University of California, San Diego
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Environmental Systems Program recognizes the growing demand for environmental specialists and is designed to prepare undergraduates to enter a broad spectrum of environmental careers and graduate programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, public policy, law, and business.  

This interdisciplinary program recognizes that local, national, regional, international, and global environmental problems do not fit neatly into traditional academic departments. A measurable part of society’s inability to effectively manage complex environmental problems stems from the lack of specialists who can apply analytical tools that cross disciplinary boundaries. Many environmental specialists possess little training in the natural sciences including both the fundamental ideas and methodologies of the earth and environmental sciences. The Environmental Systems (ESYS) major was created to address both shortcomings. 

The Environmental Systems Program places a significant value on interdisciplinary problem solving and all majors are expected to complete an integrative Senior Project in their final year. The Senior Project is designed by the student to focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic. Appropriate topics for the Senior Project could conceivably include biodiversity conservation, coastal zone management, environmental health, climate change, environmental justice, and/or urban air quality. An important component of the Senior Project is an off-campus or laboratory internship where students might work on, for example, the development of a comprehensive management plan for a threatened ecosystem. 

Students completing the advanced tracks in “Earth Sciences,” “Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution,” and “Environmental Chemistry” will be awarded a B.S. in environmental systems. The B.A. In environmental systems will be granted to students completing the “Environmental Policy” track within the major.

The Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (EBE) major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to understand the complex relationships between organisms and their environments. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of ecology, behavior, and evolution, and the skills to apply this knowledge to address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. The EBE major at UC San Diego is well-positioned to provide students with a strong foundation in sustainability education, given the university's strong reputation for environmental research and sustainability initiatives. The program prepares students for careers in environmental science, conservation, and sustainability, and for further studies in ecology, evolution, and related fields. 

The Environmental Chemistry major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to address environmental challenges through a strong foundation in natural sciences. The major is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with two options: with or without American Chemical Society (ACS) certification. 

Students in the Environmental Chemistry major can expect to gain a deep understanding of the chemical principles underlying environmental issues and develop skills to analyze and address these challenges. The program prepares students for careers in industry, government, or law, and for further environmental sciences or chemistry studies. 

-B.A. Urban Studies and Planning https://usp.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/usp/index.html   

Program Description: The Urban Studies and Planning major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to understand the complex issues of urbanization and sustainable development. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of urban planning, policy, and development, and the skills to analyze and address the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing cities and communities. Overall, the Urban Studies and Planning major at UC San Diego offers a unique blend of academic rigor, professional development, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to become leaders in the field of sustainable urban development. 

-B.S. Geosciences (formerly Earth Sciences) https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/curriculum/geosciences   

Program Description: The Geosciences major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to understand the complex relationships between the Earth's systems and the impact of human activities on the environment. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of earth sciences and the skills to analyze and address the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing our planet. The Geosciences major at UCSD is well-positioned to provide students with a strong foundation in sustainability education, given the university's strong reputation for environmental research and sustainability initiatives. The program prepares students to think critically and creatively about the problems and prospects of our planet, and to develop solutions that promote sustainable and equitable development. 

-B.S. Marine Biology https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/curriculum/marine-biology   

Program Description: The Marine Biology major at UC San Diego places a strong emphasis on sustainability education, recognizing that ocean sciences are relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems and central to understanding earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate, and sustainability. The program prepares students to think critically and creatively about the problems and prospects of our planet, and to develop solutions that promote sustainable and equitable development. The major takes advantage of UC San Diego's unique physical location along the Pacific Ocean, with laboratory work and field trips to intertidal zones, salt marshes, and other marine ecosystems being important components of the instructional program.  

-B.A. or B.S Global Health https://globalhealthprogram.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/major.html   

Program Description: The Global Health major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of factors related to illness, health, and healing from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective that transcends national borders and regional interests. The program is designed to provide students with a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of global health, covering a wide range of topics including health care, health education, environmental effects on health, infectious disease, mental health, health inequalities, and reproductive health. The program's emphasis on sustainability education is evident in its focus on the social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health, as well as its recognition of the importance of cross-cultural understanding and cultural difference in addressing global health challenges. By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of global health issues and the skills to address them, the Global Health major at UC San Diego prepares students to become leaders in the field of global health and sustainability. 

-B.S. Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/curriculum/ocean-and-atmospheric-sciences   

Program Description: The Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences major at UC San Diego, managed by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a comprehensive program that applies physics, chemistry, and math to develop an understanding of the ocean and atmosphere. The major engages students in a wide range of topics of scientific interest and increasing social concern, including ocean waves, natural climate variability, human-caused climate change, ocean acidification, atmospheric storms, and oceanic eddies. A degree in oceanic and atmospheric sciences is an appropriate start for a broad range of career and graduate school opportunities in various areas, including research, government, state and federal survey jobs, environmental management and consulting, ocean sciences, industrial institutions, elementary or secondary education, environmental policy, or environmental law. 

-B.A. Anthropology - Climate Change and Human Solutions  

https://anthropology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-studies/major-minor/B.A.%20Anthropology%20-%20Climate%20Change%20and%20Human%20Solutions%20Concentration.html     

Description: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces today.  We are at a turning point and must act.  It is a global and local process--bringing wildfires to California, causing extreme heat and weather around the world, melting glaciers in the Himalayas and Andes, causing sea levels to rise in ways that endangered coastal communities and island nations, putting stress on communities, causing food and water insecurity, threatening health and well-being, posing special risks to the very young, the old, and vulnerable communities.  Cities are seeking to adapt and prepare.  Communities want to know what they can do.  Societies around the world must find climate solutions and leave no one out of the solutions they develop.  We are proud to offer an innovative major in climate change solutions that will give students the knowledge and skills needed to help the world meet the challenges of climate change.  It combines the unique ability of anthropology to work with people to collaborate on climate solutions with training in design and technology that provide essential hands-on skills, while bridging the local and global parts of the problem.  

-B.S. Biological Sciences with Focus in Human Biology   

https://biology.ucsd.edu/education/undergrad/major-minor-programs/majors/requirements/index.html 

Description: The Biological Sciences with focus in Human Biology major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that focuses on the study of human biology and its impact on the environment. This specialization is designed to give students a deep understanding of human biology, including the structure, function, and behavior of the human body, and the interactions between humans and the environment. The program places a strong emphasis on sustainability education, recognizing the critical role that human biology plays in understanding and addressing environmental challenges. Students in this specialization will gain a solid foundation in biological sciences and a broad understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing human health and well-being.  

The Environmental Studies minor at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that provides students from every major with a basic grounding in the scientific, technical, social, and cultural issues presented by the interaction of human beings with their environment and the need to build a more environmentally sustainable future. This minor is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global and regional environmental issues, including air and water pollution, climate disruption, solid waste disposal, hazardous waste treatment, and environmental impact assessment. Overall, the Environmental Studies minor at UC San Diego provides students with a comprehensive education in sustainability, equipping them to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century and to become leaders in creating a more sustainable future. 

The Climate Change Studies minor at UC San Diego is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, social, political, and economic dimensions of climate change. This minor is designed to equip students from any major with the knowledge, skills, and drive to develop and implement solutions to climate change, emphasizing interdisciplinary solution-based thinking. Overall, the Climate Change Studies minor at UC San Diego provides students with a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts, as well as the skills to develop sustainable solutions to this critical global challenge. 

The Environmental Systems (ESYS) interdisciplinary minor at UC San Diego is designed to prepare students to address the complex environmental challenges of the 21st century. This minor recognizes that environmental problems do not fit neatly into traditional academic departments and requires an interdisciplinary approach to solve them. The ESYS minor is supported by a wide range of UC San Diego faculty from various disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and medicine. Through this minor, students will gain a deep understanding of environmental systems and the skills to analyze and address complex environmental issues from multiple perspectives. The program prepares students for careers in environmental fields, such as natural resource management, environmental policy, and sustainability, and for graduate study in environmental sciences or related fields. 

MINORS: 

-Minor in Marine Sciences https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/curriculum/marine-science-minor   

Description: The Marine Science minor at UC San Diego, offered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, provides students with a broad interdisciplinary perspective on ocean-related science, emphasizing sustainability education and environmental focus. The minor is designed to complement the strong disciplinary training of UC San Diego basic science majors, preparing students for careers in environmental management and regulation, teaching, environmental law, economics, and policy, as well as for graduate programs. 

-Minor in Urban Studies and Planning https://catalog.ucsd.edu/curric/USP.html   

Description: The minor in Urban Studies and Planning at UC San Diego is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to address the complex challenges of urbanization, with a strong emphasis on sustainability education. The Department of Urban Studies and Planning recognizes the critical importance of educating the next generation of urban problem solvers, and the minor is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of urban systems, sustainable development, and the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape cities. 

-Minor in Geosciences (formerly Earth Sciences) https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/curriculum/geosciences-minor   

Description: The Geoscience minor can complement a wide variety of disciplinary majors, is relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems, and is central to understanding Earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate, resource management, natural disasters, clean air and water, marine and coastal systems, and sustainability. 

-Minor in Global Health https://globalhealthprogram.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/minor.html   

Description: The Global Health minor at UC San Diego is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of factors related to illness, health, and healing from a comparative and global perspective. The program's curriculum is designed to address the urgent social concern of achieving equity in health for people worldwide, with a focus on understanding and productively intervening in processes of health, illness, and healing across the globe. Through the Global Health minor, students gain a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex relationships between health, culture, and environment, which is essential for promoting sustainability and addressing the health challenges of the 21st century. 

-Minor in Anthropology-Climate Change and Human Solutions  https://anthropology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-studies/major-minor/Minor%20in%20Anthropology%20-%20Climate%20Change%20and%20Human%20Solutions.html   

Description: The Anthropology-Climate Change and Human Solutions minor at UC San Diego focuses on understanding the complex relationships between human societies, cultures, and the environment, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. This interdisciplinary approach explores the social, economic, environmental, and health impacts of climate change and how human-centered solutions can be designed and implemented to mitigate its effects. 

-Minor in Urban Studies and Planning https://catalog.ucsd.edu/curric/USP.html#:~:text=The%20Minor%20Program&text=Students%20who%20wish%20to%20minor,not%20lower%20than%20a%20C%E2%80%93.   

Description: The Urban Studies and Planning minor at UC San Diego offers students a comprehensive understanding of urban development, growth, and culture, with a strong focus on sustainability education. The minor provides students with experiential learning opportunities, place-based research, internships, and practicum experiences that address issues such as community economic development, physical planning, urban design, affordable housing, real estate development, sustainable development, transportation policy, healthy placemaking, and active living. 

CONCENTRATIONS: 

-B.A. Anthropology - Global Concentration: https://anthropology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-studies/major-minor/global-concentration.html  

Description: The Global Concentration in Anthropology emphasizes the importance of understanding global issues, including sustainability, and prepares students to address these challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Through this concentration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between human societies and the environment and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to promote sustainable development and environmental justice. 

-B.S. Physics with Specialization in Earth Sciences https://physics.ucsd.edu/students/undergraduate/education     

Description: The Physics major with Specialization in Earth Sciences at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that combines the principles of physics with the study of the Earth's systems and processes. This specialization is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the Earth's physical systems, including the atmosphere, oceans, and solid Earth, as well as the interactions between these systems and the impact of human activities on the environment. The program places a strong emphasis on sustainability education, recognizing the critical role that physics plays in understanding and addressing the Earth's environmental challenges. Students in this specialization will gain a solid foundation in physics, as well as a broad understanding of the Earth sciences, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography  

-B.S. Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in Renewable Energy and Environmental Flows https://catalog.ucsd.edu/curric/MAE-ug.html     

Description: The Mechanical Engineering major with a Specialization in Renewable Energy and Environmental Flows at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to address the world's most pressing environmental challenges through sustainable solutions. This specialization is designed for students interested in technologies that enable sustainable growth, flow and transport in atmosphere, ocean, and groundwater, and renewable energy solutions for the electric power system. Overall, the Mechanical Engineering major with a Specialization in Renewable Energy and Environmental Flows at UC San Diego offers a unique blend of technical knowledge and sustainability education, preparing students to become leaders in the field of renewable energy and environmental sustainability.  

-B.S.P.H. Public Health with a Concentration in Climate and Environmental Sciences https://ph.ucsd.edu/undergrad/majors/effective2020/climate-and-environmental-sciences.html#:~:text=Bachelor%20of%20Science%20in%20Public,in%20Climate%20and%20Environmental%20Sciences&text=Climate%20and%20Environmental%20Sciences%20involves,being%20of%20individuals%20and%20populations.   

Description: The Public Health major with a Concentration in Climate and Environmental Sciences at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to address the complex relationships between environmental factors and human health. This concentration is designed for students interested in understanding the impact of climate change and environmental factors on public health and developing sustainable solutions to mitigate these effects. Overall, the Public Health major with a Concentration in Climate and Environmental Sciences at UC San Diego offers a unique blend of public health knowledge and sustainability education, preparing students to become leaders in the field of environmental health and sustainable development. 

In addition to the undergraduate programs listed above that meet the definition of sustainability-focused, UC San Diego offers other sustainability-inclusive degree programs and minors, including those listed below: 

SUSTAINABILITY-INCLUSIVE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS AND MINORS:   

B.S. Structural Engineering: https://se.ucsd.edu/academics/undergraduate-program   

Description: The Structural Engineering major at UC San Diego is a comprehensive program that prepares students to design, analyze, and optimize structures and structural materials for a holistic perspective, including those used in civil, geotechnical, aerospace, naval, marine, energy, and biological applications. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that it meets established quality standards. The program's objectives and outcomes emphasize the importance of sustainability education, with graduates expected to possess a broad set of multidisciplinary skills, including the inclination and ability to consider sustainability, resilience, and socioeconomic community needs. Students will learn to apply engineering design principles to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 

Minor in International Studies: https://isp.ucsd.edu/programs/minor-requirements/index.html   

Description: The International Studies minor at UC San Diego offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of contemporary global issues, societies, and cultures. By combining coursework from various disciplines, including political science, economics, sociology, business, anthropology, literature, and linguistics, students gain a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships between global and regional environments, as well as the cultural, economic, and political interests that shape them. Through this minor, students acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills that enable them to critically analyze and contribute to shaping the rapidly evolving global community, preparing them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world. 

NOTES: 

UC San Diego is constantly updating the list of majors, minors, and concentrations, so it is worth noting that this may not be an exhaustive list based on time of reviewing this document. This is a compilation of programs as of Summer 2024.  

METHODOLOGY: 

To populate the information described herein and ensure accuracy, UC San Diego Staff utilized a three-pronged research approach: (1) communication with the Campus Registrar Office, which provided us with a list of majors, minors, and concentrations for the desired academic time period; (2) review the university website; and (3) TritonGPT, a suite of UC San Diego specific AI Assistants, to perform a gap analysis using novel prompt questions and statements (e.g. “list all undergraduate major concentrations”).