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Environmental Science

Environmental science is the application of scientific information in order to solve conflicts resulting from human use of our planet’s resources.

Through this interdisciplinary program, you’ll gain an understanding of the sustainability of natural systems and resources, the interrelationships between these systems and the human impact on the environment.

Overview
Develop an integrated approach

Environmental science is an inherently interdisciplinary field, drawing information from disciplines including biology, chemistry, geology, economics, political science, law and ethics. Our degree in environmental science is designed to provide you with the tools to critically examine environmental issues from a variety of perspectives.

Create your personal schedule

Beyond the required foundational science courses, the program provides a broad range of science and humanities courses to select from, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, which provides you with opportunities to actively engage in research.

Here are just a few of the subjects you can choose to study within your areas of interest:

  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Invertebrate Paleontology
  • Field Studies in Water Resources
  • Geophysics
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Economics of the Environment
  • Environmental Law and Policy

At a Glance

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Department

Earth and Environmental Sciences

School/College

College of Arts and Sciences

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

The Curriculum

With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the environmental science program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.

Degree requirements

Find out what it takes to earn a degree in environmental science and explore the courses.


Highlighted Courses

Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.

EES 152: Introduction to Environmental Science

An examination of the relationship between people and the physical environment. Topics include geologic hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes; pollution of land, air and water; park conservation; energy alternatives; and global challenges such as ozone depletion and human-induced climate change.

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ENVS 485: Environmental Science Capstone

This course introduces students to the professional skills and practices required in the environmental field. Includes introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems), literature searches, written and oral presentation of work.

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BIOL 313: Climate Change

In this course we examine the implications of climate disruption on the world and its inhabitants. We will closely examine the effects of climate change on the oceans and forests and all live within. The role of polar, sea and land ice and its diminishing consequences and its effect on climate disruption will also be explored.

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BUS 330: Fundaments of Sustainable Business

The course provides comprehensive introduction to the sustainability concept and its major themes such as renewable resources, clean energy and fuel organizations and other stakeholders in building the organization's business model and strategies for a sustainable future is examined.

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POLS 414: Environmental Law and Policy

A study of the regulatory environment in California and the U.S. as it applies to environmental issues, problems and the environmental industry. Includes a critical analysis of environmental challenges and the possible legal and political responses to them.

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BIOL 352: Oceanography

An introduction to the multidisciplinary nature of oceanography, including the origin and geography of the ocean basins, physical and chemical properties of sea water, the shaping of coastlines, oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns and ecological relationships of marine organisms and the ocean environment.

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View all required courses



Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


Learning Spaces

Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour

The Experience

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

  • Learning in Action

    We emphasize “doing” science and an active approach to learning. Throughout your classes, you’ll gain a lot of research experience by working side-by-side with your professors in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll design experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.

  • Conference Presentations

    Many of our students have the opportunity to perform independent research with faculty advisors on campus and present their findings at research consortiums, such as our annual Festival of Scholars or off-campus conferences.

  • Research Opportunities

    We offer numerous hands-on research experiences, including summer research fellowships. Students have also garnered recognition through California Heart Association grants, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation summer research posts, and internships at local biotechnology firms such as Amgen and Baxter — among the nation’s top biopharmaceutical corporations.

Student photo

I chose environmental science because it is an interdisciplinary major where there are a plethora of skills you can learn. I wanted to study something highly applicable across many fields in STEM and humanities so I would get the best of both worlds. I love how I can decide if I want to study present issues like climate change or study past climates through research.

Anthony Delgadillo Salinas '25

Career Paths

Many students who obtain the B.S. degree in environmental science pursue careers in environmental protection and management, risk assessment, education or law. The program also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in various environmental fields.


Potential Careers

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

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Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

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Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

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Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

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Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

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Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

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Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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Looking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.

Employers

Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:

  • Alta Environmental
  • Andersen Environmental
  • Baxter International
  • Chevron Environmental Management Company
  • City of Thousand Oaks
  • Klamath Bird Observatory
  • Law Offices of Kempur & Kempur
  • Pacific Disaster Center
  • Sea World San Diego
  • Sierra Club
  • U.S. Forest Service

Graduate Schools

Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:

  • Arizona State University
  • California Lutheran University
  • California State University, Northridge
  • Evergreen State College
  • Tufts University
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Washington
  • Western Washington/Southern Oregon
Take a wide variety of classes. You might not know what you will actually use once you graduate and you might even be surprised as to what knowledge gives you the upper hand against others wanting the same job. Study abroad and take environmental classes! I can’t say how much it helped to see how another country deals with the same issues we have and how different the approaches are.

Chelsea Fletcher '13
Environmental Scientist at California State Parks, Outreach Coordinator at University of Southern California

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

Cost & Financial Aid

We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.


Tuition & Fees

You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.

Read our financial aid guide

Scholarships & Grants

We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.

View scholarships and grants

Financial Aid

If you're new to the financial aid process, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you all the way.

Learn about financial aid

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