Program Overview

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Introduction to Environmental Science and Policy Programs

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy (code 2-8512) and the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (code 3-8512) are two degree programs that were recommended by the Academic Senate on December 7, 2000, approved by the President on January 19, 2001, and approved by the Chancellor's Office on November 18, 2002. These programs are jointly housed in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Liberal Arts, reflecting their interdisciplinary nature.

Program Overview

The Environmental Science & Policy degree program is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the impact of human systems on physical and biological systems, as well as the dependence on natural resources by human systems. The program prepares students for professional careers in Environmental Science and Policy and for subsequent graduate study in MS, PhD, and law degree programs.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining natural and social sciences to address environmental issues. Students learn about the interaction and co-evolution of human, physical, and biological systems, and develop skills in technical analyses, quantitative and computer methods, and social science applications.

Degree Options

The program offers two degree options: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science and Policy.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy

The BA degree program emphasizes the social sciences, with a basic introduction to physical and biological sciences applied to natural systems. The program requires 120 units and includes courses in social sciences, natural sciences, and environmental policy.

Required Courses

• BIOL 200, 260
• CHEM 202
• ECON 100, 101
• ES&P 200
• GEOL 102, 104, 280
• MATH 115 or 119A or 122
• Upper Division: BIOL 350; ECON 310; one course selected from ECON 462, 463, and 464; ES&P 300, 400; GEOG 485; one course selected from GEOG 442, 455, and 460; GEOL 300I; POSC 431

Elective Courses

• Additional 21 units of coursework selected from the following courses, 12 units of which must be Upper Division or approved by the advisor:
  • BIOL 303I
  • COMM 330
  • ECON 403, 410H, 434, 462, 463, 464, 481, 486, 490, 495
  • GEOG 140 or 150, 160, 400, 440, 442, 444, 452, 455, 460, 483, 486, 488, 492
  • GEOL 190, 303I
  • HIST 481, 482
  • MICR 200, 303
  • PHYS 100A or PHYS 101A
  • POSC 329, 442
  • SOC 494
  • S W 491

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy

The BS degree program emphasizes the physical and biological sciences, with a basic introduction to social science methods applied to human systems. The program requires 123 units and includes courses in natural sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy.

Required Courses

• BIOL 211A, 211B, 260
• CHEM 111A, 111B
• ES&P 200
• GEOL 102, 104, 280
• MATH 119A, 119B (or 122, 123)
• Upper Division: BIOL 350; CHEM 327 (or 320A,B); ECON 300 (or 100 & 101), 310; one course selected from ECON 462, 463, and 464; ES&P 300, 400; GEOG 485; GEOL 300I

Elective Courses

• Additional 20 units of coursework selected from the following list, 8 units of which must be Upper Division or approved by the advisor.
• For those in the Natural Science track, 12 units must be in Biology and Microbiology, Geology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. PHYS 100A,B (or 151, 152) is required for the Natural Science track.
• For those in the Social Science track, 12 units must be in Economics or Geography.
• PHYS 100A,B or PHYS 151, 152
• BIOL 303I, 313, 324, 427, 450, 451, 456, 457, 460, 464, 465, 467
• CHEM 251, 320A,B, 377A,B, 441A, 451
• CH E 475
• ECON 403, 410H, 434, 462, 463, 464, 481, 486
• GEOG 400, 440, 442, 444, 452, 455, 460, 483, 486, 488
• GEOL 190, 303I, 431, 460, 461, 477, 535, 554, 556
• MICR 200, 211, 303, 441
• NSCI 492

Career Paths

The Directors, together with the Faculty, are responsible for advising majors in the Environmental Science and Policy degree program. Students are assigned to appropriate advisors during their first semester in the program and are encouraged to consult with their advisor every semester. Students will be advised to select elective courses to develop areas of interest and to further their career objectives.

Bachelor of Science Degree

Graduates with the BS degree are trained for entry positions in industry and government that require a high degree of specialization in technical analyses in natural sciences, or quantitative and computer methods in social sciences. Graduates with the BS degree with a track in natural sciences will be qualified for graduate programs (MS and PhD) in biological sciences, geology, or chemistry at most universities in the country.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Graduates with the BA degree are especially well-prepared for positions in state and local government, private consulting firms, energy companies, news organizations, environmental advocacy groups, consulting firms, and public relations firms. Graduates are prepared to directly enter PhD programs in economics and geography, as well as MBA programs in environmental science and management, MA programs in economics or geography, and law school.