General Catalog 2026-2027
Earth and Environmental Sciences
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About the Department
Dr. Mara Brady, Chair
Science II Building, Room 114
559.278.3086
csm.fresnostate.edu/ees/
If you’re interested in solving real-world problems that affect communities, natural resources, and the environment, Earth and Environmental Sciences may be the right place for you. Our programs prepare you to explore, understand, and monitor Earth systems in order to protect both people and the planet. You’ll study how the Earth works - from groundwater and climate to rocks, soils, and landscapes - while building the scientific and quantitative skills employers are looking for.
Earth and Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and data analysis to address geological and environmental challenges. Just as important, you’ll develop strong critical thinking, field, laboratory, and communication skills.
We are a close-knit department where students know their professors and work directly with faculty mentors. Every student has the opportunity to complete research or an internship before graduation. Many students pursue paid internships or part-time positions with state agencies, environmental consulting firms, and private companies while earning their degree.
Our location in Central California gives you access to an extraordinary outdoor laboratory. Within a few hours of campus, you can study the Sierra Nevada, the Coast Ranges, deserts, rivers, agricultural systems, and coastal environments. More than 18 courses include field trips, giving you hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
Degree Programs
Environmental Sciences, B.S. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and solving environmental challenges. You’ll build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and earth science while developing practical skills in environmental monitoring, sampling, data analysis, and problem-solving.
This degree is ideal if you’re interested in:
- Soil and water science
- Pollution prevention and remediation
- Ecosystem protection and restoration
- Water resources management
- Environmental consulting and policy
Coursework emphasizes field and laboratory investigations, and every student completes a research project or internship. Our strong connections with state agencies and private-sector employers create opportunities for hands-on experience and professional networking.
Common Career Paths
- Environmental consulting
- State and federal environmental agencies
- Water quality and groundwater monitoring
- Restoration and resource management
- Environmental planning and compliance
Interesting Classes You Might Take
- Climate Change Solutions
- Geochemistry
- Soil and Water Sciences
- Environmental GIS
- Environmental Sampling
What You’ll Gain
- Practical skills for careers in environmental science and consulting
- Quantitative tools to analyze environmental data and solve complex problems
- Strong critical thinking and scientific communication skills
Geology, B.S. This program focuses on Earth’s materials, processes, and history. You’ll study rocks, minerals, fossils, groundwater, and geologic structures while learning how Earth systems shape landscapes and influence natural hazards. Geologists play an essential role in managing and protecting critical resources such as groundwater, surface water, energy resources, construction materials, and strategic minerals. They also help communities understand and mitigate risks from earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic activity.
This degree prepares you for careers in:
- Environmental and engineering consulting
- Groundwater and surface water management
- Geotechnical and engineering geology
- Natural resource exploration
- Government agencies and research
Most of our geology graduates work in water resource protection and supply management throughout California. Every geology major completes research or an internship, and many gain professional experience before graduation through part-time work with consulting firms or agencies.
This degree satisfies the education requirement for the California Professional Geologist (PG) license.
Interesting Classes You Might Take
- Natural Disasters and Earth Resources
- Hydrogeology
- Sedimentology
- Engineering Geology
What You’ll Gain
- Applied technical skills for geology and environmental careers
- Quantitative tools for hazard assessment and resource management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in field experience
Earth and Environmental Science M.S. The Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Science expands upon the B.S. programs in Geology and Environmental Science or provides the opportunity to transition into the field from another discipline.
This degree is designed for students who want to:
- Work at the professional level in industry or government
- Advance into project management roles
- Teach earth science at the community college level
- Pursue further graduate study at the Ph.D. level
The M.S. also reduces the length of work experience required to qualify for California’s Professional Geologist (PG) license. Students may specialize in one or more environmental or geoscience subdisciplines. The degree is well-suited for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, resource management, and applied geoscience industries.
Water Resources Management, M.S. (Offered online through Continuing and Global Education) Water is one of California’s most critical resources. The M.S. in Water Resources Management prepares students to address the scientific, policy, and economic dimensions of water use in urban, agricultural, and industrial settings.
This fully online program is designed for working professionals seeking advanced knowledge in:
- Hydrologic systems
- Water policy and governance
- Environmental regulation
- Water economics and management
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in water districts, consulting firms, regulatory agencies, and resource management organizations.
Minor in Geology. The Geology minor allows you to gain recognized expertise in geology while majoring in another field. The flexible 20-unit curriculum is developed with a faculty advisor and can support interests in civil engineering, construction management, soil science, agriculture, biology, environmental science, and related fields.
Minor in Water. The interdisciplinary Minor in Water provides focused study on water-related topics, particularly those relevant to California’s Central Valley. The 18-unit program allows you to select courses aligned with your interests and career goals.
Career Opportunities
Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates are in strong demand in California and beyond.
Environmental Sciences
California has the highest employment level of Environmental Scientists and Specialists and is one of the top five highest paying states in the country for these positions, with an annual average salary of $102,350. Environmental Scientist positions are growing nationally at an average of 7% per year, which is faster than average for all occupations in
the United States (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientists & Specialists). Search for more career opportunities and information under Labor Market Statistics on our Career Development Center website. You can also find out more about different career pathways and job prospects by reviewing Fresno State’s Environmental Science Job Outlook, which includes information about our recent graduates and where they are employed.
Geology
California has the highest employment level for Geoscientists and is one of the top five highest paying states in the country for these positions, with an annual average salary of
$108,330. Geoscience jobs are growing by 5% per year. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Geoscientists). California has the highest level of employment for Hydrologists and is one of the top five highest paying states in the country with an annual salary of $120,010 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Hydrologists). Search for more career opportunities and information under Labor Market Statistics on our Career Development Center website. You can also find out more about different career pathways and job prospects by reviewing Fresno State’s Geology Major Outlook, which includes information about our recent graduates and where they are employed.
ProgramsCertificatesBachelorMasterMinorCoursesEarth and Environmental Sciences
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