Overview

The Environmental Studies - Conservation Science and Policy Concentration at the University of California, Santa Cruz provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex relationship between human systems and the natural world. This programme integrates rigorous training in the physical and biological sciences with essential social science perspectives to address modern sustainability challenges. Students develop professional competencies in quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and team management while exploring the agents of environmental change.

The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to identify societal structures that impact ecological health.

Why Environmental Studies - Conservation Science and Policy Concentration at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a distinctive approach to environmental education through its departmental internship programme, which allows students to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom. The Social Sciences Division provides access to specialised facilities and a curriculum that balances natural science competency with ethical and political analysis. Students benefit from a sequential academic structure that encourages early engagement with foundational subjects and offers pathways for departmental honours based on academic excellence.

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 lower-division requirements and advanced upper-division electives. Modules may include:

Physical and Chemical Environment
General Ecology
Environmental Politics, Economics and Justice
Statistical Methods for the Biological, Environmental, and Health Sciences
Ecology and Society
Conservation Biology
Restoration Ecology
National Environmental Policy
Coastal and Marine Policy

Careers with Environmental Studies - Conservation Science and Policy Concentration

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require a deep understanding of environmental assessment and policy development. The programme's focus on analytic thinking and communication skills supports career paths in environmental law, conservation management, and public policy. By completing a senior comprehensive requirement, such as a capstone project or senior internship, students gain practical experience relevant to industries focused on ecological restoration and sustainable resource management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Institutions, the Environment, and Economic Systems

Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications

Exercises in Geographic Information Systems

Conservation Biology

Landscape Ecology

Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Animal Ecology and Conservation

National Environmental Policy

Ecological Economics

Water Quality: Policy, Regulation, and Management

Environmental Law and Policy

Coastal and Marine Policy

Environmental Assessment

Restoration Ecology

Sustainable Water Systems

Freshwater and Wetland Ecology

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

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Biodiversity & Conservation Environmental Economics & Policy Environmental Sciences View 147 other Bachelors in Biodiversity & Conservation in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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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

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Studies - Conservation Science and Policy 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

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