Earth and Environmental Sciences Department — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Earth and Environmental Sciences Department

Graduates of Chico State’s Earth and Environmental Sciences (ERTH) programs are equipped to solve complex challenges facing the environment today. Our Geology and Environmental Sciences programs combine theoretical and applied learning taught by faculty managing all aspects of earth system science.

More than half of our faculty have funded research projects by national agencies (NSF, NASA, etc.). Since 2018, 75% of our graduates are employed in the field or attending other graduate programs.

Our Programs

  • A student conducting research on a running body of water.

    Earth and Environmental Science MS

    Explore all aspects of the Earth's system, from the rocks, water, and living organisms to the atmosphere. Gain a deep understanding of how the Earth formed and how humans are impacting our environment through climate change and other factors.

  • Two students looking at samples in an earth science lab

    Environmental Science BS

    Take on the complex challenges facing the environment today and help make a difference. In our program, you will learn about the environment that surrounds us, how people are affecting the environment, and how we can protect it.

  • A student works on a fossil under a special light with a toothbrush.

    Geology BS

    Geology is a hidden gem when it comes to science. It incorporates ideas from all the sciences including chemistry, physics, biology, and more. It's not just about rocks and mining, it's about understanding how the Earth works and the incredible 3.5-billion-year history of life on this planet.

  • A mastodon's teeth are revealed in the Gateway Science Museum

    Geology Minor

    Geology is a gateway to the incredible 3.5-billion-year history of life on Earth and understanding how this planet works. As a student in the minor, you will develop a comprehensive, yet concise, understanding of earth processes, exploring the way water shapes our landscapes, how mountains are formed, and much more.

Why Study Earth and Environmental Sciences?

Career Paths for ERTH Graduates

outstanding graduate in Environmental Science, is conducting his Honors research studying metal accumulation in aquatic organisms

Career paths of the Chico State Earth and Environmental Sciences (ERTH) alumni are as diverse as the landscapes our students study, spanning education, field research, environmental protection, and engineering design.

We’re proud to be leaders in California's North State for graduates entering the workforce. Graduates of Chico State’s ERTH program are ready to make an immediate impact in careers such as:

  • Environmental consulting
  • Engineering geology
  • Resource monitoring & management
  • Hydrogeology
  • Research & development
  • Land stewardship
  • Data science

About Us

  • Student performing research on stormwater biofiltration systems by checking the caps in the bottom of the biofilters

    Facilities

    The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department maintains research labs that involve students in applied geological, atmospheric, and environmental inquiry. These spaces support field-based work, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, and high-precision geochemical measurements.

  • Zeke Lunder gives a keynote on “How Salmon Connect the Universe” to the campus community

    ERTH Seminar Series

    Faculty, agency scientists, and industry experts present research spanning geology, hydrology, climate impacts, natural hazards, and environmental systems, complemented by student proposals, career talks, and applied field insights.

  • Students on the second floor of the Sciences Building

    AGES Student Club

    The Association of Geological and Environmental Students (AGES) holds meetings Tuesdays at 5 p.m. on the 2nd floor common area of the Science Building. Contact the club at ages@csuchico.edu.

    AGES is a student run organization devoted to furthering student involvement, advancement, and interest in the environmental and earth processes that shape the Earth. The club plans multiple field trips to various sites in northern California during each semester.

  • Views of the surfing details and landscape of Pleasure Point Park on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in Santa Cruz, Calif.

    CSU Coast

    CSU COAST provides funding for Chico State undergraduate students to conduct research related to coastal, watershed, and marine environments.

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