646 Environmental and Earth Sciences BSc Degree Programs

The undergraduate program in atmospheric sciences gives students a strong quantitative undergraduate education in atmospheric, climate, and related sciences to understand the basic principles behind current and emerging issues in weather, climate variability, and climate change.

Are you interested in how the Earth works? Have you always been fascinated by volcanoes, earthquakes, rock formation, and how they shape the Earth? The undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Geology is a rigorous program that is designed to both prepare students for entry into the workforce as practicing geoscientists and to provide them with the knowledge required to pursue an advanced degree.

Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, a component of Earth system science; essentially, a meteorologist is someone who predicts the weather. Meteorology students become experts in math and physics, build a comprehensive knowledge of meteorology and gain in-depth exposure to fields like oceanography, geology, space science, environmental science, climate science, and atmospheric chemistry.

The Quantitative Environmental Science major is tailored to students who envision an environmentally oriented career where competence requires quantitative understanding.

The curriculum explores terrestrial, aquatic and built environments in the context of a rapidly changing climate and offers students experiential learning opportunities locally and abroad.

Natural ecosystems are intricately linked with human society, yet their sustainability is threatened by the rapid expansion of our population and its industries. Of all scientific disciplines, ecology is best placed to offer long-term solutions.

Water is one of the most important substances on Earth. It is essential to many of the things we need and enjoy in life: food, transport, and recreation, but managing it can also pose some serious challenges. Around the world, water managers contend with droughts, floods, sea-level rise, overfishing, pollution, plastic soup, and many other risks to both our natural environment and our society. We need water managers to safeguard our future!

Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, and a component of Earth system science; a meteorologist is someone who predicts the weather based on the systems of the Earth’s atmosphere, and an aviation meteorologist does all that with a singular focus on the aviation industry. Aviation meteorology students become experts in math and physics, build a comprehensive knowledge of meteorology, and gain in-depth exposure to fields like oceanography, geology, space science, environmental science, climate science, and atmospheric chemistry.

Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, and a component of Earth system science; a meteorologist is someone who predicts the weather based on the systems of the Earth’s atmosphere, and an aviation meteorologist does all that with a singular focus on the aviation industry. Aviation meteorology students become experts in math and physics, build a comprehensive knowledge of meteorology, and gain in-depth exposure to fields like oceanography, geology, space science, environmental science, climate science, and atmospheric chemistry.

Environmental biology is the broadest of ESF's six biology majors, covering topics from molecules to ecosystems to regional landscapes. Students can choose one of the specialized areas as an elective or minor.

Discover Earth's past, explore its present, and help shape the future; learn about dynamic processes that shape our planet. Field trips around local Zealandia - Earth's youngest, most active continent.

This program provides students with the opportunity to develop and integrate knowledge and skills in forest ecology and biology, forest measurements, forest policy, and administration, forest operations, and forest management to provide society with a steady, renewable supply of wood and ecosystem services.

Wildlife science is the application of ecological knowledge in a manner that strikes a balance between the needs of wildlife populations and the needs of people. Coursework and faculty expertise span the animal kingdom and the planet, with a programmatic emphasis on North American species, policies, and practices.  The focus is applied ecology, and students gain the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to meet contemporary and future challenges facing wildlife such as restoring habitat, securing populations of rare and vulnerable species, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, controlling invasive species and disease, managing sustainable harvests, and ensuring species persistence under climate change.

Students in the Forest Ecosystem Science program are drawn to natural and managed forest environments with a blend of curiosity and a sense of responsibility. They seek both to understand forest ecosystems and apply their knowledge to sustain forests and their benefits for future generations.

The Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies brings together research, theory, and practice across numerous disciplines. Integrative studies majors select a multidisciplinary concentration or work with student services staff to develop their own concentration, uniquely suited to their academic and career goals. Integrative studies majors explore new topics and experiences while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to enter the workforce. Required coursework is offered in small classes with ample room for discussion, collaborative learning, and experiential learning, including in-community projects, volunteer opportunities, fieldwork, internships and work with faculty on research that directly engages current social and global challenges.