cultures and environments.
Internships
Gain real-world experience and put your knowledge and skills into practice with an internship – and you don’t even have to leave campus to gain resume-worthy experience.
Recent on-campus internship opportunities have included a SUNY Oneonta Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory through the Facilities Planning Office, GIS mapping of local trails for biking and hiking through the Sport and Exercise Sciences Department, and work in our Red Closet Thrift Shop. Many students have landed off-campus internships with county planning departments, conservation associations, water districts and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, to name a few.
Learning Abroad
The Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability has taken students all over the world to learn, explore and grow. We believe the importance of being globally aware transcends the promise of a better job after graduation. The globally educated student will grow from an established framework to be globally competent for life – a global citizen.
Studying abroad is an educationally enriching and life-changing experience for both our students and the faculty member leading the course. Students who study abroad often expand their perspective on world affairs, better comprehend diverse cultures and languages, and grow in self-understanding. Students commonly cite study abroad courses, led by our faculty, as the most important learning experience of their college career.
One of our most popular faculty-led programs takes students to Guatemala’s Lake Aitlan region each summer. Students collect water samples, analyze water quality data, tour wastewater treatment plants, and visit Mayan schools and homes to install water filters – all in hopes of finding solutions to contemporary water resource issues in the developing world. In their down time, students hike volcanoes, tour Mayan ruins and form deep friendships.
Straight from Our Students
Understanding the ways that the community and the lake are intertwined gave me a deeper understanding of just how important conservation efforts are.
Awards & Scholarships
Award Recipients
Douglas Bartholomew
Sade Miller
Serena Zilinskas
Given by the National Council for Geographic Education
Jessica Serafini
Finn Ashworth
Kali Ticehurst
Scholarship Opportunities
In 1998, John Corry, Dr. Martha Corry's cousin, and other members of the Corry family established in her honor the endowed scholarship program known as the Dr. Martha L. Corry Scholarship. The scholarship was presented to her on her 80th birthday. Over the years the scholarship has provided financial help to geography majors with strong academic records. It continues to grow and will assist many geography majors into the future.
Key Links
Contact the Geography Department
317 Milne Library
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States