Skip to main content

Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences

Academic Programs

Majors and Minor

The Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences offers interdisciplinary programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. Alternatively, students with any major may choose to minor in environmental studies.

In addition to fulfilling the undergraduate Core Curriculum, students must complete the requirements of this academic program.

Use these checklists if you declared an ESS major during Fall 2020 and after:

Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Science Major (Fall 2020+)
Environmental Science Major (Fall 2020+)
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Science Major (Fall 2020+)Checklist
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies Major (Fall 2020+)
Environmental Studies Major (Fall 2020+)
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies Major (Fall 2020+)Checklist

Use these checklists if you declared an ESS major during Spring 2020 and before:

Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Science Major (Spring 2020-)
Environmental Science Major (Spring 2020-)
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Science Major (Spring 2020-)Checklist
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies Major (Spring 2020-)
Environmental Studies Major (Spring 2020-)
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies Major (Spring 2020-)Checklist
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies Minor
Environmental Studies Minor
Navigate here to Checklist Environmental Studies MinorChecklist

Majors in ESS are expected to apply their knowledge outside the classroom by completing an approved internship or research experience, culminating in ENVS 198 (Environmental Proseminar). During their senior year, ESS students conduct research or an interdisciplinary group project with community stakeholders in ENVS 101 (Capstone Seminar).

ESS students are encouraged to study abroad. Courses such as ENVS 144 (Natural History of Baja L&L) include one week of immersion travel during University breaks. In addition, many summer and academic year courses taken through approved study abroad programs will count toward the requirements of the environmental studies and sciences majors and minors.

Each student works with a faculty advisor, who helps integrate the classroom curriculum with the student's plans for future study and/or work in environmental fields.

Navigate here to Additional Advising Resources
Additional Advising Resources

To declare or change a major, minor, or emphasis, fill out the SCU Registrar's Program Petition form.

Contact Us

Virginia Matzek, Ph.D., Department Chair
Cory Gong, Department Manager
Phone: 408-551-7086

Location: The Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences is located in the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation, Second Floor.