Bachelor of Science in Biology

at California State University - Monterey Bay USA

Students in the Marine Science major apply a wide range of technologies to studying marine ecosystems. Through applied learning and research, you will gain the skills necessary to develop a sustainable balance between the unique environmental, recreational, cultural and economic opportunities in the Monterey Bay region.

Through lab and field experience, you will apply techniques of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and presentation that provide you with the skills needed to monitor and analyze marine science problems. You are encouraged to interact with other Monterey Bay institutions, such as the Moss Landing Marine Labs, to take advantage of additional local expertise in marine and coastal ecology.

Graduates of the Marine Science major are prepared for a variety of career pathways in the public and private sector. Graduates are also poised to continue their education via graduate studies and research in ecology, environmental science and related fields.

The MSPA program at CSUMB is a full-time, 28-month, year-round graduate program, consisting of 83 credit hours completed over 7 semesters. MSPA courses have a different fee structure and academic calendar. The curriculum is separated into didactic, clinical, and hybrid semesters. The curriculum structure is specially designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be competent PAs upon completion of the program.

Student are required to participate in all program activities, comply with all program and university policies, and demonstrate professional behavior as defined in the MSPA Student Handbook. Students are assessed through written examinations and performance evaluations throughout the duration of the program. Students must pass each component of the curriculum to make satisfactory progress in the program.

The Liberal Studies (LS) B.A. program is designed for students who desire to become elementary or special education teachers. There are different pathways to choose from, depending on your interests:

LS BA Traditional Pathway - This pathway is for the Liberal Studies BA degree only. Upon graduation, students on this pathway may pursue a credential at CSUMB or another institution.

The Biology major offers scaffolded courses that provide students with essential knowledge and skills that prepare graduates for success in jobs, graduate school, or professional school in areas such as biotechnology, genomics, health-related fields, agriculture, field biology, ecology, and marine biology. The highly trained faculty are committed to student success, and provide opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in cutting-edge independent research, as well as service to the community. Many of the biology courses provide course-based research experiences that prepare graduates for admission to world-renowned graduate and professional schools.

The Biology major offers concentrations in:

• Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
• Teacher Preparation

The Environmental Science, Technology & Policy major is an applied environmental sciences major emphasizing:

• Strong preparation for careers and graduate study in a wide range of fields including environmental resource assessment and management, environmental consulting, science education and marine science
• A rigorous, interdisciplinary science foundation integrating biology, chemistry, physics and the earth sciences
• Hands-on experience with advanced technologies for collecting, analyzing, visualizing and communicating scientific data
• Active, field-oriented learning through frequent outdoor fieldtrips, field and laboratory experiments, community-based service projects and internships
• Real-world application of science and technology for the benefit of society
• An understanding of the social, economic and political processes that influence when and how scientific information can improve environmental decision making
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including written, oral, and multimedia communication formats

Our global society presents a complex picture of human conditions that can be examined politically, economically, culturally, historically, socially, technologically, and behaviorally. In the Social & Behavioral Sciences major, you will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for solving many of the world’s most pressing social problems.

We integrate seven social scientific fields of study to help you understand the full range of tools social scientists may use to develop innovative solutions. You will also specialize in one of these social sciences to acquire a deeper understanding of some of those tools.  In addition, you have the opportunity to take courses in related majors such as Psychology and Global Studies.

Social scientists work in education, business, law, government, non-governmental organizations and civil society at local, national, and global levels, helping to shape discussions and affect positive change through teaching, research, and service.

The Master of Arts in Education prepares strong education professionals to have an informed understanding of complex learning; the knowledge and skills to promote such learning; and the disposition to advocate effectively for the learning, living and growth of students, especially those who bring cultural, linguistic and other diversity to schools. The program coursework challenges educators to analyze and improve their instructional practice to better serve students with diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, as well as students with special needs.

Emphasis
Students must select one of the following emphases and complete the requirements.

• Curriculum & Instruction
• Special Education
• Preliminary Teacher Credential
• Education Administration

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program is an innovative and rigorous degree program designed to prepare future practitioners to serve our local communities through a variety of interdisciplinary settings. The program focuses on a thorough understanding of human communication and its disorders. MS-SLP students are trained to be ethically responsible professionals through the use of evidence-based practices, community partnerships, and innovative technologies.

The Environmental Studies major provides you with a broad foundation in the environmental sciences, social sciences, environmental economics and policy, environmental history and communication. It also provides you with local, regional and global perspectives on current environmental issues and problems.

You will be able to think broadly on local, regional and global levels, understand and synthesize information from multiple disciplines and perspectives, communicate effectively and ethically, and to use your knowledge and skills to promote sustainable, equitable and healthy human and non-human communities.

The Sustainable Hospitality Management major provides students with a broad foundation in hospitality, sustainablity, leadership and management, operations, marketing, and information technology. The major provides students with local, regional, and global perspectives on current and pressing sustainability issues and problems within the hospitality industry.

The central core of the program focuses on the concept of “sustainability plus,” going beyond sustainability to address issues in terms of the five-dimensioned lens of People, Ethics, Equity, Planet, and Profit. Students can focus in sustainable hotel, resort, and event management or sustainable ecotourism management. Students gain hands-on knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in hospitality, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, festivals and events, ecotourism, attractions, and eco-recreation with a focus on “green” jobs in business and industry.