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Environmental First Year Program

The Environmental First Year Program

The Environmental First Year Program opens new pathways and connects students across colleges and majors.

Program Overview

The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program at NC State welcomes students who are passionate about sustainability, environmental issues, and making a real-world impact. Through shared experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong support network, students explore a wide range of academic and career pathways. ENVFY offers a collaborative, cross-college community that helps students turn their passion into purpose from day one.

Our Mission

To prepare students for productive careers related to environmental conservation and sustainability, and to develop environmentally-conscious citizens who will contribute to a rapidly changing world.

Why NC State? 

The ENVFY program places a strong emphasis on field research and hands-on experiences early in your college journey. The curriculum integrates a diverse range of disciplines – including life sciences, environmental management, social sciences, policy, and the natural and physical sciences.  This interdisciplinary approach aims to address environmental and sustainability challenges through a holistic lens.

Eligiblity

Students who have been accepted into one of the majors and programs (see our Academic Programs page) will automatically be part of the ENVFY cohort and have the opportunity to connect with others who have a strong passion for the environment.  During the first academic year, students in these majors will have a dedicated professional academic advisor, common coursework, and the opportunity to consider real-world challenges and the different approaches taken from each discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

ENVFY is a first-year program at NC State designed for students passionate about sustainability and the environment. It provides a supportive, interdisciplinary community where students can explore environmental majors, minors, and career paths—without having to declare a major right away.

This program is for first-year students who want to make a difference in sustainability and the environment but are still exploring their options. Whether you’re interested in climate change, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, or environmental policy, ENVFY helps you find the right path.

  • In the first semester, you’ll take shared courses that introduce key environmental topics and connect you with faculty and peers.
  • In the second semester, you’ll receive continued advising and opportunities to participate in student-led activities through the ENVFY Network.

You’ll have access to:

  • Dedicated academic advisors to help guide your path.
  • A supportive cohort of students who share your passion.
  • Opportunities to work with expert faculty and researchers both in and outside the classroom.
  • Co-curricular programs that are designed to help you connect with peers and opportunities beyond your first year

Yes. ENVFY connects students with real-world learning opportunities, including:

  • Working on environmental grand challenges alongside faculty and community partners.
  • Engaging in cross-disciplinary collaboration with students from other majors.
  • Participating in co-curricular activities focused on sustainability and leadership.

Through ENVFY, you’ll discover a wide range of environmental and sustainability-focused majors and minors across NC State. The program helps you explore your options before committing to a specific path.

  • Explore environmental majors, minors, and career paths.
  • Connect with faculty, professionals, and peers.
  • Gain hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.
  • Receive dedicated support and advising.
  • Join a community of changemakers working toward a sustainable future.
  • Students can join and participate in ENVFY in a few different ways
  • Students can directly join ENVFY by applying to the ENVFY Undeclared major. This program allows students to learn more about academic programs related to the environment before deciding what major they want to pursue
  • Students are automatically a part of ENVFY if they are admitted into the following majors:
    • Environmental Science.
    • Environmental Technology and Management
    • Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
    • Forest Management
    • Natural Resources
  • Students can elect to participate in either ENVFY or the Life Sciences First Year Program if they are interested in the following majors:
    • Biological Sciences (BA)
    • Biological Sciences (BS)
    • Microbiology
    • Zoology
    • Genetics

Contact Us

Email

ENV_FirstYear@ncsu.edu

Phone

(919) 515-6191