SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Reviews

"SUNY ESF provides an excellent environment for learning. Small class sizes and approachable professors foster the feeling that one can succeed if they choose to. My own personal experience was very positive and I absolutely recommend this university to anyone seeking a degree in environmental sciences or forestry. The only negative comment I can say is that my particular major did not provide a distinct career path for after graduation and I found myself unprepared for securing a job that I was qualified for."

"SUNY ESF provides an excellent environment for learning. Small class sizes and approachable professors foster the feeling that one can succeed if they choose to. My own personal experience was very positive and I absolutely recommend this university to anyone seeking a degree in environmental sciences or forestry. The only negative comment I can say is that my particular major did not provide a distinct career path for after graduation and I found myself unprepared for securing a job that I was qualified for."

"The Graduate Program in Environmental Science at SUNY-ESF is rigorous and prepares you well for a career in academia, local, state or federal government, or a private environmental consulting firm. Many professors at ESF have connections to environmental organizations in the areas surrounding the school, which is crucial for forging partnerships for research and making connections for internships and future jobs. The graduate program offers useful, specialized seminars on different subsets of environmental science, wherein experts come to campus to discuss their research. Additionally, many of the students are extremely motivated and interesting - it is wonderful to be surrounded by many intelligent people conducting novel research."

"This is the hands-down best school for environmentally conscious & passionate individuals. ESF takes its role as an education institute very seriously. It was the hardest 4 years of my life, but I would not change a thing about it! The faculty are professional, kind, inspiring, and make you feel right at home. The students were friendly, fun, and determined to improve the world. Also, being Syracuse University's neighbor has its perks (SU Outing Club, entertainment, etc)!"

"SUNY ESF is a fantastic and challenging school. Their professors are integral members of their scientific communities, but are willing to help students in need of help. The administration is currently working to make ESF better able to practice what it preaches. If you're interested in environmental issues, this is the school for you."

"ESF has a tradition of supporting the natural resources sciences. That heritage is a huge strength of the institution and is drawn upon for many of the classes offered to students. Many more opportunities are afforded to undergraduate students than graduate students. As a graduate student, funding reductions that have reduced graduate specific course offerings has been my biggest concern. Graduate courses were once very robust and as a research institution a larger investment in graduate students should be a higher priority."

"Small campus, limited parking but the access to syracuse university makes up for what shortcomings the school may have. Excellent teachers and a demanding program plus instate tuition is very reasonable."

"There are no scholarship for graduate students and the number of minority student are very low. As an example, I am the only Puerto Rican student doing a PHD in my department."

"The Environmental and Forestry Biology faculty members are great. They are all experts in their field and most are very kind and willing to help students in any way possible. ESF's faculty is its best asset. Also, the coursework is both challenging and useful for my field. I feel that ESF offers sufficient courses to provide me with the solid background I need for my thesis research. One other benefit of attending ESF is that although the campus is small and close-knit, ESF students have access to the much larger Syracuse University facilities (including their libraries and gyms). However, ESF could improve upon its technology. The library's main computers and printer are ancient and frequently crash. Also, many classrooms lack wireless internet access. Engineering and other students who have offices in Baker, the new building, will not have to worry about this. But, the EFB program is situated in Illick, an old building. Also, I have experienced many issues with ESF's administration staff. Although it has nothing to do with my department, this has caused me great problems with obtaining funding for my research."

"The graduate program in Ecology at SUNY ESF offers many opportunities to grow as a reasearch scientist. The courses offered support thesis work by being specific and relevant. Overall, the program is a great fit for those who wish to develop professional and academic skills in research science."

"I absolutely loved this program. It was a small campus community with friendly professors and students. A great deal of field work and experience oriented internships."