In California State University Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) Program, you will gain a solid understanding of the environment from both scientific and human perspectives, learn from talented, dedicated faculty, and start making a difference through intensive academic, field-based research and volunteer opportunities.

Four Year Academic Roadmap

Print Four Year Roadmap

  • Fall Freshman

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM100Intro to Environmental Science and Resource Management3Major & GED
    MATH150Calculus 14

    Enroll in Math 150 if prerequisite met (or passed Pre-Calculus/Calculus with B- or higher in high school)

    Major & GEB4
    POLS150American Political Institutions3Also double-counts with GE: DGEAIR: US Constitution/ State & Local Govt.
    GEStudent's ChoiceA2 - Written Communication3

    Please check English Milestone via your Student Center to verify if you need an additional support course.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions

    GEA2
    GEStudent's ChoiceC1 – Arts: Arts, Cinema, Dance, Music, Theater3See catalog for course titles & descriptionsGEC1

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Complete Golden Four (A1, A2, A3, B4).
    • Focus on lower level classes that may be pre-requirements for upper level courses and electives, build writing skills, begin essential ESRM skills.
    • Schedule an appointment with a Peer Advisor or Academic Advisor in the Academic Advising Center.
    • Attend Major Fair (First Week of October).

    Spring Freshman

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    CHEM105Introduction to Chemistry3CHEM-105 with a grade of "C" or better is required as prerequisite for CHEM-121.Major & GEB2/B3
    ECON110 or 111Principles of Microeconomics, or
    ECON-111: Principles of Macroeconomics
    3

    ECON-110: Principles of Microeconomics, or ECON-111: Principles of Macroeconomics count for Major Requirements and GE requirements.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions

    Major & GED
    GEStudent's ChoiceA1 - Oral Communication3See catalog for course titles & descriptionsGEA1
    GEStudent's ChoiceA3 - Critical Thinking3

    ESRM-228: Maps to Apps: Exploring GIS, or ESRM-250: Environmental Ethics also count for Major Requirements and GE requirements.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions

    GEA3
    GEStudent's ChoiceF - Ethnic Studies3See catalog for course titles & descriptionsGEF

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Complete Golden Four (A1, A2, A3, B4).
    • Meet with Faculty Advisor in ESRM.
    • Attend a club meeting.
  • Fall Sophomore

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM203Introduction to Environmental Statistics3Major & GEB4
    ESRM or GEOLStudent's Choice

    Physical Oceanography, or
    GEOL-121: Physical Geology

    4

    ESRM 210: Physical Oceanography is recommended by the ESRM Department. ESRM-210 is only offered in the fall, and GEOL-121 is offered both fall and spring terms.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions.

    Major & GEB1/B3
    BIOL200Principles of Organismal and Population Biology4

    BIOL-200 (4) is offered in Fall only.

    Major & GEB2/B3
    ESRM205Principles of Sustainability3Major

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Finish up lower level classes that may be pre-requirements for upper level courses and electives
    • Complete General Education requirements.

    Spring Sophomore

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    BIOL201Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology4Major
    PHYS or COMPPHYS 100 or
    COMP 150
    PHYS 100: Intro to Physics, or
    COMP 150: Object Oriented Programming
    4COMP-150 (4) can count for GE: Area E and may require Consent from Instructor to add.Major
    CHEM121General Chemistry I4Major
    GEStudent's ChoiceLanguage3Units may vary between 3-4 units depending on language chosen; if language has been met change to Free Elective. Also double-counts with GE:C2GELanguage

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Join a club
    • Begin learning about research going on in the department
    • Participate in an environmental service learning event once per month
  • Fall Junior

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM303

    Data Visualization and Climate Communication

    3

    Double-counts for major requirement and Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

    Major & GWAR
    ESRM313Conservation Biology4Major
    ESRM328The Why of Where: Foundations in GIS3Double counts with Major Requirements and UDGE-B.Major & GEUDGE B
    ESRM or UNIVStudent's Choice

    ESRM-329: Environmental Law and Policy (3)

    ESRM-301: Field Professionalism (1)

    ESRM-351: Field Methods: Monitoring and Assessment (4)

    ESRM-370: Fundamentals of Remotely Piloted Systems (4)

    ESRM-492: Service Learning/Internship (3)

    UNIV-391: United States Travel Study Experience (1-3)

    UNIV-392: International Experience (3)

    1-4

    You have the option to take either ESRM-329 or Field Experience coursework: ESRM-301, 351, 370, 492, or UNIV-391 or 392.

    ESRM-329: Environmental Law and Policy is a Major Requirement and is offered both fall and spring. Field Experience courses listed are also offered fall and spring.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions.

    Major
    GEStudent's ChoiceE - Lifelong Learning and Self-Development3See catalog for course titles & descriptionsGEE

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Get involved in research in the department, seek out leadership positions on campus and/or in department.
    • Explore options for certificates and minors to bolster your ESRM degree
    • Begin thinking about graduate school and/or careers.
    • Meet with Graduate Studies Center Advising.
    • Meet with Career Development Services.

    Spring Junior

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM335The Beach3Major
    ESRM or UNIVStudent's Choice

    ESRM-329: Environmental Law and Policy (3)

    ESRM-301: Field Professionalism (1)

    ESRM-351: Field Methods: Monitoring and Assessment (4)

    ESRM-370: Fundamentals of Remotely Piloted Systems (4)

    ESRM-492: Service Learning/Internship (3)

    UNIV-391: United States Travel Study Experience (1-3)

    UNIV-392: International Experience (3)

    1-4

    You have the option to take either ESRM-329 or Field Experience coursework: ESRM-301, 351, 370, 492, or UNIV-391 or 392. ESRM-329: Environmental Law and Policy is a Major Requirement and is offered both fall and spring. Field Experience courses listed are also offered fall and spring.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions.

    Major
    Major Elective

    Student's Choice

    Will vary by Major3See catalog for course titles & descriptionsMajor
    HISTStudent's ChoiceUS History3

    Choose one: HIST 270, 271, 272, or 275. CHS350 is also an option however will need to be taken semester 5 or later.

    See catalog for course titles & descriptions.

    OtherAIR: US History

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Continue building essential skills , focus on upper division courses and electives, complete most of your major emphasis track, gain experience in the field.
    • Consider taking ESRM 301 Field Professionalism 1 unit CR/NC (Wilderness First Aid) - offered by arrangement
  • Fall Senior

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM491Capstone Preparation3
    ESRM462Coastal and Marine Resource Management4Student can choose 1 each semester, but must complete all three courses for the emphasis.Major
    Major ElectiveStudent's ChoiceWill vary by Major4See catalog for course titles & descriptions.Major
    Major ElectiveStudent's ChoiceWill vary by Major4See catalog for course titles & descriptions.Major

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Apply for Graduation (Priority deadline – October 1st).
    • Finish upper division courses and electives, finish major emphasis track, complete capstone research/prep course (ESRM - 491).
    • Meet with Academic Advisor for Grad Check.
    • Meet with Career Development Services.

    Spring Senior

    Course AreaCourse NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotesRequirements MetGE Categories
    ESRM499Capstone3Major
    ESRM300 or
    377
    ESRM 300: Coastal Contaminants and Ecotoxicology, or
    ESRM 377: Shaping the Coast
    4Student can choose 1 each semester, but must complete all three courses for the emphasis.Major
    UDGEStudent's ChoiceUDGE C - Arts and Humanities3Choose any UDGE-C Course for 3 units. *Recommended course: ENGL-337: Literature of the Environment (3)GEUDGE C
    ESRM341 or
    342
    ESRM 341: The National Park, or
    ESRM 342: Environmental History
    3Take either course which double counts with Major Electives UDGE D.Major & GEUDGE D
    GEStudent's ChoiceC1 or C23See catalog for course titles & descriptions.GEAdditional C

    Total Units

    #

    Milestones

    • Attend Grad Fest
    • Continue to be involved in research in the department.
    • Seek out leadership positions on campus and/or in department.
    • Present results of your research at a conference or public outreach event.
    • Apply to graduate school and/or careers.
Back to Top ↑
©