Fresno State Partners with UC Riverside to Offer New Environmental Science Degree


California State University, Fresno, is joining with the University of California at Riverside to establish a joint undergraduate degree program in the environmental sciences. The program will begin in fall of 2003 at Fresno State.

Informational workshops for students, parents and teachers will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 27 and March 4 in McLane Hall, Room 161 (2345 E. San Ramon).

Dr. C. John Suen, chair of the Earth and Environmental Sciences department at Fresno State, said that by combining expertise and resources with UC Riverside, students will have access to the best possible educational opportunities in the environmental sciences.

The Central Valley offers many opportunities for environmental research due to its fast population growth and resulting rapid development, increased traffic and air quality challenges, said Suen, adding that UC Riverside is eager to partner with Fresno State because of the specific environmental challenges of this region. In turn, Fresno State will benefit from access to the UC Riverside research equipment and resources.

Suen also said the Central Valley's need for scientists trained in resource management is critical.

"Students typically go away to study at UC colleges and then stay there after graduation," said Suen."It is important to produce scientists in this field who will stay in Central California to mitigate the special needs of the Central Valley."

Three options are offered in the new program: earth science; life science; and behavioral, policy and health sciences.

The program will be available to students at both the Fresno and Riverside campuses. Students admitted into the joint degree program must satisfy admission requirements of both Fresno State and UC Riverside and maintain a specific academic performance standard.

For more information, contact C. John Suen at (559) 278-3086.

Media Contact: Shirley Melikian Armbruster (559) 278-2795 or (559) 269-5261