Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

If you know you are interested in science, engineering, math, computer science, or data science, but are not sure which major is best for you, you can follow the "STEM exploratory pathway your first year as you complete prerequisite courses that apply to mutliple majors, introduce you to the different STEM majors, and/or fulfill general education requirements.   

If you know which major you plan to pursue, scroll down to learn more about that major. 

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.

In the CS program, you will learn fundamental computer science concepts while applying your knowledge to solve real-world problems. Collaboration, team work, and communication skills are infused into the learning experiences with heavily project-based courses in a state-of-the-art technological environment.

You’ll begin by taking a set of common core courses to establish a strong foundation in computer science, followed by coursework in one of four concentration areas: Software Engineering, Network and Security, Data Science, or Game Development. The curriculum provides you the opportunity to learn concepts and develop skills in more than one concentration, helping you to become a well rounded computer science professional.

Environmental Science graduates contribute to sustainable management of natural resources, including ecosystems, watersheds, plants, and animals. They develop technical skills in quantitative analysis and geographic information systems, and they learn how organizations work together to manage the environment in the context of environmental laws and policies

Graduates are prepared for successful careers in environmental science and natural resource management as well as admission to graduate schools. Recent graduates work at state and federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, and US Geological Survey, as well as in city and county governments, non-profits, and environmental consulting.

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.

The Mathematics major prepares you to analyze complex discipline-based issues, synthesize information from multiple sources and perspectives, communicate skillfully in oral and written forms, and use appropriate technologies. The flexibility of the major gives you enough freedom to mold your degree along your particular interest toward a career or graduate school. Many mathematics majors pursue careers in industry (e.g. engineering, finance, business), teaching, and government service immediately upon graduation. Others continue on to graduate school, then pursue careers in research and university teaching.

Our dynamic curriculum integrates an industry-based internship and a year-long capstone project, providing you with a comprehensive education.

Nestled within recently renovated labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, you will tackle engineering challenges and apply solutions across diverse domains such as agriculture technology, underwater exploration, and aerial technologies. Be part of the solution, actively contributing to advancements in these cutting-edge fields.

Statistics is the study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Statisticians summarize and visualize data in meaningful ways, test hypotheses, estimate unknown quantities in the population, and predict unknown outcomes based on available data.

The Statistics B.S. prepares you (i) to summarize and visualize data, (ii) to analyze data to address research objectives, (iii) to communicate results clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms, (iv) to understand the role of the profession in service of society, and (v) to work in interdisciplinary environments.