Undergraduate Programs in Urban Ecology

Hofstra’s BA and BS in Urban Ecology programs are unique among universities on Long Island, and are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the ecology of human-influenced habitats, from biological, political, social and cultural perspectives.

Students examine cities and suburbs as ecosystems, combining ecological analyses with historical and sociopolitical studies of urban nature. The interdisciplinary programs include courses in biology, chemistry, math, engineering, global studies, geography, sociology, political science, and philosophy. Students may also benefit from collaborations with Hofstra’s Center for Civic Engagement, The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, and agencies on Long Island and in New York City. The program includes an internship.

• BA in Urban Ecology is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of this field and a strong liberal arts foundation. The BA degree is appropriate for students whose interests in urban ecology are more focused on the social and political aspects of the field and less on the science. It is also a good choice for students planning to pursue graduate studies in another area, such as education, geography, global studies, law, political science or engineering. The BA requires a minimum of 36 semester hours in biology.
• BS in Urban Ecology is for students planning professional pursuits in fields such as conservation, environmental science, research, academia, urban planning, and those who plan to go on to graduate school in any of these areas. The BS degree is appropriate for students whose interests in urban ecology are centered on the science and involved in restoring and maintaining healthy urban habitats and their associated green spaces. The BS requires a minimum of 47 semester hours in biology.
• BA/MA Dual Degree in Urban Ecology
  This dual bachelor’s and master’s degree may be completed in five years, including at least one summer session. Students could then continue graduate work for Ph.D. and/or pursue careers as:
  

  Biodiversity Educator
  College Professor
  Community Health and Urban Designer
  Education and Outreach Coordinator
  Endangered Species Project Biologist
  Government Employee (ie. EPA, DEC)
  In-School Education Program Director
  K-12 Teacher

  Museum Employee (outreach, exhibits)
  Parks and Green Space Planner/Designer/Manager
  Researcher
  Research Assistant or Associate
  Urban Farming Specialist
  Urban Planner

• BS/MS Dual Degree in Urban Ecology
  This dual bachelor’s and master’s degree may be completed in five years, including at least one summer session. Students could then continue graduate work for Ph.D. and/or pursue careers as:
  

  Air and Water Quality Manager
  Biodiversity Educator
  College Professor
  Community Garden Coordinator
  Community Health and Urban Designer
  Education and Outreach Coordinator
  Endangered Species Project Biologist
  Environmental Consultant
  Environmental Educator
  Environmental Policy Planner
  Environmental Scientist
  Field Biologist
  Fire Ecology Specialist
  Fish and Wildlife Biologist
  Government Employee (ie. EPA, DEC)

  Hazardous Waste Manager
  Hydrology Technician
  In-School Education Program Director
  K-12 Teacher
  Land and Water Conservationist
  Museum Employee (outreach, exhibits)
  Parks and Green Space Planner/Designer/Manager
  Researcher
  Research Assistant or Associate
  Staff Scientist
  Urban Wildlife Manager
  Urban Farming Specialist
  Urban Forester
  Urban Planner