Overview

The ES&P undergraduate track in the Environmental Science major prepares students to deal with the complexities of environmental issues in society. The program provides students with an in-depth understanding of how human activity is impacting the natural environment and provides scientific, social science, and policy perspectives on how these impacts can be managed and mitigated. The strong emphasis on the natural sciences ensures students understand the technical as well as the social aspects of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

Students completing the ES&P undergraduate program will have:

  1. a solid foundation in the natural sciences,
  2. knowledge of how science is used in policy making,
  3. both quantitative and qualitative analysis skills,
  4. an understanding of how public policies impact the environment,
  5. an understanding of how technological development has contributed to both the cause of, and the solution to, many environmental problems.

Student-Faculty Research

Research provides a valuable opportunity to explore a major issue in depth, often working side by side with a faculty member and graduate students. Recent research projects range from "Nutrient Loading of Patches Reservoir" to "Lifestyle, Culture and Environmental Hazards" and "The Effect of Forest Management on Biodiversity in the Adirondacks." Click here for a more detailed list.

Internships

Internships broaden ES&P students' perspective and knowledge while they work with governmental or nonprofit organizations on important environmental issues. A combination of work experience and research in their field proves invaluable when students enter the job market. Recently, ES&P students have had internships with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, University of Massachusetts Field Station on Integrated pest management, Blackstone River Watershed Association, GZA Environmental Engineering Consulting Firm, Mass Electric Company, Texas Instruments, WasteCap of Massachusetts, Sepracor Pharmaceuticals, and Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES). Click here to read more.

Careers

Students interested in environmental careers should check out www.eco.org, a great source of information about career paths and trends in the job market. The ES&P program pays close attention to these trends, keeping up-to-date to meet the needs of graduates and their future employers.

Advising Sheet for ES&P

Use this form to plan your course of study and also to keep track of your progress towards completing the major requirements. ES&P advising sheet (PDF)