Department of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability Undergraduate Orientation Resources
Our Programs
Check out the videos below to learn more about the programs in the Department of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability
Undergraduate Curriculum
Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Bachelor of Science
Students in the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (ESS) program start with core courses in the physical and natural sciences. They then apply this knowledge through specialized coursework in ecosystem science—learning in the classroom, lab, and field. Courses explore both the challenges of sustainably managing ecosystem services and the fascinating complexity of natural systems.
Sample Courses Include:
- Sustainability Science
- Systems Theory for Sustainability
- Information Management for Sustainability
- Natural Resources Ecology and Measurements
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Ecosystem and Earth Systems Ecology
- Global Perspectives on Sustainability
- Sustainable Cities
- Practicing Sustainability
Students also gain real-world experience through research, internships, and fieldwork.
Students begin with a strong foundation in the physical and natural sciences before moving into upper-division courses that emphasize fieldwork, lab experience, and applied learning across earth science, ecology, and sustainability.
Sample Courses Include:
- Sample Courses:
- Sustainable Watersheds
- Land Use Hydrology and Water Quality
- Watershed Measurements
- Snow Hydrology and Seasonal Snow Environments
- Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements
Watershed Problem Analysis
Students can tailor their degree with one of three concentrations:
- Watershed Science: Focus on hydrology, snowpack, water quality, and land-use impacts to solve complex water challenges.
- Watershed Data: Combine watershed science with data science and statistical tools for informed ecological decision-making.
- Watershed Sustainability: Study the human dimensions of water management through policy, equity, and sustainability.
Add on a Minor in Watershed Science!
Open to all majors, the minor offers flexible, interdisciplinary coursework in hydrology, water resources, and watershed field methods.
Submitting AP/IB/Dual-Enrollment Credits
Before registering, make sure to submit your AP/IB/Dual-Enrollment credit scores to CSU!
AP/IB/Dual-Enrollment Credits
AP, IB, and other College-Level Exams:
If you have AP, IB, CLEP, DSST, or DANTES scores, they may be eligible for credit. Make sure to submit your scores to CSU to get the credits you’ve earned!
You can reference CSU’s AP and IB equivalency website to inform your credits awarded. We will help you interpret this further at orientation.
Dual-Enrollment Credit:
If you have dual-enrollment credit or other college or university course records, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit at CSU. Visit the Registrar’s website on transfer coursework for details. Then make sure to submit your transcripts to CSU to have them evaluated and credits applied to your academic record.
Registration Resources
Registration Ready in Ramweb
Prior to attending Ram Orientation, please log into your Ramweb account to complete these essential steps to make you ready to enroll in classes when you meet with us!
- Clear ALL the red Xs in the center of the home screen. See the Ram Ready Registration screen shot for an example.
- The only red X you won’t be able to clear is Advising Code. We will give you that code at Ram Orientation.
Math and Composition are two important subjects to complete within your first year at CSU. Below are directions and links that will help you navigate your entry into these subjects.
Mathematics:
ALL first-year Ecosystem Science & Sustainability (ESS) and Watershed Science & Sustainability (WSS) majors should aim to take one semester of calculus in their first year of study. Many students need to take the pre-calculus course sequence (MATH 117, 118, 120, 124, 125, 126) before taking calculus.
- Use the Math Department’s Placement website to explore your major’s math requirements and better understand pre-calculus math classes at CSU.
- Create a personalized math plan.
- Complete the Math Placement Tool, if applicable*.
- Tell us your Math Placement Tool score. Then, we will tailor your fall courses accordingly and give you additional guidance on your completion of major-specific math requirements.
*We encourage most students to complete the Math Placement Tool unless you are expecting to receive math credit from AP/IB/dual or concurrent enrollment.
Useful Math Resources:
CSU Department of Mathematics’ Math Placement website – explore information on the math placement tool and math courses.
PreCalculus Tutorial – intended for incoming students who need to satisfy math prerequisites for courses in their first semester in order to stay on schedule for a degree program.
Composition:
There is a Composition Placement Program, similar to the Math Placement Tool, to assist you.
- Visit the Composition Placement website to learn how CSU determines the best composition course for you. This is typically based on your SAT or ACT scores.
- Complete the Directed Self-Placement Survey (DSP) in Ramweb, if applicable. If you do not have SAT or ACT scores on record with CSU, you MUST complete the DSP.
Sample Schedule Resources
Additional Resources
In addition to your major requirements in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability or Watershed Science & Sustainability, you will have the opportunity to select a variety of coursework to meet the CSU’s All University Core Curriculum (AUCC), Degree-Specific Electives, or to complete a minor.
The links below may be useful to you at Ram Orientation, or in exploring interests outside or related to your major.
- 2025-2026 All University Core Curriculum
- ESS Electives
- WSS Electives (all concentrations)
- Explore CSU’s minors
Major to Career
What can I do with my degree? Read some of our alumni profiles to see how ESS and WSS alumni shaped their careers and where they are at now! View the below links to see the common first destination employers and jobs titles of ESS and WSS graduates as of 2022:
Sustainability and You!
The ESS Sustainability Welcome Guide is designed to help incoming students live more sustainably at CSU and in Fort Collins. From transportation tips to eco-advocacy opportunities, the guide covers a range of topics with resources tailored to our local community. We hope it inspires you to make informed, impactful choices as you begin your journey here!