Coastal and Watershed Science & Policy, M.S. ~ Learning Environment

The Coastal and Watershed Science & Policy program emphasizes applied, hands-on, field-oriented learning that takes full advantage of the unparalleled array of environmental resources, technologies, and worldclass research institutions in our region.

CSUMB is positioned at the land-sea interface of Monterey Bay where we can use the local terrestrial and marine resources as a living classroom. Regional assets that are all less than a 30-minute drive from CSUMB include the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, agricultural lands of the Salinas Valley, coastal streams that host endangered salmonids and the red-legged frog, and Fort Ord reuse activities that comprise both urban planning and natural resource development.

Biological habitats-including the largest marine sanctuary in the country, estuaries, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, deserts, and redwood forests-are accessible just beyond our doors.

The Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur coast, and Salinas Valley are living laboratories for learning about the scientific, economic, and political dimensions of land use and water resource issues.

The Chapman Science Academic Center, opened in 2004, offers state-of-the-art labs for teaching, learning, and student research.