Overview

The Environmental Sciences programme at University of California, Santa Cruz is an interdepartmental, undergraduate-only degree designed to address complex environmental issues. This curriculum focuses specifically on the physical sciences to provide students with a robust, quantitative foundation for understanding the natural world. By integrating diverse scientific disciplines, the programme ensures graduates are prepared for the competitive global marketplace.

Why Environmental Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Choosing this major allows students to benefit from a curriculum managed by the Earth and Planetary Sciences and Ocean Sciences departments. Unlike many programmes that focus on biological aspects, this degree emphasises the physical sciences, offering a unique perspective on sustainability and conservation. The university provides a rigorous academic environment that fosters deep technical expertise and analytical skills essential for modern scientific challenges.

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 is structured to provide breadth and depth across the physical sciences. Modules may include:

Earth and Planetary Sciences
Ocean Sciences
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Climate Change
Pollution
Ecosystems
Conservation

Careers with Environmental Sciences

Graduates are well-equipped to enter a variety of professional sectors or pursue advanced academic research. The quantitative training provided by the university prepares students for roles in environmental consulting, business, and industry. Many alumni find success within governmental agencies at local, state, and federal levels, working on policy and regulation.

Opportunities also exist within non-profit organisations and scientific research institutions. For those looking to continue their education, the programme serves as a strong foundation for graduate or professional school in fields such as engineering, law, teaching, public health, and business. The focus on physical sciences makes graduates particularly competitive for technical roles in sustainability and resource management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Climate and climate change: Earth's past, present, and future climate

Global biogeochemical cycles: Cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, mercury, etc.

Atmosphere: Meteorology, air quality, and atmospheric chemistry

Oceans: Physical, chemical, and biological oceanography

Fresh Water: Water resources and water quality

Pollution: Water pollution, air pollution, pollutant transport

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 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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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

Environmental Sciences View 1433 other Bachelors in Environmental Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

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115

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses ("a-g" courses), with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year.

Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (3.40 or better for a non-resident of California) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

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 Sciences.

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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