Charting Pathways Towards a Just and Sustainable Future
Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara generates transformative ideas through research and educates students to become agents for change for a healthy and just environment. Envisioning solutions to critical environmental challenges requires creative, disruptive and interdisciplinary thinking. Charting pathways towards sustainability builds on in-depth analysis of current environmental problems, knowledge of the histories of these problems, and compelling visions of alternatives.
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Degrees Offered Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Studies, and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Hydrologic Sciences and Policy.
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Courses The Environmental Studies Program offers a wide variety of courses covering a diverse field of disciplines and topics. See our course offerings here.
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Advising Environmental Studies offers advising to current and prospective students. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and make decisions that work best for you.
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Building a Movement Check out the inspiring documentary encompassing 50 years of Environmental Studies at UCSB, recounted by professors, students, and graduates.
Our Program Highlights
The Environmental Studies Program at UCSB was established in 1970 and is recognized as one of the first undergraduate environmental studies programs in the world. Below are just a few examples and highlights of what makes studying environmental studies at UC Santa Barbara so special:
9,300+ Alumni
700+ Current Students
Graduated over 9,300 alumni, making it one of North America's largest and most successful programs. Currently home to 700+ students majoring in one of three undergraduate degrees: B.A. in Environmental Studies, B.S. in Environmental Studies, B.S. in Hydrologic Sciences
Est.1970
The Environmental Studies Program at UCSB was established in 1970 and is recognized as one of the first undergraduate environmental studies programs in the world.
$15,000+
in Scholarships
Award approximately $15,000 annually in combined scholarship money to Environmental Studies students.
“Triple Platinum” LEED rating
Housed in Bren Hall, considered the greenest laboratory building in the UC system and the first in the United States to receive a “triple platinum” LEED rating
2 Champions of Sustainability
Recognition given by UCSB Campus Sustainability to Professor Emeritus David Cleveland (2010) and Associate Professor Simone Pulver (2019)