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Academics

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what's possible

Understanding how our planet works

Our goal is to understand and respond to environmental changes at various scales through a comprehensive, science-based sustainability curriculum. As an ESS student, you’ll gain hands-on research, internships, and fieldwork experiences, equipping you with practical skills for impactful ecosystem management, all while collaborating with leading professionals who will position you at the forefront of innovation.

about ESS

Undergraduate degrees

  • a person holds a measuring device over a grassy field

    Ecosystem Science and Sustainability | B.S

    The Ecosystem Science and Sustainability degree combines ecosystem science with real-world decision-making, giving you an understanding of ecosystem and watershed science for a more sustainable future.

  • Watershed Science and Sustainability | B.S

    The Watershed Science and Sustainability program prepares you to understand and address today’s freshwater challenges. Build the knowledge and skills to help protect water resources and the landscapes that depend on them.

  • a man wearing a blue hat measures the circumference of a tree using a measuring tape

    Accelerated Master's Program | B.S to Professional Science Master's

    The Accelerated Master’s Program in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability is a unique, fast-track degree pathway that allows undergraduates in eligible CSU degree programs to start earning a Professional Science Master’s, while still enrolled as an undergrad.

Minors

Outcomes

Our B.S. degrees combine in-depth scientific expertise in ecosystem ecology with practical applications. You graduate with: 

  • An understanding of ecosystem and water science for effective conservation strategies.
  • Skills in data analysis, modeling, and geospatial research methods.
  • Experience working collaboratively with communities for sustainable ecosystems and watersheds.
aPPLY NOW

90%

have a positive experience in their program

88%

secure plans in their field after graduation

$45,028

is the average entry-level salary of an ESS undergraduate

Undergraduate student resources

  • Advisor support: Award-winning advisors work together to help you navigate your degree program.
  • Professional development: You can pursue an internship, engage in research, and/or make an impact through service alongside your studies.
  • Impactful learning: Join student organizations, learning communities, campus activities, and events to expand your network and build skills in your field.

Graduate degrees

  • A woman in a black hat holds a small container holding a bug in the light to observe it.

    Ecosystem Sustainability

    Apply ecosystem and environmental science to address complex social and ecological challenges.

  • Two students stand in water taking measurements.

    Watershed Science

    Apply watershed and environmental science to real-world water and natural resource challenges.

  • A man holds an object while standing in water.

    Professional Science Master’s

    Gain career-ready skills in ecosystem science and sustainability with a flexible in-person or distance option.

  • A group of people stand around a white tray and observe the bugs in it.

    Ecosystem Sustainability

    Conduct original research that advances ecosystem and environmental science and addresses complex sustainability challenges.

  • Students take samples from a stream

    Watershed Science

    Learn complex strategies for understanding the physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect the quantity, quality, and flux of water.

Graduate certificates

  • Solar panels with wind turbines in the background.

    Carbon Management

    Measure, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping organizations advance their sustainability and climate goals.

  • A woman stands in water with a measuring tool.

    Water Resources

    Analyze, manage, and protect water resources through sustainable planning and policy.

Outcomes

Our M.S. and Ph.D. programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to tackle today’s most urgent environmental challenges.

Whether you’re interested in a research-focused path or seeking to apply your skills through a professional degree, there’s a program for you.

aPPLY NOW

97%

have a positive experience with advising and mentoring related to their professional development

95%

secure plans related to their program after graduation

$71,725

is the average salary of an ESS graduate student

Become a
Leader in sustainability

“As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”

Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and author