Are you passionate about protecting the planet and helping communities thrive? Turn your environmental excitement into a powerful career.

Major in Coastal Environmental Science

What is Coastal Environmental Science?

Coastal Environmental Science is where science meets purpose. You’ll study the environment through the lens of coastal change, climate, and sustainability — applying math, biology, and environmental policy to real-world problems. When you major in coastal environmental science, you’ll work alongside top researchers, explore Louisiana’s living coast, and discover how to make a meaningful difference. From restoring wetlands to influencing laws and health, you'll be prepared for coastal environmental science jobs that protect the planet and the people who depend on it. LSU offers concentrations in Applied Coastal Science, Coastal Meteorology, Deltaic Sciences, Environmental Science & Research, Environmental Health, and Environmental Law.

Program Website

Degree Details

Admissions Info

Program Highlights

Hands-On Research Get your hands dirty in Louisiana’s wetlands through high-impact fieldwork and cutting-edge research in top-tier facilities like the Coastal Meteorology Lab and Wetland Plant Ecology Lab or during the Coast & Environmental Sciences Summer Camp.

Coastline Classroom Louisiana’s rapidly changing coast is your living lab. From our campus near the mouth of the Mississippi River, you’ll investigate land loss, pollution, and restoration first-hand while building solutions with direct impact to future generations.

Mentorship That Matters With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll get personalized guidance, small class sizes, and direct support — all backed by the resources from a leading research university.

Sciences Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Evangeline or Highland Hall—a smaller network within the larger campus—with dedicated support from faculty, shared classes, and special activities to jumpstart your academic success. Plus, there's a pollinator garden!

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Marine Biologist
Oceanographer
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Attorney
Coastal Ecologist
Conservation Specialist
Hydrologist
Epidemiologist
Public Health Official
Veterinarian

Workplace Settings

Government Agencies
Environmental Consulting Firms
Research Institutions
Environmental Advocacy Groups
Aquariums
Nonprofit Organizations
Universities
Corporations

$64,000

Average alumni Coastal Environmental Science salary 5 years after graduation

What Coastal Environmental Science Looks like

SU & Tulane Lead Bold Plan to Protect the Mississippi River Delta

Careers in Coastal and Environmental Sciences:

Building Skills

Field & Lab Research Practice hands-on techniques in oceanography and environmental sciences.

Data Analysis Use real-world data to draw meaningful scientific conclusions.

Science Communication Break down complex topics so anyone can understand your message.

Fast-Track Dual Degrees Earn your master's or law degree faster with our 3+2 Public Health or 3+3 Environmental Law programs.

I've had the opportunity to work in two different labs on projects. With the amount of attention that those professors gave to their students, [they were] able to foster such a close working relationship. It was really special.Sierra Moran
CES ‘25

I've definitely found my community and my people. We study together, we volunteer together. I love having that support. Even with my teachers, I see them in the hallway, and [they ask], ‘How are you? Do you want to sit down and talk?’Tayla Anderson
CES ‘25

Every day, I am reminded that I made the right decision [coming to LSU]. Just looking back on how far I’ve come, the experiences I’ve had, and the community I have formed, I truly don’t think that would be possible anywhere else.Jonathan Russell
CES ‘26

Freshmen have the opportunity to do research, which I think is pretty rare. It's really shown me that I can do research, that it's definitely in my future, and that it's what I'm passionate about.Jameson Woodall
CES ‘25

Advance your Career

Post-graduate education

LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.

Masters (MS) – Environmental Sciences Masters (MS) – Oceanography & Coastal Sciences Masters (MS) – Coastal & Ecological Engineering MAT-S dual Masters degree in Environmental Sciences and Teaching PhD – Environmental Sciences PhD – Oceanography & Coastal Sciences

Related Majors

Biological Sciences

Environmental Engineering

Geology

Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Apply Today!