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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Program media masthead. -Environmental studies on field for summer science research (1)
Redlands
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at University of Redlands is an interdisciplinary program that utilizes the natural and social sciences to evaluate humans’ relation to the natural world and how to address environmental issues and opportunities.

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Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science

Program Types

Undergraduate

Mode of Study

On Campus

Department

Environmental Studies

School / College

College of Arts and Sciences

What is an environmental science degree?

In the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program, you’re not only studying the inner workings of the planet, but you’re also preparing to save it. You’ll study the complex interactions among the biological, chemical, and physical components of our environment, and dive deep into crucial topics such as sustainability, conservation, and the impacts of human activity on natural systems. This program blends rigorous coursework with hands-on fieldwork that puts theory into practice and gives you the opportunity to participate in research projects to solve real-world environmental challenges. This degree isn't just about learning what's been done; it's about discovering innovative ways to make a difference. Prepare to become a leader in shaping a sustainable future, leveraging your knowledge to advocate for policies and actions that preserve the earth for future generations. 

Why should you major in environmental science at Redlands?

Students interested in understanding the conservation and environmental challenges that society faces and who feel motivated to work towards sustainable solutions to these issues will thrive in the environmental science program at University of Redlands. Through this program there are many opportunities for summer science research, local and out-of-state summer internships, and travel abroad programs where you can put your newfound knowledge and skills into application. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience in this program that will prepare you to excel in your career.

Classes you'll take

Foundation Courses

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • EVST100 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • EVST201 - Environment and Society
  • EVST233 - Environmental Geology
  • EVST243 - Ecology for Environmental Scientists
  • OR BIOL238 - Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Chemistry Requirement

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

  • CHEM102 - Introduction to Chemistry of Environment
  • CHEM131 - General Chemistry
    • General Chemistry is recommended

Allied Science

Complete at least 1 courses in the following course sets:

  • Physics - All
  • OR CHEM 132 and above
  • OR Biology 200-level
  • OR Biology 300-level
  • OR Biology 400-level
  • OR GIS 200-level
  • OR GIS 300-level
  • OR GIS 400-level

Mathematics

Complete at least 1 of the following courses:

  • MATH111 - Elementary Statistics With Applications
  • MATH118 - Integrated Calculus I
  • MATH231 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
  • POLI202 - Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
    • Either statistics or calculus fulfills this requirement. Both are recommended. A higher level Calculus may be substituted for MATH118.

Natural Science Electives

Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:

  • EVST220 - Physical Geography
  • EVST225 - California Plants: Taxonomy and Ecology
  • EVST250 - Environmental Design Studio I
  • EVST263 - Climate Science
  • EVST265 - Agroecology
  • EVST281 - The Palau Expedition: Explorations in Sustainable Development
  • EVST283 - Mapping Animals
  • EVST323 - Great Environmental Disasters
  • EVST333 - Oceanography
  • EVST334 - Environmental Hydrology
  • EVST343 - Biodiversity
  • EVST350 - Environmental Design Studio II
  • EVST363 - Soil Science
  • EVST365 - Topics in Life Science
  • EVST375 - Tropical Rainforests: the Amazon, the Andes and the Inca
  • EVST430 - Advanced Geology Seminar
  • EVST433 - Climate Science
    • At least 3 courses must be selected from the Natural Science Electives List.

Other Electives

No more than 2 courses may be selected from this category. Up to 2 electives from the Natural Science category may be substituted. EVST312 and EVST413 are recommended.

Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

  • EVST210 - Energy and the Environment
  • EVST213 - Environmental Justice
  • EVST215 - Literature of the Environment
  • EVST235 - Environmental Impact Assessment
  • EVST250 - Environmental Design Studio I
  • EVST310 - Environmental Law
  • EVST311 - Environmental Law in Action
  • EVST312 - Food Nature Power
  • EVST313 - Markets and Conservation Policies
  • EVST315 - Environmental Nonfiction
  • EVST325 - Public Lands Policy
  • EVST335 - Environment and Development
  • EVST347 - Innovation for Sustainability
  • EVST351 - PanaMapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest
  • EVST361 - Environmental Planning Social Sciences
  • EVST413 - Responses to Climate Change
  • EVST451 - Panamapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest
  • BIOL320 - TRVL: Marine Conservation
  • BIOL335 - Entomology
  • BIOL336 - Botany
  • BIOL339 - Zoology
  • BIOL340 - Conservation Biology
  • BIOL350 - Plant Ecology
  • CHEM132 - General Chemistry
  • CHEM231 - Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM232 - Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM312 - Advanced Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM331 - Physical Chemistry I
  • MATH231 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
  • PHYS220 - Fundamentals of Physics with Lab I
  • PHYS221 - Fundamentals of Physics With Lab II
  • PHYS231 - General Physics with Lab I
  • PHYS233 - General Physics III
  • GIS210 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and GIS
  • GIS325 - Spatial Data Acquisition and Representation
  • GIS326 - Cartography & Geovisualization
  • GIS425 - Remote Sensing Image Analysis

Capstone

Complete ALL of the following Courses:

  • EVST475 - Capstone Senior Project in Evst
    Taken in the fall of Senior Year

Practicum

Experiential Learning (Practicum): 0 credits, Complete one of the following:

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

  • EVST345 - Sustainable Development and Migration in Mexico
  • EVST350 - Environmental Design Studio II
  • EVST351 - PanaMapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest
  • EVST451 - Panamapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest
  • EVST375 - Tropical Rainforests: the Amazon, the Andes and the Inca
  • EVST385 - Adv Program Internship
  • EVST485 - Adv Program Internship
  • BIOL350 - Plant Ecology
  • SPRO300 - Study Abroad Program

Why should you minor in environmental GIS at Redlands?

The Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIS) minor, strategically designed to equip majors in Environmental Studies with specialized GIS competencies, is specifically tailored to enhance your expertise in environmental applications and scientific inquiry.

Core Courses

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • GIS 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis & GIS (4)
  • GIS 210 Advanced Spatial Analysis & GIS (4)

Advanced Methods Courses

Complete at least 2 of the following courses:

* GIS 325 and GIS 326 or GIS 425 recommended

  • GIS 167 Introduction to Python Programming (4)
  • DATA 101 Introduction to Data Science (4)
  • GIS 325 Spatial Data Acquisition & Representation (4)*
  • GIS 326 Cartography & Geovisualization (4)*
  • GIS 361 Advanced Topics in GIS (4)
  • GIS 362 Spatial DBMS (4)
  • GIS 353 Advanced Data Analysis with Python (4)
  • GIS 368 Advanced Cartography & Geovis (4)
  • GIS 369 Web GIS Applications (4)
  • GIS 425 Remote Sensing Image Analysis (4)*
  • GIS 455 Geospatial Analysis (4)
  • GIS 467 Introduction to Programming for GIS (4)
  • GIS 475 GIS Senior Seminar (4)
  • MATH 233 Introduction to Machine Learning (4)

Environmental Elective Courses

Complete at least 2 of the following courses:

* EVST 250 or EVST 350 recommended

  • BIOL 111 Introduction to Marine Biology (4)
  • CHEM 290 Mile High Chemistry: Field Experience in Environmental Chemistry (3)
  • CHEM 311 Environmental Chemistry Field Experience: Environmental Modeling (3)
  • EVST 213 Environmental Justice (4)
  • EVST 233 Environmental Geology (4)
  • EVST 250 Environmental Design Studio I (4)*
  • EVST 283 Mapping Animals (4)
  • EVST 323 Great Environmental Disasters (4)
  • EVST 333 Oceanography (4)
  • EVST 334 Environmental Hydrology (4)
  • EVST 343 Biodiversity (4)
  • EVST 350 Environmental Design Studio II (4)*
  • EVST 351 Panamapping: Geodesign to Conserve the Rainforest (3)
  • EVST 430 Advanced Geology Seminar (4)
  • EVST 433 Climate Science (4)
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
Apply Now

What you'll learn

Acquire fundamental knowledge in diverse scientific disciplines including earth science, life science, and chemistry to understand environmental processes.
Utilize mathematical and statistical methods, along with advanced research techniques, to analyze and interpret environmental data effectively.
Understand the intricate relationships between the environment and society, focusing on policy, sustainability, and justice to drive informed decisions.
Engage in hands-on learning through internships, study abroad programs, and fieldwork, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
View catalog to learn more

What you'll learn

Mutiple media - Environmental fire burn notetaker

The professors are really cool. It is a lot more introspective than I thought it was going to be, which is great. I’ve been able to reevaluate a lot of my own opinions and life experience.

Thomas Lipscomb ’27, environmental science

Graduates pursue careers as

Advise organizations on environmental best practices, compliance, and sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental impact.
Study and manage wildlife populations, ecosystems, and their habitats to understand and conserve biodiversity.
Design, develop, and implement solutions to environmental problems, ensuring safe water, air, and land for human use and environmental sustainability.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to ensure their responsible use and preservation for future generations.

Graduates pursue careers as

Mutiple media - graduates career prep
$ 85 k

average salary for environmental science occupations in 2024.

Market research from PayScale and Zip Recruiter

9 out of 10 ( 91 %)

Alumni shared they gained critical thinking skills from their degree.

NACM Alumni Career Mobility, 2022

Top 10

Best Universities in the West

U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Career Prep

The University of Redlands offers many ways to prepare you for life after graduation.

Visit career prep page

Featured faculty

Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with our admissions team.

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