Study the Earth and humanity's impact on it with the Environmental Science major. You'll learn to evaluate environmental problems and explore solutions for our planet.
Why Study Environmental Science?
Humans are causing great changes to the environment. To help mitigate or reverse our impact, we need to study the Earth and find sustainable solutions.
By majoring in environmental science, you'll study the Earth's past and present. You'll learn to collect data and analyze your findings. You'll hone your critical thinking skills as you compare trends and statistics. You'll develop communication skills as you present your research.
With your knowledge and skills, you'll be able to work in fields related to environmental science. You can work in fields such as:
- Environmental policy
- Public awareness
- K-12 education
- Resource and risk evaluations
You can pursue a master's degree in environmental science or similar fields.
Why Study Environmental Science at CSUN?
Policy Focused
By studying environmental science at CSUN, you'll do more than memorize facts and analyze data. You'll learn how to apply your studies to the real world. You'll choose electives from a variety of CSUN departments to study topics from environmental justice to sustainable development. At CSUN, we'll help you to go beyond theories and impact the world.
Finding Hidden GEMS
We're committed to bringing diversity to geology. That's why the Department of Geology created the GEMS Program — Improving the Geology Experience for Minority Students. We aim to increase representation among Hispanic American, Latinx, Black and Native American students through peer mentorship, career advising and other efforts.
Zoom In for Help
Need extra help with your geology classes? Online tutoring sessions are available five days a week on Zoom. Just log on when a tutor is available and get the help you need.
Extraordinary Opportunities
Our best students qualify for the Honors Program. If you meet the criteria, you'll have the opportunity to complete an intensive research experience under individual faculty guidance. Graduates also get an honors designation on their academic record.
What You'll Learn
Builds the skills and knowledge necessary to teach, find a technical career or enter a graduate program in the field. The majority of your courses will be in the Department of Geological Sciences. Your core classes will include:
- Introduction to Geographical Information Science
- Earth Systems
- Energy Resources and the Environment
You'll also take additional science courses from other departments. These include:
- General Chemistry
- Pre-Calculus
- Introductory Statistics for STEM
You will also select elective courses from two categories. In the earth and environmental science category, you'll choose from classes such as:
- Environmental Health
- Air Pollution and Health
- Geography of World Ecosystems
- Geochemistry
In the policy category, you'll choose from classes such as:
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Environmental Health Law
- Water, Society and the Environment
- Applied Sustainability
Careers & Outcomes
Environmental Science majors go on to careers in private industry and government. You may also pursue advanced degrees in environmental science and other geoscience disciplines.