[4] In 2002, Bren Hall was completed, providing the school with the facilities and the physical focus it retains to this day.

In 2020, the Bren School launched the Master of Environmental Data Science program and admitted the first cohort of MEDS students.

Students collaborate with real-world clients—which may be internal clients (Bren School faculty, other UCSB researchers) or outside clients from industry, government, or non-government organizations–in teams of 3–4 students to build real world experience and skills to solve environmental problems using data science.

In addition to the broad training they receive in the core courses,[6] MESM students select one or two specializations to pursue in greater depth.

The master's thesis for MESM candidates consists of a project, usually proposed by an agency or company having a local, statewide, nationwide, or international presence.

[7] The Bren School's PhD program is designed to prepare leaders in Environmental Science & Management.