Program Overview

Introduction to the Environmental Science and Engineering Major

The Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) major at the California Institute of Technology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental sciences, with a focus on the application of scientific principles to real-world problems. The major can be pursued along two tracks: environmental physics and environmental chemistry, both of which share a common sophomore year that continues the Core Curriculum's training in mathematics and physics.

Requirements for All ESE Majors

Regardless of the track chosen, all ESE majors must complete the following requirements:

• Ma 2
• Ph 2a or Ph 12a
• Training in data analysis and statistics: BE/Bi 103ab or Ph 20 and Ph 21 or ChE 15 and BE/Bi 103b
• ESE 101, ESE 102, ESE 103 (students who have taken ESE 1 can petition not to have either ESE 101 or ESE 103)
• Science Writing Requirement: Ch 91 or Ph 70
• Oral Presentation Requirement: Ge 109 or Ph 70 or Ch 90
• ESE 91: Senior thesis (optional)

Chemistry Track Requirements

In addition to the general requirements, students pursuing the chemistry track must complete:

• Ch 21ab, Ch 41ab, ESE/Ge 142, ESE/Ch 176, ESE/Ge/Ch 171
• Laboratory Requirement: Ch/ChE 9 or Ch 4a; and Ch 15
• At least 77 units of electives, with a maximum of 2 additional lab classes, chosen with approval by the Option Representative or their assigned surrogate

Physics Track Requirements

Students pursuing the physics track must complete:

• Ph 12bc, Ph 106ab, ACM 95ab, ME 11c, ESE 130
• Laboratory Requirement: Ph 6
• At least 2 of the following 4 courses: ME/CE/Ge/ESE 146, ESE 131, ESE 133, ME 119
• At least 77 units of electives, chosen with approval by the Option Representative or their assigned surrogate

Typical Course Schedule

A typical course schedule for ESE majors is provided, outlining the units per term for each year of study.

Academic Performance

Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units, including courses listed above. Any student whose grade-point average in science and mathematics courses is less than 1.9 at the end of an academic year may be refused permission to register in the geological and planetary science options.

Additional Information

For more information, students can consult the ESE major representative or visit the ESE Program website. A minor in ESE is also available, with requirements outlined separately. The California Institute of Technology is located at 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125.