Careers

Graduates of ES&P are well prepared for careers in:

  • Environmental analysis, consulting, and assessment
  • Urban planning, land use, and policy design
  • Nonprofit, governmental, or regulatory agencies
  • Sustainability coordination, resource management, or conservation science
  • Further graduate study (M.S., Ph.D.) or law school in environmental, policy, or science fields

Alumni have engaged in reforestation efforts abroad, wastewater treatment design, community education and restoration, environmental advocacy, and more.

Your Eco- Adventure Awaits

Here at Cal State University Long Beach, we offer two degrees within Environmental Science and Policy: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. Our program opens a world of opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. Unsure which future you are striving for? Check out the three pathways below to read more about careers that align with your interests.

 

Science Whiz

  • EPA Environmental Research Scientist: conduct large scale studies on air, water, pollution, and climate impacts set on a national level.
  • Climate Modeler/Oceanographer: Research Ocean health and climate patterns on a global and national level/policy.
  • Earth Science Delegator: Helping states understand climate risk such as sea level rise, fires, drought and help plan alternatives.

  • State environmental scientist: Monitor rivers, forests and air quality (depending on your state).
  • Geologist/Hydrologist: Study regional minerals, erosions, earthquakes, and groundwater.
  • Climate Analyst: Help your own state localize climate risks alongside federal.

  • Water Technician: Test the quality of your cities, drinking water, and streams.
  • Sustainability Analyst: Measure local greenhouse gas emissions, how urban heat affects cities (think trees) and energy usage.
  • Soil and Conservation: Agriculture and conservation practices. Working alongside farmers and landowners on soil health, food control and practices for sustainability.

Policy Pro

  • EPA Policy Analyst: Help regulations (ex. Clean Air Act) and research to ensure smooth and efficient performance.
  • Congressional Staffer: Federal legislation, preparing briefings, and analyzing bills before they are passed.
  • Department of Energy Policy Advisor: Help develop new strategies for renewable energy, nuclear waste, or energy efficiency.

  • State Policy Strategist: Help or execute federal laws into state laws. Creating state level programs for clean, water, and waste energy.
  • State Rule Writer: Regulate rules/permits for state programs to help follow protocols and help surrounding communities in your state.
  • State Legislator: Work with state officials to analyze bills for the environment.

  • Compliance officer: Guiding folks to ensure city green codes, recycling and stormwater rules.
  • Land Use Planner: Help zoning laws and plan developments that help sustain and protect areas that may need more resources or regulations.
  • Sustainability Coordinator: Run local programs that help sustain energy, waste reduction, and climate action plans.

Master Communicator 

  • EPA Project Manager: Oversee cleanups of superfund sites (can work locally in the community as well) engineering, laws, and community needs.
  • Climate Adaptation Specialist: Help develop national strategies to prepare communities for climate impact (ex. Floods, wildfires etc.).

  • Environmental Outreach Coordinator: Creates programs that help communities shine light about local issues, bridging the gap between agencies in a state and the community itself.
  • Communication/Legal Scientist: In charge of translating complex data in accessible ways that folks understand. Working with social media, schools, and community groups.

  • Community organizer: Working directly with neighborhoods facing environmental challenges, building grassroots movements for clean air, water, and green spaces that benefit surrounding cities.

For more specific information/assistance please reach out to our ES&P advisor, Monica Argandoña. 
You can book an appointment with her by using the following link: Advising Portal or email her at Monica.Argandona@csulb.edu