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Environmental Science, Technology & Policy, B.S.

Launching inspired, meaningful careers solving the complex environmental problems facing California and the world.

NOAA Grant Environmental Sciences

The Environmental Science, Technology & Policy program delivers an innovative, interdisciplinary experience that will transform you into an impactful environmental science professional with the critical thinking, communication, and technical skills to solve complex environmental problems.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

You’ll gain scientific knowledge that’s driven by industry needs, and the faculty-inspired hands-on skills it takes to apply what you know in a wide range of career settings linking natural science, resource management, physical science, technology, economic factors, and environmental policy.

Some of the most respected and impactful companies, environmental agencies, and organizations seek out our graduates every year, some of which include:

  • American Environmental Group 
  • Big Sur Land Trust
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CFW)
  • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections (CAL FIRE)
  • California State Parks
  • City of Santa Cruz
  • County of Monterey / Santa Cruz / San Mateo
  • EMC Planning Group
  • Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
  • Marina Coast Water District
  • Monterey County Health Department
  • NASA 
  • NOAA / National Marine Fisheries Service
  • Sequoia Ecological Consulting
  • The Climate Corporation
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • US Geological Survey (USGS)
  • Whitson Engineers

 

The program’s innovative and interdisciplinary nature provides ideal preparation for a vast range of professional roles and settings, including:

  • Aquatic ecologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental field specialist/technician
  • Environmental program manager
  • Environmental project analyst
  • Environmental resource manager
  • Environmental restoration planner
  • Environmental scientist
  • Fisheries biologist
  • Fluvial geomorphologist
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist
  • GIS/GPS technician
  • Hydrographer
  • Land surveyor
  • Landscape architect
  • Plant ecologist
  • Remote sensing scientist and technologist
  • Research scientist
  • Restoration ecologist
  • Urban and regional planner
  • Water quality manager
  • Water resources specialist
  • Wildlife ecologist

As a graduate of the program you’ll become part of a respected legacy of alumni, many of whom have gone on to earn graduate degrees at top institutions, including:

  • Clemson University
  • George Washington University
  • Harvard University
  • Middlebury Institute of International Studies
  • Montana State University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Oregon State University
  • Penn State University
  • San Francisco State
  • San Jose State University
  • Stanford University
  • UC Berkeley
  • UC Davis
  • UC Irvine
  • UC San Diego
  • UC Santa Barbara
  • UC Santa Cruz
  • UCLA
  • University of Alaska
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Washington
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Utah State University
Aerial Image of Campus

Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Environmental Science, Technology & Policy, B.S.

The program’s innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the interactions among biological, physical, and social systems, and offers training in highly desired technical skill sets and policies, preparing you for a bright career in environmental science research, environmental resource management, environmental consulting, industry, non-profit agencies, government, and environmental education.

Educational Objectives

Our small class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio will enhance and personalize your overall learning experience, ensuring your academic success through opportunities for mentorship, research, independent studies, community service initiatives and internships.

Our emphasis on active, applied learning will add a unique, valuable dimension to your preparation and take you on engaging learning experiences in the superb natural habitats around Monterey Bay including at the Fort Ord National Monument, Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park, Elkhorn Slough, Pinnacles National Park, county parks,  and other nearby coastal habitats.

Our innovative curriculum and leading-edge technology will set your education and training apart, as you work with geospatial technologies like GIS and remote sensing, as well as data science methods using R and Python for collecting, analyzing, visualizing, and communicating scientific data.

Our strong community and regional partnerships with agencies like the U.S. Geological Service, California State Parks, National Park Service, U.S. fish and Wildlife Service, NASA, California Department of Water Resources, Resource Conservation Districts, Regional Park Districts, Bureau of Land Management, and Water Management Districts will position you to form valuable professional connections for after you graduate.

Complete all of the following core courses with a grade of C- or above:

Complete one of the following core courses with a grade of C- or above:

Complete one of the following core course/course combinations with a grade of C- or above:

Complete all of the following core courses:

Complete one of the following core courses:

Complete one of the following science breadth course/course combinations:

Complete one of the following upper division service-learning courses or course combinations:

Complete one of the following capstone seminar courses:

APPLIED ECOLOGY CONCENTRATION

Complete the following course:

Complete one of the following capstone project courses:

Complete one of the following applied ecology courses or course combinations, not previously taken:

WATERSHED SYSTEMS CONCENTRATION

Complete the following course:

Complete the following capstone project course:

Complete one of the following watershed-related course/course combinations, not previously taken:

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS CONCENTRATION

Complete the following course:

Complete the following capstone project course:

Complete one of the following data analysis-related courses:

Your learning experience will unfold at the nexus of world-class research institutes, state and regional preserves, the Fort Ord National Monument, and the Monterrey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our location will fuel an unparalleled experience where you’ll study the interconnection between terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, as well as nearby habitats of the coastal oak woodland, maritime chaparral, redwood forest, Monterey pine and cypress forests, grasslands, streams and rivers, estuaries, and coastal dune habitats. 

You may find yourself conducting hydrologic and benthic macroinvertebrate surveys on the Carmel River, mapping populations of rare species at the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, studying the impacts of sheep grazing and goat browsing on native plants within the Fort Ord National Monument, and monitoring ground squirrel populations on the CSUMB campus.

The program will instill in you a broadened perspective, understanding, and value for using your knowledge and skills to improve lives and communities. You’ll gain practical experience in habitat restoration and community-based conservation, while also exploring and promoting a variety of issues related to environmental justice, where you’ll help expand opportunities for underrepresented communities to get involved with environmental issues and take advantage of outdoor opportunities for recreation, learning, and personal growth.

Faculty & Staff

Our faculty are directly engaged in a vibrant range of research, education, and outreach activities addressing environmental science issues, and they regularly find ways to involve their students while supporting and mentoring them every step of the way.

Susan Alexander

Susan Alexander

Professor

Susan Alexander

Susan Alexander

Department Chair AY

Jennifer Duggan

Jennifer Duggan

Associate Professor

Jennifer Duggan

Jennifer Duggan

Special Consultant

Sharon Anderson

Sharon Anderson

Lecturer

Sharon Anderson

Sharon Anderson

Lecturer

Robert Burton

Robert Burton

Lecturer

Michelle Ericksen

Michelle Ericksen

Administrative Support Coordinator

James Guilinger

James Guilinger

Assistant Professor

John Olson

John Olson

Associate Professor

Carmen Ramirez

Carmen Ramirez

Academic Advisor

Fred Watson

Fred Watson

Professor

Suzanne Worcester

Suzanne Worcester

Professor

News

Read about our student success and faculty innovation in CSUMB News

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Environmental Science, Technology & Policy program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Apply Now