Inside SUNY Plattsburgh’s Expeditionary Studies
- You Study What Team
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
If your idea of a classroom includes paddling the Outer Hebrides, skiing Mt. Hood, or climbing in Joshua Tree, SUNY Plattsburgh’s B.S. in Expeditionary Studies (EXP) might be your academic adventure.
🎓 What Is It?
Expeditionary Studies is one of the few U.S. undergraduate programs that blends outdoor leadership, environmental ethics, and advanced technical skills in climbing, paddling, and backcountry skiing. Students choose a primary concentration, climbing, paddlesports, or skiing, and a secondary, with hands-on courses like “Outdoor Living Skills,” “Wilderness First Responder,” and “Expedition Theory and Planning.”
The program emphasizes experiential learning, with small class sizes and field-based instruction. Students engage in real-world expeditions, developing leadership and decision-making skills in dynamic environments.
🌍 Where You’ll Go
Fieldwork is central to the program. Students have trekked 68 miles across Nepal, paddled the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and led expeditions in Alaska.
The program’s location between Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains provides immediate access to diverse terrains, enhancing the hands-on learning experience.
💼 Career Outcomes
According to SUNY Plattsburgh, 90% of EXP graduates hold full-time or equivalent positions.
Career paths include:
Outdoor educators
Climbing and skiing guides
Paddlesports coaches
Eco-tourism operators
Park rangers
Emergency medical technicians
Military officers
UX strategists
School counselors
Graduates have also pursued roles in environmental conservation and adventure-based counseling.
🌐 International Student Info
SUNY Plattsburgh offers partial scholarships to all accepted international students, covering between 20–40% of the total cost of attendance.
Estimated annual costs for international undergraduates:
Tuition: $16,980
Mandatory Fees: $1,398
Health Insurance: Approximately $2,606
Scholarships include the Global Diversity Award ($5,000) and the Campus Community Award ($5,000), among others.
📅 Key Dates
Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Recommended Application Submission: At least six months before intended start date
Orientation for International Students: Held in late August for fall semester entrants
🧭 Ready to Apply?
For more information, visit the Expeditionary Studies program page.
Whether you're aiming to become a professional guide, outdoor educator, or environmental advocate, SUNY Plattsburgh's Expeditionary Studies program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience.
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