Thinking About a Major or a Minor in Environmental Science? Start Here!
The Program
UMass Amherst’s Environmental Science Program is an interdisciplinary academic program which is co-administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Geosciences, and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture; and this unique association allows us to provide students with faculty expertise in biological/ecological and geophysical sciences. Affiliated faculty teach a series of courses with the ENVIRSCI designation as well as disciplinary courses in their department that apply to the Environmental Science major. The curriculum includes innovative course offerings that extend the traditional classroom experience to outreach activities including environmental applications and problem solving in off-campus community settings. Specialty courses expose students to a blend of academic and practical knowledge that includes environmental site assessment (ASTM-EPA procedures), hazardous waste operations and emergency response (OSHA Certification), environmental applications of GIS technologies, and novel approaches to recycling waste materials. Environmental Science majors are prepared for immediate employment upon graduation or have the option of embarking on graduate studies in conservation biology, hydrogeology, environmental soil science, wetland science, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental policy, and law.
The Major
All majors take required courses which provide a background in natural sciences, mathematics, and environmental studies. First-year students attend a required seminar to discuss critical environmental issues with faculty and outside speakers. A core curriculum of four courses, a Junior Year Writing course, and an Integrative Experience are also required for all majors. These core requirements provide a solid foundation in the social and scientific aspects of environmental problems. Students learn how to apply scientific data to solve complex environmental problems and to establish coherent environmental policy options to protect and sustain the environment. A diverse selection of upper-level courses allows students to work with their faculty advisor to design a unique curriculum tailored to their individual interests and needs. A required second-year seminar guides students towards developing a specific disciplinary focus within the major and constructing a personalized curriculum plan for their remaining undergraduate studies.
The Minor
The Minor in Environmental Science requires a minimum of 15 credits and 5 courses in environmental topics. Refer to the attached file for a specific list of course requirements. Minors are declared in the semester they are being completed –or at a later point. If you have questions, or wish to declare the Environmental Science Minor, go to 310 Holdsworth Hall. (Please be aware that some Environmental Science courses are available to non-majors on a space-available basis only.)
More Information
Visit the Environmental Science Home Page for more information about the Environmental Science Program at UMass. Or take a look at our EnviSci Pathways page to gain an understanding of how EnviSci students can discover their passion within the wide-ranging Environmental Science field. If you’re interested in the program and want to contact an advisor, refer to the “Reach Out to Us” page and follow the guide to find who to reach out to.