Overview
Environmental Sciences encompasses a wide range of disciplines merged together to understand the natural environment. The field includes interactions among the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the world and human institutions. The Environmental Sciences program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in business, industry, or government; or to pursue graduate studies in environmentally-related science, law, public health, or business.
The Department of Environmental Sciences offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences. All students majoring in Environmental Sciences must complete a set of “core requirements”, 8 units of lower-division elective courses, and 20 units of upper-division elective courses. Students are encouraged to concentrate their studies in one of five specialization areas: Soil Sciences, Hydrologic Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Toxicology, and Environmental Management.
Environmental Sciences Advising
Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to the Environmental Sciences major.
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Change of Major Criteria
Student must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above) to declare a major. If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is required. Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units. AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. Freshman (up to 44.9 units)
Sophomore (45 - 89.9 units)
Junior (90 - 134.9 units)
Senior (135 units & above)
Completion of...
- ENSC 001 OR ENSC 002
- MATH 007B/009B
Completion of...
- ENSC 001 OR ENSC 002 (preferred)
- MATH 007B/009B
- CHEM 001A/01LA
Completion of...
- Any 1 of the following: ENSC100,101, or 102
- MATH 007B/009B
- Select one of the following (based on concentration): BIOL005A, 05LA or BIOL 002 or BIOL 003
Completion of...
- Any 2 of the following: ENSC 100,101, or 102
- MATH 7B
- Select one of the following (based on concentration): BIOL005A, 05LA, BIOL 002 or BIOL 003
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Course Planning Documents
Environmental Sciences Additional Documents
- Environmental Sciences Brochure - The Major at a Glance
- Environmental Science Degree Requirements in the UCR Catalog
- Academic Advising Syllabus
Environmental Sciences Degree Summary Sheets
Environmental Sciences Sample Four-Year Plans
Environmental Sciences Schedule of Course Offerings
- Schedule of Course Offerings - A tentative list of Environmental Sciences courses offered this academic year
- Life Sciences Core Curriculum Tentative Annual Schedule - A tentative list of of courses that are required for most Environmental Sciences Majors
Environmental Sciences Academic Advisors
CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals. Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.
Environmental Sciences Lead Faculty Advisor
A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major. Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships. Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.