Our department offers five undergraduate majors that provide broad and complementary set of opportunities for all students interested in Our Environment. Resulting career opportunities for students graduating from our programs include medicine and other professional programs, government service, NGO employment, private sector opportunities in consulting, and graduate education in a wide variety of fields. Our majors are administered by the Rausser College of Natural Resources' outstanding undergraduate advising program located in the Student Affairs Office, 260 Mulford Hall.

Conservation and Resource Studies

Field crew surveying coastal grasslands in Mt Tamalpais State Park Students surveying coastal grasslands in Mt Tamalpais State Park. Photo by Allison Kidder

 

The Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS) major is an individualized interdisciplinary program designed for students interested in environmental issues and areas of interaction among humans and the environment. Students draw on the course offerings of the entire campus and appropriate community resources in the development of individual programs of study. Learn more about CRS

Environmental Sciences

Students surveying in a stream. Students surveying a stream. Photo courtesy of Adina Merenlender

 

Environmental Sciences (ES) is an interdisciplinary major that deals with the impact of human activities on natural systems. In the lower division courses (i.e., freshman and sophomore level courses), the Environmental Sciences major emphasizes basic science in a rigorous curriculum drawn from a variety of departments including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, economics and environmental science. In the upper division courses (i.e. junior and senior level courses), students take electives in their area of interest and courses in statistics, research methodology, and environmental modeling to prepare for the senior research thesis seminar. In the research seminar, each student designs and conducts a research project of his or her own choosing. This yearlong course is the capstone of the major. The experience is extremely helpful for students as they prepare for environmental careers or graduate/professional school. Learn more about ES

Forestry and Natural Resources

Students working in a forest. Students at Forestry Field Camp

 

Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) focuses on the conservation and restoration of the earth's natural resources through hands-on study of the ecology, stewardship, and management of forest, woodland, and grassland ecosystems. The program offers concentrations in natural sciences or in human dimensions of natural resources, and if the student chooses, can qualify the student for taking the Registered Professional Forester's licensing exam in California. Learn more about FNR Also see Forestry Summer Field Camp

Molecular Environmental Biology

Student examines sprouting plant. Student working in the lab. Photo by Desert-Rae Tejada

 

The Molecular Environmental Biology (MEB) major is designed to expose students to the organization and function of biological organisms. Molecular approaches are expected to play an increasing role in environmental problem-solving in the near future, and their success will depend upon a sound understanding of biological principles from molecular through ecological levels. The program trains students in the organization and function of biological organisms and their integration into the environment. Learn More About MEB

Society and Environment

Students sit in field and listen to a speaker. Students learning in the field. Photo by Lynn Huntsinger

 

Social and environmental problems are deeply intertwined. The Society and Environment (SE) major introduces students to the main approaches and theory for environmental social sciences, including how social science tools can be applied to environmental problems, and how social science theories contribute to understanding environmental problems. Learn More About SE