Sarah Lawrence students make their mark on the Earth by not leaving one. From the sustainable Warren Green dormitory to green thumbs, Sarah Lawrence students work to minimize their ecological footprint and advocate for our environment.
This career community provides resources for students interested in studying the physical aspects of the earth and applying knowledge to educate and inform on how to protect the environment and human/animal health.
Environment and Sustainability
The Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak is an off-campus classroom for students interested in environmental studies. It complements such courses in urban ecology and landscapes of the contemporary and of the future planet. Students also have the opportunity to intern with organizations such as the New York Botanical Gardens and the Center for the Urban River at Beczak.
General Skills
- Written and oral communication skills
- Concern for the environment and its ecosystems
- Problem solving
- Documentation skills
- Innovative thinking
- Statistical analysis
- Detail oriented
Sample Job Titles
- Agricultural & Food Specialist
- Camp Director
- Conservation Analyst
- Conservation Scientist
- Conservationist
- Ecologist
- Educator
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Policy, Planning, and Management
- Environmental Technician
- Farmer
- Hazardous Materials/Waste Specialist
- Horticulturist
- Laboratory Scientist
- Landscape Architect
- Meteorologist
- Microbiologist
- Natural Resources Specialist
- Naturalist
- Oceanographers
- Outdoor Trip Leader
- Park Ranger
- Soil and Plant Scientist
- Wildlife Manager
- Zoologist
Industry Specific Resources
Past Student Internships
- Bronx River Alliance
- Bronx Zoo
- Center for Sustainable Development
- Central Park Zoo
- Cheetah Conservation Fund
- Community GroundWorks
- Green Mountain Energy
- Green Philly
- Green Street Solar Power
- Greenburgh Nature Center
- Groundwork Hudson Valley
- New York Botanical Gardens
- The Center for the Urban River at Beczak
- Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee
Employers to Consider
- 350
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Environmental Protection Agency
- GreenpeaceNature Conservancy
- PETA
- Rainforest Alliance
- Sierra Club
- The Climate Reality Project
- World Wildlife Fund
Industry Specific Resources
Professional Associations
Students interested in environmental science should check out the following professional associations:
Food Justice
Sarah Lawrence students are active participants in a nationwide movement to end food insecurity. On campus, they've worked to improve access through initiatives such as organizing fresh food box program and supporting the on-campus food pantry. Their coursework in food environments and social justice is complemented by their participation in internships at organizations such as Greyston Bakery and Just Food.
General Skills
- Community organizing
- Research
- Strategic planning
- Knowledge of food systems
- Event planning
- Familiarity with data/constituent management softwares
- Understanding of legislative procedures, both state and federal
Sample Job Titles
- Agronomist
- Chef Teacher
- Development Consultant
- Educator
- Farmer
- Grants Manager
- Nutritionist
- Organizer
- Policy Director
- Program Coordinator
- Soil Specialist
Industry Specific Resources
Past Student Internships
- Blue Hill Farm at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
- Brandworkers
- Center for Food Justice
- Greyston Bakery
- Just Food
- NGO Working Group on Food and Hunger
- Orange County Food Access Coalition
- Restaurant Opportunities Center
- Teens for Food Justice
Employers to Consider
- Civil Eats
- Farm Aid
- Field Goods
- FoodCorps
- Food and Water Watch
- Harlem Grown
- Local Roots NYC
- Seed Matters
- Thrive Markets
- United Farm Workers
- Wholesome Wave
Professional Associations
Students interested in food justice should check out the following professional associations:
Urban Planning
The completion of The Barbara Walters Campus Center represents the culmination of student participation and collaboration with architects and administrators. This experience is complemented by a variety of courses integral to urban planning, from statistical methods and analysis to architectural design and ecologies of public space.
General Skills
- Sensitivity to gentrification
- Strong writing ability
- Proficiency in softwares such as AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
- Design skills
- Problem solving
- Objectivity
- Imagination and creativity
- Analytical skills
Sample Job Titles
- Architects
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Civil Engineers
- Economists
- Geographers
- Landscape Architects
- Market Research Analyst
- Political Scientists
- Survey Researchers
- Surveyors
Industry Specific Resources
Past Student Internships
- Borough President Offices and Community Boards
- Brooklyn Partnership
- CentraRuddy
- Economic Development Corporation
- Harlem Community Development Corporation
- Mayor’s Office of Long-term Sustainability
- MTA/NYC Transit, Department of Transportation
- NYC Office of Emergency Management
Employers to Consider
- Bloomberg
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- Community Preservation Corporation
- Empire State Development
- GrowNYC
- NYC Council
- NYC Department of City Planning
- NYC Department of Parks & Recreations
- NYC Department of Transportation
Professional Associations
Students interested in urban planning should check out the following professional associations:
- American Planning Association
- American Institute of Certified Planners
- New Jersey State Board of Professional Planners
- Planning Accreditation Board