环境科学利用自然系统的物理，化学，生物和定量方面的基础知识。关于自然系统如何工作的知识被用于解决人类活动在很大程度上造成的问题。这些问题通常以自然系统功能的紊乱为代表，因为人类改变了自己的生命支持系统，即空气，水和土壤。干扰的规模范围从分子和细胞到个人，种群，生态系统，以及区域和全球范围。
Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems. Students wishing to complete Environmental Science Marine Science emphasis major in four years should complete the general chemistry series and the general biology series during their freshman and sophomore years.<br><br>Students wishing to complete Environmental Science Marine Science emphasis major in four years should complete the general chemistry series and the general biology series during their freshman and sophomore years. Prospective environmental science majors are strongly advised to take additional preparatory courses that provide a strong background in chemistry, biology and mathematics. The preparatory courses are listed with the major, preparatory classes may also be used to fulfill GURs. All preparatory courses required for admission should be completed on a lettered or numeric grading scale, not P/NP, and must be completed with a grade of C- or better.