Undergraduate Programs

The School of the Environment offers a range of majors in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies and Geography.

Each major maintains a unique disciplinary focus within the School of the Environment, providing broad opportunities. Select the Program Page for each degree below to learn more about the training and opportunities that each provides. 

In addition to our major degrees, we also offer minor degrees in Earth Science and Geography and certificates in Climate Change and Geographic Information Science.  View more about the minors and certificates.

We also offer a blended B.S./M.S. degree pathway in Earth & Climate Sciences.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact a program advisor if they have any questions about majors, career paths or their roadmap to graduation within the major.

Major Programs

Earth Scientists sampling dirt

B.A. in Earth Science

This program integrates knowledge of physical sciences, mathematics and earth sciences in ways needed to understand and help solve important interdisciplinary environmental problems.
 

Environmental Studies students protesting for climate

B.A. in Environmental Studies

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for understanding relationships between humans and the physical world.

 

Students on bikes on Car-Free JFK in Golden Gate Park. A whale tail sculpture is in the background.

B.A. in Geography

This program analyzes the processes, spatial patterns and consequences of human-environment interaction, and addresses issues of sustainability, using maps, fieldwork and geospatial technologies such as GIS to solve real-world problems.

Unusual cloud over a mountain lake

B.S. in Earth Science

This program prepares students for direct entry into a career as a professional in industry or government, or for graduate school in any of the earth sciences, such as geology, oceanography and meteorology.
 

Atmospheric sampling equipment in Red Clover Valley

B.S. in Environmental Science

This program prepares students for graduate school or for direct entry into a career as an environmental scientist or environmental manager in industry, government or NGOs.
 

Environmental Studies students doing creek field work

B.S. in Environmental Studies

This program provides students with the theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in ecology, conservation biology and natural resources they need to address natural resource management and conservation issues.