UC California Naturalist Certification
Explore the outdoors. Earn UC credit. Stand out for college.
Summer 2026
SDJA is proud to partner with Blue Dot Education to offer the UC California Naturalist Certification, a university-designed environmental science program that provides high school students with authentic fieldwork experience, a college-level credential, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their community.
OVERVIEW
June 16 - July 13
5-week hybrid program
Online Class: Tuesdays 10am - 12pm
Field Days: Thursdays 9am - 1pm
Open to all 9-12 students
Spaces are limited. Sign up to be notified when enrollment opens.
This course is hosted from our award-winning SDJA campus.
Why take this course
- Earn four UC Davis academic credits while still in high school.
- Stand out for college with a UC-issued certification and an original capstone project.
- Learn science by doing it—not just reading about it.
- Work directly with experts including PhDs, naturalists, scientists, and industry professionals.
- Join the statewide UC Naturalist community, a network of 4,000+ environmental leaders.
What it covers
- Ecology & ecosystems
- Wildlife & biodiversity
- Geology & earth systems
- Plant and habitat communities
- Energy, climate, and environmental issues
- Science communication & interpretation
- Participatory (citizen) science
Who it's for
This course is a great fit for students who:
- Love nature or science
- Enjoy outdoor learning and hands-on projects
- Want UC credit and a standout academic experience
- Care about the environment and want to help protect
- Want to explore careers in science, conservation, tech, or sustainability
Outcomes
- Earn California Naturalist Certification
- Receive UC Davis Extension transcript credit
- Complete a documented iNaturalist species portfolio
- Produce and present a capstone environmental project
- Gain authentic field research, data literacy, and scientific communication experience
- Strengthen college applications with a recognized UC-affiliated credential
How the course works
Classwork
Interactive lessons introduce you to the science behind California’s environment and give you the knowledge you need for fieldwork, research, and your capstone project.
Fieldwork
You’ll explore San Diego’s coast, canyons, and habitats with experts—practicing wildlife observation, ecological data collection, mapping, and nature journaling.
Capstone Project
Each student designs a project that contributes to conservation, education, or community impact—something meaningful you can showcase on college apps and resumes.
Guest Speakers
Hear directly from environmental scientists, UC researchers, conservationists, and industry professionals who work in the field every day.
iNaturalist Contribution
Contribute to iNaturalist, a global biodiversity platform used by scientists, to document plants and animals during fieldwork. Your observations become part of real research databases used by universities, conservation groups, and wildlife agencies.
Tuition fees are $1,550 for SDJA students and $1,950 for non SDJA students
Secure Your Spot
Don't miss this unique opportunity! Sign up to be notified when program dates are finalized and when enrollment opens.