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.
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 Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
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.
Program Details
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.
See descriptionENVS 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.
See descriptionBIOL 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.
See descriptionBUS 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.
See descriptionPOLS 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.
See descriptionBIOL 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.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour
Swenson Science Center, opened in 2020.
Quantitative chemistry lab
Organic chemistry lab
Chemistry research lab
Chemistry lab
Biology research lab
Marine Science Teaching Lab
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Scientific curiosity deserves to be nurtured at all stages of the educational journey. It is a great privilege to work alongside students as their curiosity matures into research and discovery.
Linda Ritterbush
Professor
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.
See descriptionClimate 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.
See descriptionEnvironmental 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.
See descriptionConservation 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.
See descriptionSustainability Specialists
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
See descriptionEnvironmental 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.
See descriptionRegulatory 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.
See descriptionCompliance Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
- Baxter International
- Chevron Environmental Management Company
- Klamath Bird Observatory
- Law Offices of Kempur & Kempur
- Pacific Disaster Center
- Sea World San Diego
- U.S. Forest Service
- Andersen Environmental
- Sierra Club
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Arizona State University
- California Lutheran University
- Evergreen State College
- Tufts University
- University of East Anglia
- 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 Science Major
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.
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