The Environmental Science Program is the only academic unit in the UMass system providing a B.S. degree in Environmental Science. 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 non-traditional waste materials. Environmental Science majors are prepared for immediate employment upon graduation or have the option of embarking on graduate studies in environmental biology, chemistry, toxicology, policy, and law.

Environmental Science Program mission, goals, and objectives:

When students graduate from UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in Environnmental Science, they will be able to:

• Understand the complex interactions that define ecosystems and how they may be affected by human activities.
• Measure, analyze, and monitor environmental contaminants introduced into air, soil, and water.
• Prevent or decrease the negative effects of adverse human activities on ecosystems and human health.
• Develop comprehensive methods to restore or remediate contaminated  ecosystems.
• Apply an interdisciplinary approach to the techical assessment and analysis of global environmental challenges, and develop effective policy options to meet those challenges.

Visit the UMass Amherst Department of Environmental Conservation for more information.