The Group Major in Environmental Sciences resides in the Office of Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Letters and Science. The Environmental Sciences major has thrived at Berkeley since 1970. Enrollment has grown steadily over the years, from about 30 students in the mid-1970's to nearly 140 today. By its very nature, Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary enterprise that deals with a wide variety of issues arising from the impact of human activities on natural systems. To effectively document and address these problems, students must be trained to apply tools and techniques from a variety of disciplines, such as biology, ecology, chemistry, toxicology, geology, hydrology, meteorology, geography, engineering, statistics, behavioral science, policy analysis, economics, and law.

Unlike Environmental Studies majors offered on many campuses, the Environmental Sciences major at Berkeley is distinct in its rigorous curriculum designed to provide a strong background in basic science. Of particular import is the senior thesis research seminar, an intensive experience affording each student the opportunity to design and conduct a research project of their choosing, applying the approaches and tools they have acquired in other courses. Students learn how to formulate testable hypotheses about biological, physical, or social patterns and processes associated with an existing or potential environmental problem, collect data to evaluate their hypotheses, and present their results in a professional manner. This experience fosters the development of critical and objective thinking, a skill that will help insure the credibility of their future work on environmental issues.

Graduates of the Environmental Sciences program may hold influential positions in local, state and federal agencies such as the EPA, or work for private environmental consulting firms. Many go on to graduate studies in the natural sciences, public health, environmental policy, planning, or law. Whatever career path they choose, their solid background in the basic sciences allows graduates of Environmental Sciences to play major roles in solving some of the most critical challenges facing the world today.

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