Coastal Environmental Science Is Our Passion.
Welcome to Coastal Environmental Science
The Coastal Environmental Science, or CES, curriculum was developed by scientists who noticed that the most successful researchers were able to draw on a strong base of math and science. Our program lays that groundwork, then combines studies in environmental, coastal and natural sciences, as well as environmental policy and oceanography, all to build a truly unique degree.
The CES program provides a variety of opportunities for undergraduates to participate in groundbreaking research. As early as their freshman year, students may assist in ongoing projects conducted by faculty or graduate students. This includes a wide range of lab, field and computer-related activities. By their junior and senior years, students may be working independently on their own research projects. This research focus helps undergraduates to drive innovation and build the skills that will allow them to play a critical role in addressing current and future coastal and environmental challenges.
Our Concentrations
Students in Coastal Environmental Science (CES) can choose from one of our six concentrations while earning their degree.
To see full descriptions of each course, visit the Coastal Environmental Sciences degree page on the LSU Catalog.
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Ideal for those who want to use science to make informed decisions about conservation, preservation, and sustainable environments.
- Students gain practical experience that can be applied to environmental issues.
- ACES is good for those who would like to work in the public or private sector in applied research.
Ideal for those curious about atmospheric conditions unique to coastal climates.
- Students will learn more about how the ocean, particularly the coastal ocean, interacts with the atmosphere, and about the physical, chemical and biological aspects of air pollution.
- Coastal Meteorology is good for those who would like to go on to receive an advanced degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or climatology prior to pursuing a career in weather forecasting.
Ideal for those driven by a desire to address the complex challenges faced by people and industries located in the world’s deltas.
- Students will learn about physical and biological processes in deltaic and estuarine ecosystems.
- Deltaic Sciences is good for students who want to investigate the human impact on deltas, including the effects of pollution, development, sea level rise and climate change.
Ideal for those driven by an insatiable curiosity and a love of math and science.
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Students will use a variety of types of data collection and analytical methods to study environmental phenomena.
- ESR is good for those who plan to attend veterinary, dental or medical school, or graduate school in oceanography, marine sciences, environmental sciences, or other disciplines.
Ideal for those who are interested in the environment’s impact on the health of people and animals.
- Students can hone science related communication skills discussing topics such as water quality, disaster response and environmental exposure to human diseases.
- Environmental Health is good for those interested in the Masters in Public Health 3+2 Program.
Ideal for those who desire a deep understanding of the environment so they can create or apply laws and policies.
- Students will investigate the intersection of environmental issues and law.
- Environmental Law is good for those interested in the Environmental Law 3+3 Program
Fast Track Degrees
SAve time and money with our fast track degree program
3+2 Environmental Public Health
The 3+2 Environmental Public Health Program allows eligible students to receive a bachelor's degree in Coastal Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Health and a master's degree in Public Health in five years, instead of six.
Degrees Received
Bachelor of Science in Coastal Environmental Science (BS)
Master's degree in Public Health (MPH)
| Completion Time | Type of Degree |
|---|---|
| Years 1 - 3 | Undergraduate Coursework |
| Year 4 | Bachelor's degree earned; begin graduate coursework |
| Year 5 | Master's degree earned |
Time saved versus a traditional track: One Year
3+3 Environmental Law Fast Track
The 3+3 Environmental Law Program allows eligible students to receive a bachelor’s degree in Coastal Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Law and a Law Degree in six years, instead of seven.
Degrees Received
Bachelor of Science in Coastal Environmental Science (BS)
Law Degree (JD)
| Completion Time | Type of Degree |
|---|---|
| Years 1 - 3 | Undergraduate coursework |
| Year 4 | Bachelor's degree earned; begin law school coursework |
| Year 5 - 6 | Law degree earned |
Time saved versus a traditional track: One year
Find a career with your Coastal Environmental Science degree
The Coastal Environmental Science degree opens up a world of career possibilities. Our graduates go on to become anything from veterinarians to environmental attorneys. Check out the lists below to see just some of the job titles our alumni have had.
- Disaster Planner
- Environmental Planner
- Epidemiologist
- Public Health Official
- Veterinarian
- Air Quality Manager
- Environmental Compliance
- Environmental Attorney
- Hazardous Waste Manager
- Industrial Hygienist
- Water Quality Manager
- Climatologist
- Fisheries Scientist
- Geophysicist
- Management Consultant
- Oil & Gas Exploration
- Coastal Ecologist
- Conservation Specialist
- Disaster Responder
- Hydrologist
- Marine Biologist
- Natural Resource Specialist
- Oceanographer
2+2 Initiative with Baton Rouge Community College
CC&E has partnered with Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) to create a seamless 4-year pathway for students to earn a Coastal Environmental Science degree with LSU.
Participating students will start off at BRCC, earning their Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer Degree with a concentration in Coastal Environmental Science. Once they have completed the degree and meet the transfer requirements for LSU, they will be admitted into the Coastal Environmental Science program as a junior (3rd year student), and will complete their last two years of coursework there.
Program Benefits:
- Opportunities for research and field experiences with CC&E faculty and students while still at BRCC
- Continuous mentoring throughout your time at BRCC and CC&E
- Access to the wide range of career opportunities offered by the Coastal Environmental Science program
Interested BRCC students should contact Dr. Mary Miller at millerm@mybrcc.edu
- Students must be admissible to BRCC and LSU at the time they enroll in each institution
- While at BRCC, the student must earn a C in all courses pertaining to the CES degree
- Student must meet transfer requirements for admission to LSU, including:
- 30 or more transferable credit hours
- 2.5 GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- Credit earned, with a C or better, in college level math (above remedial)
- Credit earned, with a C or better, in college level English (above remedial)