Degree Programs

The Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences (AGPS) program features small classes, broadly trained and diverse faculty, and internship and research opportunities that provide hands-on experience in the food and agriculture industry.

The AGPS degree can open many opportunities for students. Graduates may become leaders within a variety of different sectors relating to agricultural sciences… But why agriculture at CSUMB?

There are not many places within the United States where as much time and resources are invested in crop production systems - granting it the “Salad bowl of the US”, as in Monterey County. The diverse group of growers that call this region home are some of the most innovative and forward thinking professionals who have made this part of California leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement. CSUMB students have the opportunity to be a part of this progressive industry through intensive lab-based and hands-on research and internship opportunities through the Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences program.

The Service Learning course takes students to the surrounding agriculture community to perform real-world change for the incredible group of people that call this region home. The faculty in this program are industry leaders who perform innovative research and are available to students. But most important - the Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences program at CSUMB will take you where you want to go.

The AGPS Program sets students up for success to pursue careers as: 

• Farm Managers
• Agronomists
• Agricultural Technology Company Representatives
• Field Representatives for Food Processing Companies
• Post-Harvest Production Managers
• Crop Production Consultants
• Pest Control Advisors
• Certified Crop Advisors
• Representatives for Field Companies
• Associates for Private Plant Breeding and Agricultural Chemical Companies
• Research Technicians for Private Companies, Universities, and other Governmental Agencies
• Nursery and Landscape Managers
• Entomologists
• Plant Pathologists
• Weed Scientists

At Cal State Monterey Bay, our Biology B.S. program is built around you. With small class sizes, dedicated science advisors, and expert faculty committed to your success, you’ll be supported every step of the way. We emphasize High Impact Practices—meaning you won’t just listen to lectures, you’ll actively participate in hands-on labs, collaborative projects, and real-world research starting early in your academic journey.

Every student gains research experience through embedded Course-Based Research Experiences (CUREs), ensuring you graduate with practical, resume-building skills. Our service-learning courses connect you with local schools and community partners, expanding your impact beyond campus. Thanks to our open-door policy and small upper-division classes, you’ll build meaningful relationships with professors who bring their cutting-edge research directly into the classroom.

Located in one of the most biologically rich regions in the country, CSUMB offers unmatched access to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Big Sur’s rugged coastline, Elkhorn Slough, and the agricultural hub of the Salinas Valley. Our concentrations explore biodiversity, ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, habitats, and science education—preparing you for careers in research labs, environmental consulting, museum curation, health sciences, teaching, or graduate study.

At Cal State Monterey Bay, you won’t just study biology—you’ll experience it.

At CSUMB there are three concentrations within the Biology major. 

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Use the latest technologies to learn about biodiversity, habitats, and ecological processes. Typical careers for students who choose this concentration include veterinarian school, lab technician, field or marine biologist, graduate school in biology, naturalist, museum curator, zoo biologist or aquarist, and environmental consultant.

Molecular Biology

At the intersection of biology, chemistry, and genetics, this concentration is for students interested in the fields of bioinformatics, genomics, and biochemistry. This concentration also provides Pre-health students with the foundation needed to attend medical, pharmacy, and dental schools, physician assistant programs, and genetic counseling programs.

Biology Teacher Preparation

Cal State Monterey Bay's  Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher preparation provides advising, mentoring, teaching experience through service learning, financial aid, academic support and hands-on activities designed to improve student teaching and learning. Students who have a strong desire and dedication to become highly qualified science and/or mathematics teachers at the middle or high-school levels receive mentorship and strategic advising for a career in teaching.

Collaborative learning support in early STEM courses (introductory biology, chemistry, and physics) immediately after high school promotes the recruitment and retention of teachers from courses. Frequent and varied grade level experience of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned content within a classroom prepares future teachers to implement inquiry in their classrooms. Engaging future teachers in the practical tasks of teaching, assessment, observation, and reflection improves the process of learning and development aligned with NGSS in the discipline.

Professional Development around Assessment of Learning where teachers incorporate data analysis to support improving students’ achievement, iteratively teaching to meet the standards. STEM coaching provide teachers with necessary support to change instructional strategies and build STEM content knowledge. Mentoring by STEM Leaders, CSUMB faculty who co-teach, co-plan, and model lessons with new teachers, encourage the adoption of best practices. We work with teachers to strategically integrate technology in instruction and plan NGSS aligned lessons. We foster an iterative culture of teaching as science where experimentation and innovation are celebrated. We are investing in the next generation of science educators.

The Biology minor provides a solid core of fundamental biology courses coupled with advanced biology electives you can choose in your area of interest within Biology.

In addition to deepening your understanding and appreciation of the living world, a Biology minor expands your career and grad school opportunities by enabling you to take your non-biology major in exciting new directions.

Chemistry is the science that explores the fundamental properties, reactivity, and analysis of atoms and molecules. An understanding of chemistry brings an appreciation and understanding of the world, and provides real-life technical skills.