Dec 11, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Environmental Science, Geography, and Management, B.S.



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The B.S. degree in Environmental Science, Geography, and Management is designed to establish a strong grounding in the natural (biological, physical) and data sciences, and applying that understanding to a holistic and systemic analysis of environmental and social issues.  Students complete a common core of Foundational, Breadth, and Professional Preparation and Experience courses. Students further specialize their studies through GEP electives in one of four focal areas: Environmental Management and Policy, Environmental Systems, Energy Management & Design, or Geospatial Science. All students are required to take a 400-level capstone course.  All courses in the curriculum strengthen students’ writing, critical thinking and presentation skills, which are critical for any successful career.

Program Learning Outcomes


PLO1: (Knowledge): Articulate and explain major social and environmental processes, and their interactions, in both the natural and built environment, integrating additional natural and/or data science disciplines

PLO2: (Analysis): Analyze quantitative, qualitative and spatial evidence through multiple analytical frameworks (integrating additional natural and/or data science disciplines) to draw conclusions, solve problems, or optimize a plan

PLO3: (Communication): Demonstrate effective writing and presentation skills.

PLO4: (Professional Preparation): Apply academic knowledge and skills to a real-world experience and prepare for a professional career

Degree Requirements


See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Major Requirements (68 units)


This degree is designed to establish a strong grounding in the physical, natural and data sciences, and apply that understanding to a holistic and systemic analysis of environmental and social issues.

​​​​​​​Note: Courses required for the major must be taken for a traditional letter grade, except for courses that are offered CR/NC only. Students must earn a C- or better in any course applied to the major. Breadth courses do not double-counted in GEP Electives.

Core Courses (40 units)


Foundation Courses (11 units)


Lower Division Natural and Data Science Foundation Outside GEP (10 units)


Choose three courses from at least two categories

Breadth Courses (15 units)


Choose one from each category

Professional Preparation and Experiences (5 units)


GEP 310 and 311 are required. GEP 311 is repeatable, but only 1 unit may count in this category.

GEP Electives (21 units)


Take 3 courses in one focus area. Take additional electives within any focus area to reach 21 units. Must take at least one 400-level capstone course during junior/senior year (72+ units). Breadth courses do not double count as electives.

Program Road Maps


Sample Four-Year Program


The Four year Plan is a sample study plan. The sequence and specific courses given are suggestive; please see an advisor each semester to plan your personal program and track your progress using the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MYSSU.

Courses may be interchanged fall and spring semester depending on course offering each semester.

General Education Notes

  • GE Areas A2 and B4 should be completed by the end of the first year. Some students may take year-long courses for GE A2 and/or B4.
  • GE Area A1 and A3 should be completed by the end of the second year
  • Students should enroll in Upper Division GE courses after completion of Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 with a C- or better, lower division GE in that area, and 45 units total.
  • Not all First-Year Learning Communities (FLC’s) meet the same GE areas.
  • GE Area D must be taken in two different subject areas across the nine total required units in lower division (LD) and upper division (UD).
  • Students must take American Institution requirements in U.S. History and U.S. Constitution/California State and Local Government. These requirements may be met in GE.


Freshman Year: 32 Units


Fall Semester (16 Units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

Sophomore Year: 31 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

Junior Year: 28 Units


Fall Semester (14 Units)

Spring Semester (14 Units)

  • Professional Preparation: Credits / Units: 1

  • Unit(s): 1
  • GEP Practical Experience Credits / Units: 2
  • GEP Electives Credits / Units: 4
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 3
  • Supporting Elective outside of GEP Credits / Units: 4

Senior Year: 29 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

  • GEP Elective (400 level), Units: 4
  • GEP Elective, Units: 4
  • GE Area UD C: Arts or Humanities, Units: 3
  • Supporting course outside GEP, Units: 3
Spring Semester (15 units)

  • GEP Elective, Units: 3
  • GEP Elective, Units: 3
  • GE UD Area D: Social Sciences, (GEP 305; 306; 371) Units: 3
  • GE UD Area B: Scientific Inquiry & Quantitative Reasoning (If not completed through GEP ES Breadth/electives) Units: 3
  • Any Elective, Units: 3

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