General Information | The Program | Requirements | Courses | PDF File

The Major Program

The Environmental and Resource Sciences major is a program for study of the biological, chemical, and physical features of environmental resources, and the economical and social considerations associated with their use, conservation, protection, management, and restoration. Students who choose this major include those with an interest in careers associated with environmental resource utilization and management, as well as those pursuing post-baccalaureate, academic, or professional training.

The Program. The curriculum for the major provides flexibility in meeting individual needs, interests, and objectives. At the same time, certain courses are required in the basic physical and biological sciences areas. Upper division general environmental resource sciences courses, a resource economics course, and a specified number of units of environmental and resource-oriented courses are required for all students in the major. Students select environmental and resource-oriented courses in consultation with and approval of the student’s adviser. Considerable care should be taken to ensure effective utilization of the flexibility of the major, and to meet individual academic and career objectives. Students may specialize their study by selecting one of the options within the major or, in consultation with their adviser, pursuing other specializations.

Internships and Career Alternatives. Positions now held by graduates in environmental and resource sciences are quite varied, but many are employed as resource analysts and planners as well as technical and environmental specialists with government agencies, municipalities, and private firms. A significant proportion of graduates undertake further studies leading to advanced degrees in resources, the environment, and related fields.