Environmental Science is one of the most versatile fields of study you can pursue. The environmental science minor enhances any major and opens the door to many opportunities for potential careers. This program encourages you to take advantage of the rich local opportunities in the sciences. You'll gain a fundamental understanding of core environmental science concepts and engage in collaborative, applied, active, and project-based learning activities.

Required Courses

Students must complete 16 units from the courses below in order to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Science Minor; at least 12 of these units (including 8 or more upper-division units) must be unique to the minor and may not be used in fulfillment of other majors, minors, or concentrations.

Complete 4 to 8 units from the following courses:

  • ENVS 101: Energy and Sustainability
  • ENVS 105: Climate Science
  • ENVS 201: Intro to Environmental Science
  • ENVS 272: The Atmosphere
  • ENVS 282: Mtry Bay:Case Sty Env Sci &Pol
  • BIO 230: Environmental Biology
  • PHYS 121/L: Integrated Physical Science
  • GEOL 260: Geology/Hydrology
  • Or other appropriate lower-division course completed at a community college

Complete 8 to 12 units from the following courses:

Learning Outcomes

Science Foundations

Students apply scientific principles and methods to the study of some aspect of the major physical or biological processes underlying the environment.

 Applied Environmental Science

Students apply advanced scientific concepts in a laboratory or field setting to describe, analyze, and solve complex environmental problems.