Occidental College
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

"Occidental's Urban and Environmental Policy (UEP) major is an interdisciplinary program for students who want to change the world. It combines politics, planning, environmental policy, public health, urban studies, economics, sociology, and other disciplinary approaches. The UEP program recognizes that "urban" and "environmental" are very much interconnected and that issues of economic and environmental justice are integrally linked to where and how we live, work, play, eat, and go to school. Topics covered in the program include housing and community development, public health, land use and transportation, food and resource issues, education, immigration, air and water quality, water and energy supply, poverty and social welfare, criminal justice, race and gender and class relations, globalization, and other topics at the local, state, national and international levels."

The UEP minor consists of UEP 101 Environment and Society or UEP/POLS 106 and Politics 101; and three other courses at the 200 level and above in the UEP program. The UEP minor provides the opportunity for students to understand the interconnection between "urban" and "environmental" as they delve into topics like "housing and community development, public health, land use and transportation, food and resource issues, education, immigration, air and water quality, water and energy supply, poverty and social welfare, criminal justice, race and gender and class relations, globalization, and other topics at the local, state, national and international levels."

"Occidental's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean offers students a living laboratory for studying Marine Biology.

Our marine program is part of the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), which is a consortium of 10 local colleges and universities that pool their resources to promote the study of the near shore environment. Oxy undergraduates select from biology courses and they are also encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities with faculty and working professionals.

Whether interested in learning about current research and projects at home or abroad, networking with marine scientists and faculty or thinking about eventually pursuing a graduate degree in marine biology, there are a variety of extracurricular activities, including SCUBA diving, for students to compliment their academic coursework. Past students have spent semesters abroad studying in Australia, New Zealand, and in locations adjacent to the South Pacific, Mediterranean and the Caribbean. A number of our former undergraduate students are also enrolled in top graduate programs."

"Environmental Science is a Concentration in either the Biology or Geology major that explores earth processes and ecosystems and develops skills that students need for environmental analysis and problem-solving.

The Environmental Science Concentration is designed for students who want to more fully understand the biological and geologic foundation of Environmental Science and provides them with a shared academic experience and expertise within a specific scientific field. Participation in a core of introductory courses establishes the interdisciplinary breadth necessary for understanding complex environmental problems. Further specialization gives students a strong background in Biology or Geology, preparing them to become involved in research projects, fieldwork, internships, and environmental studies. Students will receive their Bachelor of Arts in Biology or Geology with an Environmental Science Concentration, enabling them to pursue graduate work in Biology, Geology or Environmental Science, and professional careers in these and related fields."