ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis

The ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis program at California State University is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental resource management, conservation, and sustainable development. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from ecology, economics, policy analysis, and management to equip students with the skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students gain a solid foundation in natural resource sciences, environmental policy, and management strategies, enabling them to develop sustainable solutions for a wide range of environmental issues faced by society today.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including fieldwork, projects, and internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners. Students learn to analyze environmental problems critically, develop management plans, and implement strategies that promote sustainability and conservation. The curriculum also covers topics such as water and land resource management, environmental law, ecological principles, and the social and economic factors influencing resource use. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in resource management agencies, environmental consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, and policy-making bodies.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and community engagement activities that enhance their practical skills and professional networks. The program aims to foster a multidimensional understanding of environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of balancing ecological health, economic development, and social equity. With a focus on sustainability and responsible resource utilization, the ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis prepares students to become effective environmental leaders committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

Select a total of three units from the following courses:

ESRM 428 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (4)
ESRM 462 Coastal and Marine Resource Management (4)
ESRM 463 Water Resources Management (4)
ESRM 464 Land Use Planning and Open Space Management (4)

Select a total of four units from the following courses:

BIOL 450 Ichthyology: The Biology of Fishes (4)
BIOL 451 Ornithology (4)
ECON 464 Natural Resource Economics (3)
ECON 480 Topics in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3)
ECON 488 Applied Managerial Econometrics (4)
ENGL 482 Technical Writing (3)
ENGL 483 Technical Visual Communication (3)
ESRM 332 Human Ecology (ANTH) (3)
ESRM 352 Theory and Practice of Ecological Restoration (3)
ESRM 410 Environmental Impact Assessment (3)
ESRM 428 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (3)
ESRM 482 Issues in Environmental Planning and Resource Management (3)
ESRM 483 Issues in Global Resource Management (3)
ESRM 490 Special Topics (3)
ESRM 492 Service Learning/Internship (3)
ESRM 494 Independent Research (1-3)
MATH 430 Research Design and Data Analysis (3)
MGT 307 Management of Organizations (3)
MGT 428 Contract Management (3)

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

*Transfer students: It’s not necessary to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if you have completed the required Freshman Composition Class at your community college.

The ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis program at California State University offers a comprehensive overview of various funding opportunities and financial support mechanisms available to students pursuing this degree. Students are encouraged to explore multiple avenues of financial assistance to help offset the costs associated with their education. The university provides federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and state-sponsored grants tailored to residents of California. Additionally, CSU offers scholarships specific to environmental resource management disciplines, which are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and extracurricular involvement.

Students may also benefit from work-study programs that allow part-time employment within the university or partner organizations, providing both income and valuable practical experience related to resource management. The university's financial aid office provides guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is essential for accessing a majority of federal assistance programs. Moreover, the program may have partnerships with local and state agencies that offer internships or professional development funding for students demonstrating interest in resource management careers.

Private scholarships and grants from environmental organizations and industry stakeholders also constitute an important component of the financial landscape for students in this program. Some students may choose to pursue loans, with federal student loans being the most common, offering relatively favorable terms and repayment options. To maximize financial support, students are advised to engage with the university's financial aid counselors early in their academic planning process. The program's focus on sustainability and resource management aligns with various grant opportunities aimed at advancing environmental initiatives, which students can leverage to reduce their financial burden. Overall, the ESRM program integrates a variety of financing options to enable students to achieve their academic and professional goals without undue financial hardship.

The Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM): Resource Management Emphasis at California State University offers students a comprehensive education focused on the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consulting, resource management agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other sectors dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The curriculum combines core science courses with specialized electives that cover topics such as ecosystem management, water resource management, conservation strategies, environmental policy, and land use planning.

Students gain a solid foundation in ecological principles, environmental chemistry, and geographic information systems (GIS), enabling them to analyze and address complex environmental challenges. Practical experiences, including laboratory work, field studies, and internships, are integral components of the program, providing students with real-world skills and networking opportunities in the environmental sector. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to think critically about the socio-economic and political factors influencing resource management.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, engaged in ongoing research that addresses current environmental issues. The department often collaborates with government agencies, private organizations, and community groups to facilitate hands-on learning and community engagement. Graduates of the ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis program are equipped to contribute to sustainable resource use, environmental policy development, and conservation efforts at local, regional, and global levels. The program aims to produce environmentally conscious professionals capable of making informed decisions that balance ecological health, economic development, and social equity.

Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, a strong interest in environmental issues, and completion of prerequisite coursework in sciences and mathematics. The program is suitable for students who are passionate about environmental stewardship, enjoy field work, and are interested in developing practical skills in resource management. Career opportunities for graduates include positions such as environmental specialist, resource analyst, park ranger, conservation officer, environmental planner, and policy advisor.

The university provides various support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and research opportunities, to ensure student success. The ESRM program also encourages participation in student organizations, environmental volunteer projects, and study abroad programs to enrich the educational experience. Overall, California State University’s ESRM: Resource Management Emphasis prepares students to become effective professionals dedicated to protecting and sustainably managing Earth's natural resources for future generations.