Environmental Science

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers undergraduate study leading to a B.S. degree in environmental science. Focused on developing foundational knowledge and a broad set of field and laboratory skills that allow students to seek employment or prepare them for continued academic study in the earth and environmental sciences.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies physical, chemical, and biological processes that underpin natural ecosystems and human-influenced systems. While their focus is often on the physical and life sciences, environmental scientists must also be mindful of social issues, political context, economic factors, and human well-being to understand and address environmental problems. The degree reflects this broad, systems-level approach, with coursework in science, mathematics, and social sciences. This allows students to understand the science and social issues involved in addressing complex environmental problems such as environmental contamination, access to food and safe drinking water, and climate change.

 

We Offer:

 

Your Future

Career Opportunities Include:

Analytical Laboratory Technician • Drinking Water Treatment Specialist • Environmental Analyst • Environmental Chemist • Environmental Health and Safety Specialist • Environmental Policy, Planning, and Management • Environmental Remediation Specialist • Hydrologist • Hazardous Waste Management Specialist • Park Ranger • Wastewater Treatment Specialist

 

Future Income:

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about the outlook for your future career.

 

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

University Catalog

Courses You Might Take

ENSC 210 - Physical and Environmental Geology

Study the nature and distribution of earth materials, the processes by which the materials are formed and altered, and the nature and development of the landscape.

ENSC 240 - Environmental Biology

An introduction to living organisms, focusing on organismal interactions. Explore the relationships between organismal structure and function, the effects of humans on biological diversity and ecosystems, and the conservation of species.

PH - 300 Environmental Health

Understand environmental issues, problems and solutions to better recognize human health needs, and environmental well-being. Explore the impact of climate change on the physical, biological, and human environments in California.

ENSC 350 - Environmental Hydrology

A course on the hydrologic cycle and human impacts. Topics include assessment of hydrologic processes, including precipitation, runoff, water budgets, and groundwater flow. Learn about water contamination and remediation.

GEOL 360 - Mineralogy and Optical Crystallography

A course on crystallography, crystal chemistry, crystal structure, crystal growth, and optical properties. Students learn about physical properties and identification of minerals in hand samples.

ENVT 410 - Environmental Impact Analysis

Examine the origins, applications, and dynamics of the environmental review process. Topics include policy implications of assessments, land-use planning, and public decision-making, with an emphasis on the U.S. and California.

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Contact Us

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • California State University, East Bay
  • 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
  • Hayward, CA 94542