1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Colleges & Schools
  4. College of Science
  5. Departments
  6. Applied Environmental Science
  7. Capstone

Capstone Experience

Showcase your skills through field-based projects and research that prepare you for graduate study or a career in applied environmental science.

A group of four AES students and a professor standing in the grass while the professor is hovering a drone in front of them
Applied Environmental Science

At Cal State 麻豆村, your education is designed to be hands-on, and the capstone requirement is where it all comes together.

In Applied Environmental Science, the capstone serves as a bridge between your studies and your future. You’ll take what you’ve learned in labs, lectures and fieldwork and apply it directly to pressing environmental challenges, from conserving wildlife habitats to analyzing river hydrology.

Depending on your chosen program and career goals, you’ll complete your capstone either individually or as part of a group. Courses are intentionally field- and project-focused, giving you the opportunity to work with local agencies, public lands and community partners. The result is a showcase of your skills, knowledge and readiness to make an impact in the field of environmental science.

A group of four AES students and a professor kneeling in the grass while the professor holds a squirrel

Field-Intensive learning

Gather real data and test your problem-solving skills. From monitoring freshwater ecosystems to studying coastal landscapes, you’ll gain the practical experience needed for careers or graduate study.

A group of three AES students setting up surveying tools in the grass

Research That Matters

Your work addresses real-world environmental challenges. Whether you are analyzing the effects of climate change, assessing water resources or supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, your work has genuine impact.

Two AES students survey a tree sapling.

Bridging Your Learning and Career

Your capstone bridges your coursework and your future. You’ll sharpen professional skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving, leaving you better prepared for graduate study and careers.