Shaping a More Sustainable World
Healthy ecosystems begin with a deeper understanding of the Earth. The Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences major prepares you to study land, water and atmospheric systems while developing sustainable solutions for today’s environmental challenges.
What You’ll Study
You’ll study geology, geography, soil science and environmental science while exploring climate change, hydrology, geospatial technology, resource management and sustainable land use.
What You’ll Take Away
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience to assess, manage and restore natural resources while preparing for careers in environmental consulting, conservation, resource management and graduate study.
Concentrations
Explore concentrations aligned with your career goals, interests and passions through hands-on learning and professional experiences.
Geology
Explore Earth’s dynamic systems through the study of mineralogy, petrology, seismology, geomorphology and more. You’ll develop the analytical and field skills to interpret geologic data while preparing for professional licensure and careers in geoscience.
Coursework Highlights
Through hands-on coursework and applied learning experiences, students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead in modern agriculture.
Classes and Labs
Learn how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software to explore environmental, natural resource, social and economic issues using spatial data.
Study biochemical activities, ecology and environmental implications of soil organisms and critically evaluate the effects of soil organisms on the formation, characteristics and productivity of soils.
Investigate mountain building processes and learn to recognize, interpret and depict geologic structures and rock deformation through the study of plate tectonics
You’ll explore the biophysical mechanisms governing the climate system, the drivers of climate change, and the implications of these unprecedented changes for Earth's coupled human-environmental systems.
Discover how Earth's landscapes are shaped through hands-on fieldwork, geologic mapping and the study of tectonic and climate-driven processes.
Explore the chemical processes that shape soil and water systems, from mineral formation and weathering to soil chemistry and environmental quality.
Experience Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences
Learning extends beyond the classroom through professional, social and international experiences that help students grow personally and professionally.
Find Your People
Connect with classmates, build friendships and get involved through student clubs, teams and leadership opportunities.
Compete nationally for the Cal Poly Logging Team or Soil Judging Team, give back through the Environmental Science Club clubs, or join the Xi Alpha Pi honor society.
Industry Experience and Connections
From fire and fuels manager to hydrologist, career opportunities in Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences are diverse and far-reaching.
We prepare students with hands-on experience, real-world internships and industry connections that help them become leaders in the field.
Living Laboratories
With access to more than 3,000 acres of riparian areas, forests, rangelands and agricultural lands, along with greenhouse research facilities, you’ll learn in living laboratories while working alongside expert faculty to study natural resource conservation and sustainable land management.
Dig Into Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences
There is always more to learn about the major, courses you’ll take, what you’ll learn, concentrations and more.