Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The major requires foundational lower-division prerequisites and a mix of required and elective coursework totaling 38 units in the major. Lower-division prerequisites include General Biology: Diversity and Ecology with lab (BIOL 121 and BIOL 121L) and Earth Science (GEOL 151).

• Required courses (21–23 units): Ecology and Ecology Lab (BIOL 312, BIOL 312L), Senior Seminar (BIOL 485ENV), Introduction to Environmental Science (ENV 160) and Environmental Field Study Lab (ENV 161L), Environmental Studies Practicum (ENV 482, 1–3 units), Introductory Statistics and lab (MATH 205, MATH 206L), Nature, Law and Policy (PS 373) and Theological Ethics and the Environment (THEO 425).
• Elective choices (15–17 units): Electives may be selected from the B.S. in Environmental Science, other approved courses, or off-campus/field programs. Sample electives listed include Field Botany (BIOL 311, BIOL 311L), Vertebrate and Invertebrate Zoology and labs (BIOL 321/321L, BIOL 322/322L), Genetics and lab (BIOL 450/450L), Organic Chemistry sequence (CHEM 310–313L), Cultural Geography (GEOG 220), American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy (PHIL 430), General Physics I and lab (PHYS 120/120L), Energy, Economics and Ethics (PS 435), and Justice, Poverty and Development (THEO 470).
• Field and off-campus study: The program highlights use of national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, encourages student research, and accepts approved off-campus programs or field studies (for example, AuSable Institute) as electives or substitutions when appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants submit an application (online or printable), official transcripts, and complete the FAFSA. Recommended high-school preparation includes 4 years of college-preparatory English, 3 years of college-preparatory mathematics, 2 years of social studies, 1 year of laboratory science, 1 year of performing art, and 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better. Fresno Pacific reports accepted students typically have GPAs around 3.2–3.6; speak with an admission counselor for individual eligibility guidance. Transfer students with an Environmental Science AS-T (ADT) may have lower-division BA requirements fulfilled per the stated ADT articulation.

Career prospects

The major prepares students for careers and service in environmental fields, internships with local organizations, student research roles, or further graduate study. Emphasis on ecology, policy, ethics and field skills supports pathways into conservation, environmental education, resource management, nonprofit environmental work, and related roles across public and private sectors.

Scholarships & funding angle

Application to FPU is free. Students should complete the FAFSA (FPU FAFSA code 001253) to pursue federal financial aid and consult the university’s admissions and financial aid offices about scholarships, grants and aid packaging. Off-campus summer programs may be used for credit where approved, which can affect financial planning.