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We solve environmental problems.

The Bren School of Environmental Science & Management is a professional graduate school and community of environmental leaders at UC Santa Barbara.

Graduate Programs at Bren

The UCSB Bren School offers environmental graduate programs that empower you to develop comprehensive, data-driven solutions to today's critical environmental problems.

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Master of Environmental Data Science

EXPLORE MEDS

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Master of Environmental Science & Management

EXPLORE MESM

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PhD in Environmental Science & Management

EXPLORE PHD

Are you ready to solve environmental problems?

Request more information, get to know the Bren School, and start planning your application today.

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START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

Bren Grads Change the World

Our alumni are leaders in every sector, tackling environmental issues such as climate change, conservation, and sustainable water and agriculture. Join a vast and active alumni network from day one with the Bren School.

READ OUR ALUMNI STORIES

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Satellites Collect the Data. Bren Alum Casey O'Hara Wants to Know What It's Worth to People.

UCSB researchers explore how Earth science information generates societal, environmental, and economic value, redefining how we measure the true impact of scientific data.

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Bren Alumni Lead the Charge to Keep Tahoe Blue

Bren School alumni lead Keep Tahoe Blue environmental organization, applying UC Santa Barbara's interdisciplinary science education to protect Lake Tahoe through innovative conservation programs, policy advocacy, and sustainable recreation solutions.

Jennifer DuBuisson Senior Director, Sustainability @ Levi

Bren Alumna Jennifer DuBuisson Leads Fashion Industry Decarbonization Initiative at Levi Strauss & Co.

Bren alumna Jennifer DuBuisson leads Levi's LEAP initiative with Schneider Electric, transitioning 70 Indian garment suppliers to renewable energy, targeting 70% fashion industry emissions reduction through collaborative sustainability strategies.

Guillermo Escobar, MEDS 2023

Guillermo Escobar (MEDS 2023) is a Data Scientist at SIG-NAL, where he develops geospatial tools and AI-driven models to support wildfire mitigation, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.

Solving Environmental Problems

Explore how the Bren community of students, faculty, and researchers approach solutions to critical environmental problems, and get inspired to bring your ideas to Bren.

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Faculty Research

Bren researchers make valuable contributions with global impact on the most significant environmental issues of our day, from climate change to ocean health. Browse a directory of subject matter experts.

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Communication Focus

Science needs a strong voice now more than ever. The MESM program focus in Communication trains students to become compelling storytellers, strategic communicators, and skilled multimedia producers.

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Eco-Entrepreneurship Focus

Bridging entrepreneurship and environmental solutions, the Eco-E program teaches innovation, agile thinking, business skills, and everything you need to launch an eco-venture.

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Giving

Your support for the Bren School propels innovative environmental leaders and solutions. Learn about opportunities to support student fellowships, academic programs, research, and more.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BREN RESEARCH

Our Global Impact

Bren researchers and students develop solutions to critical environmental problems around the world. We are expanding our scientific understanding, planning and implementing viable solutions, and building sustainable industries.

Bren Professor Kyle Meng Speaks to KQED News on U.S. Oil Supply Disruptions and California's Energy Vulnerability

Bren School Professor Kyle Meng spoke to KQED News on U.S. oil supply disruptions, California's energy vulnerability, and the economic consequences of reduced maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Telling Environmental Stories Through Data: Winter 2026 Final Projects from EDS 240

Bren School's EDS 240 Data Visualization course teaches Master of Environmental Data Science students to transform complex environmental datasets into compelling visual stories using R programming, ggplot2, graphic design, and alternative grading methods that emphasize skill mastery over traditional grades.

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How the Bren School Is Training Environmental Entrepreneurs in an Era of Federal Funding Cuts

The Bren School's Environmental Innovation and Entrepreneurship program pairs graduate students with real clients to build sustainable businesses — producing ventures like The Hurd Co., which turns agricultural waste into textiles, even as federal support declines.

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood heavily flooded, with water covering streets and surrounding single-story homes; partially submerged cars, trees, and rooftops are visible under a sky filled with scattered clouds.

When Risk Meets Vulnerability: Rethinking Hurricane Evacuation Planning

A hurricane's path is only half the story. Research from 2005 reveals why knowing who can't evacuate matters just as much as knowing where the storm will hit.