University of the Pacific
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences takes a broad view of the Earth and offers courses that develop a scientific understanding of our planet, its history, natural systems, resources, and recent global change. Students explore the origin of the Earth and solar system, the formation of continents and oceans, the evolution and extinction of life, the distribution and availability of natural resources, and the impact of humans on the environment.

The major is designed to impart students with the practical skills and knowledge required to critically evaluate environmental problems and issues and provide applied solutions. The major is decidedly interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on the underlying natural processes relating to the environment and understanding and employing the scientific method. The need for broadly trained scientists in the area of environmental science is critical and the understanding of the importance of this field provides many employment opportunities. A BS in Environmental Science can lead to numerous employment opportunities with many different agencies and areas. Typical employment could involve working for consulting firms performing environmental restoration, producing environmental impact studies for both governmental agencies and private firms, and additional vital biological services. Other types of employment can be found with regulatory agencies seeking to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws, with environmental law firms, or public health agencies.

We use an interdisciplinary approach to study humanity's relationship with the environment. We approach environmental issues from a range of perspectives, ranging from economics and ethics to sciences, humanities, and the law, in order to understand and improve the way we relate to the rest of the natural world. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds who share our passion for the environment.

A Minor in Sustainability is suggested for students who desire an understanding of sustainability or those who anticipate working for trans-national or development organizations. The interdisciplinary Minor in Sustainability is open to students of all majors. Sustainability requires that short and long-term social, economic, and environmental impacts of products and processes be considered. With globalization of the world's economies, continuing challenges with depletion of resources and increased global pollution, the well-being of society will require application of the principles of sustainability. The Minor in Sustainability is suggested for students who desire an understanding of sustainability or those who anticipate working for trans-national or development organizations. The interdisciplinary Minor in Sustainability is open to students of all majors.

Requires coursework in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science and geology based courses. Provides introduction to interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues.

Complete coursework in the Geological Sciences. Courses cover underlying natural processes relating to earth systems and study earth resources and human interactions with the environment.