UCLA Environmental Science Program: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a robust and interdisciplinary Environmental Science program, drawing upon the strengths of various departments and institutes within the university. This article provides a detailed look into the program's structure, quality, reputation, opportunities, and related resources available at UCLA.

Introduction to Environmental Science at UCLA

As an institution of higher education, UCLA recognizes its obligation to prepare students to be global citizens equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability. The UCLA General Catalog serves as a primary resource for information regarding courses, curricula, and degree requirements, though it is important to note that all information is subject to change or deletion without notice. For the most current and officially approved details, consulting the catalog is essential. Additional information about UCLA's offerings can be found through the various schools such as Arts and Architecture; Dentistry; Education and Information Studies; Engineering and Applied Science; Law; Management; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Public Affairs; Public Health; and Theater, Film, and Television.

Academic Programs

UCLA offers a range of academic programs related to environmental science, catering to different interests and career goals. These include undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs and certificate programs.

Undergraduate Programs

Environmental Science Major (B.S.): This interdisciplinary program is offered jointly by the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) and several departments, including Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Earth and Space Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Health Sciences, and Geography. The B.S. degree provides both disciplinary breadth and depth, with a solid foundation in natural sciences and upper-division coursework focusing on understanding environmental issues across earth, atmospheric, life, and social sciences.
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Major (B.S.): The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOS) offers this B.S. program.

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Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences/Mathematics (B.S.): This interdepartmental program combines courses from the Mathematics and AOS departments. It is designed to provide rigorous mathematical training with a comprehensive background in topics relevant to atmospheric, oceanic, and environmental sciences.
Climate Science Major: This new major, offered by the Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, provides students with the scientific understanding they need to assess climate impacts from both human-induced climate change and natural climate variability, as well as find solutions to manage and mitigate them.
Earth and Environmental Science Major (B.A.): The B.A. degree program in the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences is intended to provide a broad background in Earth sciences, especially appropriate for students intending to become K-12 teachers in Earth, physical, or life sciences.
Geography/Environmental Studies Major and Minor: This program is intended to develop and deepen a student’s understanding of environmental issues. It emphasizes a systems approach to understanding the major environmental problems facing our society and the world at large.

Minor Programs

Environmental Systems and Society Minor: This IoES minor is designed for undergraduate students who wish to augment their major program of study with courses addressing the relationships between environmental science and associated social and political issues. The minor seeks to impart a deeper understanding of environmental systems related to air, land, water, and biological resources.

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Conservation Biology Minor: The Conservation Biology minor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is designed to augment a student’s major program of study with courses addressing issues central to the conservation and sustainability of biodiversity and natural ecosystem processes.
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Minor: The minor program offered through AOS provides a formal vehicle for students specializing in other science fields to pursue interests in the atmospheric and oceanic environment.

Graduate Programs

Environmental Science and Engineering Program (ES&E): The ES&E program is a professional doctorate program that provides students the scientific, engineering, and policy skills to translate their research into effective environmental action.
Environment and Sustainability PhD Program: This program equips students with diverse perspectives to develop profound new ideas, knowledge, and answers to the most important concerns facing people and the planet.
Environmental Health Sciences: The EHS department, in the School of Public Health, offers M.P.H., M.S., Ph.D., and Dr. P.H. degree programs that explore the relationship between human health and the environment.

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Public Policy - Environmental and Natural Resource Policy: The Department of Public Policy offers a specialization in Environmental and Resource Policy as part of the Masters in Public Policy professional degree program.
Urban Planning - Climate, Environment & Society: The Department of Urban Planning has Climate, Environment & Society (CES) as one area of concentration offered for the Masters of Arts in Urban Planning program.
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences - Atmospheric Dynamics & Climate: The AOS department offers a research area in Atmospheric Dynamics & Climate as part of the Ph.D. program.

Certificate Programs

UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program: UCLA Extension offers a comprehensive certificate in sustainability. The development of the Global Sustainability Certificate at UCLA Extension is in direct response to an identified need for a multi-disciplinary and dynamic educational experience related to the environmental challenges we are facing internationally. The intent is to examine topics of sustainability from a holistic approach, looking at inter-relationships, not singularly. The program is designed for those interested in exploring the dynamic field of environmental sustainability, those needing to stay up-to-date in their current position, or for individuals who want knowledge and skills to be better global citizens.
Sustainability Certificate: This certificate program encompasses the fields of design, business, energy, law, and public policy. It focuses on major elements that impact the environment on a daily basis, such as our use of water, air, land, energy, and transportation.
Environmental Studies Certificate: This interdisciplinary program provides a strong foundation for understanding the complex relationship between humans and the environment. Students learn about a variety of environmental issues, including air and water pollution, population growth and distribution, and global climate changes.
Food Studies Certificate: This program allows students to connect and learn alongside UCLA graduate students to combat food issues faced by our communities as well as globally.
Leaders in Sustainability Certificate Program: The IoES, together with the UCLA Anderson School of Business, offer graduate-level sustainability education through the Leaders in Sustainability Certificate Program.

Quality and Reputation

The Environmental Science major at UCLA is a well-regarded program that combines interdisciplinary coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The program provides a solid foundation in the various aspects of environmental science, while allowing students the flexibility to choose electives in their areas of interest.

UCLA Environmental Science professors are experts in their respective fields and are known for their commitment to both research and teaching. Coursework for the major is rigorous and covers a broad range of subjects such as ecology, environmental engineering, geology, atmospheric sciences, and environmental policy.

The reputation of UCLA's Environmental Science program is strong, partly due to being part of a top-ranked public university with a commitment to interdisciplinary research. Additionally, the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) at UCLA is a leading environmental research center that focuses on solving complex environmental problems. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and researchers from IoES, allowing them to gain valuable connections and insights into cutting-edge research.

Opportunities and Resources

UCLA's location in Los Angeles offers a unique advantage in terms of access to diverse ecosystems and real-world environmental challenges. This allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical scenarios through fieldwork, internships, and research projects. Additionally, UCLA has a strong career services department that can help connect students with job, internship, and research opportunities in the environmental sector.

Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES): The IoES is a hub for environmental research and education at UCLA. It provides students with opportunities to engage with faculty and researchers, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and attend seminars and workshops.
Sustainability Action Research (SAR): A student-initiated, student-designed, and student-facilitated program offered for credit through the Institute of the Environment & Sustainability.
Wells Environmental Law Clinic: The Clinic offers excellent opportunities for law students to obtain hands-on experience in environmental law. Working with many nonprofit and government agency partners, the clinic has been very successful at training environmental lawyers while helping to protect the environment.

Alumni Success

Graduates of UCLA's environmental programs have gone on to achieve success in various fields. For example, Danielle Sonobe, a 2023 UCLA graduate, became the first person in her family to receive a college degree. Shortly after, she was accepted into NASA's DEVELOP Spring 2024 program, which leverages Earth observation data to tackle environmental challenges. Her team assessed thermal stress impacts on coastal Hawaiian fishponds (loko i’a) using satellite observations - in collaboration with science advisors at NASA JPL, Hawaiian nonprofit Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Faculty Spotlight

Chris Hsu, D.Env., is a civil and environmental engineer committed to advancing sustainable water management and green infrastructure. His work focuses on stormwater engineering, water quality treatment, and the fate and transport of emerging contaminants. He specializes in permitting under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), supporting transportation systems, commercial and industrial facilities, and municipal programs in reducing pollution and protecting watersheds. Chris has contributed to statewide and regional Best Management Practice (BMP) strategies, advanced treatment systems, and rainwater harvesting projects to promote water reuse and climate resilience.

Testimonials

One participant in the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate program noted that the coursework was directly relevant to their job function and provided new perspective on climate change and air quality planning work. The skills gained empowered them to critically analyze internal Sustainability Councils and make recommendations for improvement.

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