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 Undergraduate Information



Doing an assessment

Welcome to the Department of Environmental Science & Policy. If the prospect of solving environmental problems inspires you, this is the place for you! We have two majors, Environmental Science and Management (ESM) or Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning (EPAP).

What do you study?

  • Do you want to understand the functioning of our natural resources? Do you want to influence how air, water, and land are used and protected? ESM Majors are introduced to the physical, biological, and social components of environmental problems, learn real world problem solving and how to use cutting edge technology and tools.

  • The EPAP major emphasizes how to read, write and analyze policy. The courses you take provide background in the sciences, economics, law and quantitative methods to work effectively on environmental problems. This major has 6 areas of specialization that help pave the way for your career path.

    • Where do you work after graduation?

    Alumni pdf

  • Although nearly one-third of our graduates go on to graduate or law school within a few years of completing their B.S. degree, a graduate degree isn’t necessary to obtain a good job in the environmental field. Graduates of either degree have gone to work in public agencies specializing in natural resources and ecological research if they have a biology background, or as city planners and environmental analysts if they have a policy background, just to name a few of the potential occupations. They are also working in conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms and as environmental lawyers.
    		• Collecting data
    Using seine at Bodega Bay

    What about research & internships?

  • Internships may be found through the career center (http://icc.ucdavis.edu), from postings on our department listserv, or created by the student (with guidance from the ICC.) Research opportunities are found in almost any professor’s laboratory. As early as your sophomore year, if you take a class you find engaging, you should approach that professor about their research and research opportunities. The work may be paid or voluntary but it’s always useful in determining areas of interest or obtaining a reference.

    • Advising

  • Dedicated staff and faculty advisors are on hand to help you match your interests and plan courses that will prepare you for your career. In a recent survey, our students remarked on “the friendly nature of the department, the small classes and the personal interaction with the professors.” Stop by or make an appointment with one of our advisors to discuss our programs.