Leading Sustainable Solutions
Protecting natural resources requires more than scientific knowledge – it takes thoughtful leadership, collaboration and informed decision making. The Environmental Management and Protection major prepares you to balance environmental stewardship with the social, economic and policy challenges that shape sustainable resource management.
What You’ll Study
You’ll study ecology, environmental science, natural resource management and environmental policy while exploring impact assessment, ecosystem management, sustainability and the social dimensions of environmental decision-making.
What You’ll Take Away
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience to assess environmental impacts, develop sustainable management strategies and lead solutions that protect natural resources for future generations.
Concentrations
Dig into a concentration that aligns with your career goals, interests and passions and helps you gain hands-on learning and professional experience.
Conservation Science and Management
Explore biodiversity, habitat management and conservation planning while building the skills to protect ecosystems and sustainably manage natural resources.
Corporate Environmental Management
Discover how sustainability, environmental risk and resource management shape business decisions while building skills to help organizations reduce their environmental impact.
Environmental Data Science
Build skills in collecting, analyzing and visualizing environmental data while using data science and geospatial tools to understand and address real-world environmental challenges.
Environmental Law, Justice and Policy
Explore how environmental laws and policies shape communities and natural resources while building the skills to evaluate policy and advance sustainable, equitable solutions.
Sustainable Agriculture
Build skills in regenerative agriculture, crop and livestock production, and food systems while preparing to advance a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Sustainable Urban Development and Planning
Explore how planning, infrastructure and sustainability come together while building the skills to create more resilient, equitable and livable communities.
Water Science and Management
Explore hydrology, water quality and watershed management while building the skills to address water challenges and support sustainable management of this vital resource.
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
You’ll explore the effects of human activities on the natural environment as well as past and current efforts to balance human resource demands with ecosystem integrity.
Gain insights into the importance of California's biological diversity from historical and modern contexts as well as an overview of the state's diverse habitats, wildlife and their adaptations and the current challenges to preserving our biodiversity.
Investigate the ecology and management implications in North American ecosystems and the importance of maintaining natural dynamics of energy flow and nutrient cycles at the community and ecosystem levels for sustainability.
Explore theories and practices of leadership and community engagement for a wide range of environmental issues and develop personal leadership skills and methods for effectively working with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, community groups and the private sector to advance sustainability principles.
Discover human uses of plants for food, beverage, medicine, fiber, recreation and rituals from around the world and the social, economic and environmental importance of plants in our lives.
Examine water quality and quantity regulation and management in California, the United States, and globally
Experience Environmental Management and Protection
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
Work alongside environmental professionals through internships and industry partnerships while preparing for careers in consulting, government agencies and natural resource management.
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.
Explore Environmental Management and Protection
There is always more to learn about the major, courses you’ll take, what you’ll learn, concentrations and more.