The Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences offers interdisciplinary programs of study leading to a bachelor of science in environmental science or environmental studies. A minor in environmental studies is also available. These programs provide students with the intellectual foundation they will need in addressing crucial environmental challenges of the 21st century such as human population growth, urban sprawl, deforestation, global climate change, waste disposal, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and the need for renewable energy.
About Our Program
The Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences (ESS) is an interdisciplinary community of scholars – composed of faculty, staff, and students – dedicated to understanding the interactions between humans and the natural world. We serve local and global communities by addressing environmental issues through education, research, and leadership. Our program challenges undergraduates to integrate social and natural science approaches with ethics and service to promote a sustainable world. Our mission is to train leaders and citizens, develop new knowledge, and promote inclusive, collaborative problem-solving to sustain humanity and the environment.
Faculty & Staff
Associate ProfessorChris is a political ecologist and an agroecologist. His research focuses on agriculture, food security, and how food systems relate to climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability transitions.
Beyond the Classroom
News & Events
Students report back after the Baja Natural History class
Our first Deep Dive class was offered in Spring 2024
Jules wins Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. & Lucky Hinkle Sustainability Award
Oliver Branham-Upton ‘24 is taking what he’s learned as an Environmental Science major and using it to make a difference in the world.
Senior Paulina Ursua Garcia reflects on her time at SCU and shares her plans for the future.
Congratulations and best wishes to Isabelle Solórzano ’24 (Environmental Science major, Biology minor), who will begin their NASA DEVELOP Internship.
Life After SCU
Skyler earned her master's degree in Environmental Justice and currently works in Detroit, Michigan.
Building on undergraduate research experience, Thomas analyzes health burdens from wildfires on vulnerable populations for the California Department of Public Health.
Elia has a new position as State Coastal Conservancy Attorney