College of Science & Engineering
The Environmental Science major includes investigations of the biophysical processes important to environmental problems, Environmental management of natural resources and conservation, and analytical methods, including geographic information science, statistical analysis, and field-based measurement.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is designed for students intending to prepare for graduate school or direct entry into a career as an environmental scientist or environmental manager in industry or government.
There are lots of field trips and field experiences in this major. There is a student group, three annual scholarships and an inclusive and engaged student community.
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
Department of Geography and Environment
HSS Building, Room 279
Phone: (415) 338-2049
Email: geog@sfsu.edu
Website: https://geog.sfsu.edu/, https://geog.sfsu.edu/environmental-science
Chair: Andrew Oliphant
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
First Semester Course Recommendations — Roadmaps A, B, C & D
|
Major Class & Title |
Units |
Other Requirement Area(s) Met |
|
Math course selected in “Step 2” |
3-4 |
GE Area B4 |
|
GEOG 101 - Our Physical Environment |
3 units |
Major Lower-Division Core |
|
GEOG 102 - The Human Environment |
3 units
|
Major Lower-Division Core
|
If there are any course(s) listed above, please enter this information onto “Step 4” of your Freshmen Class Planner.
Advisor Footnotes:
-
Optional for first semester: CHEM 180 Chemistry for Energy and the Environment (Major Lower-Division Core, B1, B3, ES) — Prerequisites: Category I or II placement for QR/Math. Category III or IV for QR/Math placement must have completed MATH 197 with a grade of C or better or be enrolled in a B4 course, or have satisfied the GE Area B4 requirement. High school chemistry is recommended.
AP Environmental Science score with a score of 3 (or higher) is equivalent to Geog160.
Environmental scientist, environmental manager and environmental educator.
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.