Sharing Our Planet
Environmental Studies explores the interactions of humans with their natural environment. Today's environmental problems have evolved into highly complex and interdisciplinary issues involving political, economic, social, as well as physical and biological aspects. Modern environmental studies must include urban, agriculture, and natural habitats.
Society needs educated citizens who can address current and future environmental problems with an understanding of the linkages between systems such as the urban environment and atmospheric contamination, economic growth and its impacts on natural resources.
We believe that this approach will not only protect and sustain the human enterprise and the planet's natural systems, but will allow both to thrive. Learn more about our curriculum, courses, and academic programs here.
Sharing the Future
Responsible stewardship of our environment will require leaders that understand and respect human values and goals, and the relationship between natural and human communities. We believe that managing natural resources in responsible ways will sustain both resources and the human enterprise.
Today's critical issues like climate change, energy, water quality, ecosystem management and conservation, and human and environmental health are opportunities for the next generation of leaders to devise and implement solutions of global impact and enduring harmony.
President, Heinz Center
Class of 1981
Educating a New Breed of Environmental Leaders
Tomorrow's leaders must possess the scholarly background and intellectual skills necessary to understand complex environmental problems and formulate decisions that environmentally sound. Our educational process is highly interdisciplinary, drawing upon the diversity of environmentally related departments and disciplines throughout UC Santa Barbara. The new environmental leaders will be strong scholars with practical problem-solving skills, using both traditional governmental tools and those of commerce. They will think critically across disciplines and forge innovative partnerships.
The Environmental Studies Program, offers two degrees: a B.A. and B.S. Both stress the importance of understanding the interrelationships between the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with the option to allow a student the opportunity to choose studies that will most appropriately fit their environmental interests and goals.
Students majoring in environmental studies will explore a wide variety of environmental issues that bridge human and natural systems, including:
The Social Environment
Ethical and values systems
Environmental law and policy
Indigenous and religious beliefs
History and impact of past decisions
Environmental impact analysis
The Natural Environment
Climate system
Coastal processes
Energy technologies
Air/water pollution
Ecosystem function
Integrative Studies
Urban and regional planning
Food systems
Waste management
Freshwater management
» Visit the Welcome page by ES Program Chair, Dr. Josh Schimel.
» View our History page on 40+ years of ES at UCSB.
» Visit the Academics page for information on our undergraduate degrees, requirements, and courses offered.
