About the Program
Tackle environmental issues through hands-on study of conservation and biodiversity. With emphases in Ecology or Environmental Microbiology, the Environmental Biology program includes fieldwork and internships to prepare you for impactful careers.
The Polytechnic Experience
Learn about ecology by exploring diverse ecosystems in Southern California and state-of-art facilities. Have the opportunity to join research groups and present your research at a student conference. Learn to develop conservation strategies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and inform decision makers.
Career Outcomes
Program Emphasis
Courses
Cal Poly Pomona’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology aims to address environmental issues affecting ecosystems and life support systems. Students can choose between two emphases: Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity (ECB) or Environmental Microbiology (EM). The ECB emphasis focuses on protecting habitats, managing endangered species, conducting ecological research, and designing conservation areas. In contrast, the EM emphasis is centered on laboratory research to evaluate water and air quality, pollutant transport, and environmental health. Both emphases include a combination of core, support, and elective courses, and require students to complete an independent research project or internship for practical experience. Additionally, each emphasis includes a multidisciplinary set of upper-division electives, totaling twenty units, to provide a comprehensive education in environmental biology.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Tim Brown Memorial Scholarship
The Tim Brown Memorial Scholarship supports senior or graduate students in Biological Sciences in the College of Science. This award recognizes a strong interest in field research involving flora or fauna and supports students who show promise in continuing study or careers in this area.
Real-World Experience
Environmental Biology Internships
You will apply and expand the knowledge and skills from your coursework through an internship or research experience.
Still Deciding?
Why Students Choose Biological Sciences at CPP
Want to major in environmental biology but aren’t sure which university is best for you? See how Cal Poly Pomona students benefit from hands-on labs, caring faculty and real-world research projects. CPP is a place where careers begin, mentorship thrives, and future leaders learn to lead. Our hands-on approach to learning, diverse campus community and culture of care prepare students for their careers from day one.
