College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Excellence in the Sciences

Top-ranked science programs

A student performing an experiementHumboldt State University has the top ranked programs in the natural resources and sciences among public, non-Ph.D. granting institutions in the United States. These programs have developed national reputations without sacrificing small class size and personal attention as have most large research universities. Humboldt's success is based on close mentoring relationships between faculty and students. The National Science Foundation (NSF) tracks the proportion of graduates in science from individual colleges and universities who go on to complete Ph.D. degrees. These data are an important measure of undergraduate preparation and faculty mentorship. Based on NSF data for non-Ph.D. granting institutions, Humboldt is ranked number one in the nation for:

  • Biology/Agriculture
  • Earth and Ocean Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • all fields of science and engineering combined

Comparisons place Humboldt ahead

When Humboldt is compared to all 1400 U.S. colleges and universities (including large research universities with Ph.D. programs), it is ranked:

  • 7th in Biology/Agriculture - ahead of Oregon State (8) and University of Michigan (14)
  • 2nd in Earth and Ocean Sciences - ahead of UC Santa Cruz (3), UC Berkeley (6), and UC Davis (8)
  • 5th in Mathematics - ahead of Oregon State (6) and UCLA (8)
  • 30th in all fields of science and engineering combined - ahead of University of Minnesota and University of Washington

No other campuses in the California State University system were ranked ahead of Humboldt in any category.

Academic excellence study recognizes Humboldt's top-quality science programs

In a recent study funded by the Dreyfus, Keck, and Welch Foundations, Humboldt was identified as being unusual among public institutions in the quality of its science programs and research. Despite our affordability, Humboldt's natural science programs are ranked among the most elite and expensive private universities in the country.

Large, diverse programs for students to choose from

Although smaller than most research universities, Humboldt has developed large and diverse undergraduate programs. According to a recent report co-sponsored by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges and the Society of American Foresters, HSU has some of the largest undergraduate programs in the nation in natural resources.

  • Largest undergraduate Environmental Engineering Program
  • 2nd largest natural resources program (outside of Forestry)
  • 4th largest wildlife program
  • 5th largest fisheries program
  • 8th largest forestry program (3rd in the west)

The College of Natural Resources and Sciences has a unique configuration of natural resource programs and basic sciences within a single unit. This unusual alliance of programs allows students special opportunities to gain from contact with a variety of science related disciplines. Departments in the college offer a wide array of majors and opportunities to link those in unique ways.

Humboldt State University