Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

The UCSC Environmental Sciences (ESCI) major is an interdepartmental, undergraduate-only degree program. The purpose of the ESCI major is to educate students interested in environmental science problems and issues, with a focus on issues within the physical sciences (versus focusing on biological sciences).

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in environmental sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at UCSC. In addition to providing comprehensive preparation in the basic physical sciences, and particular breadth and depth in environmental sciences, the curriculum is structured to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace

Learning Experience
The core of the major includes calculus, physics, chemistry, and core foundational upper-division environmental sciences courses. Students also select at least five additional courses from a diverse list of upper-division electives. These electives provide the student with expertise in one or more subdisciplines within environmental sciences. A senior comprehensive experience is required of all majors. Students may choose from an intensive senior seminar capstone course or completion of a senior thesis to satisfy this requirement.

Study and Research Opportunities
The major specializes primarily in the following areas of study:

Climate and climate change: Earth's past, present, and future climate
Global biogeochemical cycles: Cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, mercury, etc.
Atmosphere: Meteorology, air quality, and atmospheric chemistry
Oceans: Physical, chemical, and biological oceanography
Fresh Water: Water resources and water quality
Pollution: Water pollution, air pollution, pollutant transport