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October 2011 www.sname.org/sname/mt T he State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime Colleges Science Department oers students a bachelor of science degree in marine environmental science (MES). is program of study is structured to give students a solid multidisci- plinary scientic background and a deep understanding of prominent ecological issues. Enveloped within the MES program are two well- dened tracks leading to minors: MES-marine biology, and MES-meteorology and oceanography. is program incorporates fundamental courses in biology, chemis- try, geology, physics, meteorology, and oceanography with environmentally specic classes including envi- ronmental chemistry, environmental pollution, and environmental law and policy. Building from these are the more specialized courses that constitute the mi nor tracks. Preparing Tomorrows Leaders The State University of New Yorks marine environmental science program BY KATHY OLSZEWSKI AND BARBARA WARKENTINE (focus on education) Prominent environmental issues are addressed and discussed in many required and elective classes oered to MES students. e programs capstone class, environmental pollution, explores such topics as acid precipitation; greenhouse gases; point and non-point source pollution; eutrophication; introduction of inva- sive species and their consequences to local ecosystems; dredging; toxic waste disposal; and monitoring and remediation measures for addressing pollution events. In the MES elective course marine environmental issues, students explore contemporary environmental issues such as global climate change, green technol- ogy, alternative energy, biodiversity, and population growth. Another MES elective, environmental impact assessment (EIA), has students prepare an environ- mental impact statement (EIS) for a project of their own design (e.g., building a tunnel connecting Long Island to Connecticut). is requires that students read pub- lished EIAs and incorporate material learned in other courses into their EIS document. Potential paths Students in the MES program can, while studying for their degree, pursue the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Third Mate license. These students become members of the Regiment of Cadets. is structured community emphasizes responsible citizenship and self-discipline, and maximizes opportunities for exer- cising leadership. Each summer, these cadets travel across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the colleges 565-ft. training ship, Empire State VI . is essential component of the maritime USCG licensure experience, in addition to teaching cadets about the maritime industry and shipboard operations, gives them hands-on experience and practical training to com- plement classroom learning. Cadets also benet from exposure to international cultures during these voyages. Participation in the regiment is optional for MES stu- dents who choose the programs internship option over the USCG licensure path. As internship students, they participate in a research or work experience in which they are exposed to an intense practical and profes- sional learning experience in a setting outside of the college. e intent of an internship is for students to get hands-on experience, working in a relevant eld in which they encounter and address situations by drawing Aerial photo of the SUNY Maritime College campus.