Overview

The Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration at the University of California, Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability. This programme integrates the physical, biological, and social sciences to prepare students for managing complex ecological and human systems. By focusing on spatial technologies, undergraduates gain the technical expertise required to analyse and address modern environmental challenges.

Students in this concentration develop a robust foundation in environmental politics, economics, and justice alongside rigorous scientific training. The curriculum emphasises analytic thinking and effective communication, ensuring graduates can evaluate complex literature and present data-driven solutions.

Why Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration at the University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university provides a distinctive learning environment that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students benefit from specialised facilities and a curriculum that includes intermediate and advanced GIS training. The programme is supported by the Social Sciences Division, offering unique opportunities for research and field-based learning in the diverse ecosystems of California.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes foundational science and mathematics followed by specialised spatial analysis modules. Modules may include:

The Physical and Chemical Environment
Environmental Politics, Economics and Justice
Ecology and Society
Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications
Intermediate Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
General Ecology
Statistical Methods for the Biological, Environmental, and Health Sciences
Environmental Field Methods

Careers with Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles that require sophisticated spatial data analysis and environmental management skills. Common career paths include positions as GIS analysts, environmental consultants, and conservation planners within governmental agencies or non-profit organisations. The programme's focus on quantitative analysis and project management ensures that alumni are competitive in industries ranging from urban planning to natural resource protection.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications

Exercises in Geographic Information Systems

Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Global Climate Change Politics

Green Cities

Water Quality: Policy, Regulation, and Management

Environmental Inequality/Environmental Justice

Environmental Law and Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Environmental Sciences View 165 other Bachelors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners