Understand and Solve Earth’s Climate, Environmental and Sustainability Challenges

The Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with unique interdisciplinary study programs encompassing Geosciences, Meteorology, Hydrology and Sustainability. Our research and teaching engage students in today’s environmental challenges, including climate change, critical minerals and water resources.

Find Your Program

Meet Our Students & Alumni

Lena Arango poses in front of a classroom sign with the words "Welcome meteorologist Lena Maria Arango."
Lena Maria Arango '19, '20
Meteorology & Atmospheric Science

Lena Maria Arango ’19, ’20 loves meteorology.

It’s never boring or static.
Read More About Lena Maria Arango 
Eric Roy in a field with a beautiful sky behind him
Eric Roy '22
Meteorology and Mathematics

Eric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.

I can’t say enough good things about UML and how they’ve helped me.
Read More About Eric Roy 
Aya Oulal in Dubai while attending the COP28 summit.
Aya Oulal '23
Environmental Science

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Aya Oulal was able to study abroad in Spain, attend COP28 in Dubai and become a resident advisor.

UMass Lowell was great. I don’t think I would have done so much or even considered this path for myself without the university.
Read More About Aya Oulal 
Victoria is showing us the precipitation
Victoria Wisniewski '23
Meteorology & Atmospheric Science

As an aspiring broadcast meteorologist, Victoria Wisniewski was attracted to UML due to its bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, successful alumni and research opportunities.

So many opportunities have come my way, and I couldn’t be happier.
Read More About Victoria Wisniewski 
Laurie Agel speaks at a podium
Laurie Agel '18
Marine Sciences & Technology

Software engineer Laurie Agel was looking for a career change in her 40s. Fifteen years later, she has her Ph.D. in marine sciences and technology from UML and is working as a post-doctoral research assistant, studying extreme precipitation and flooding in the Charles and Mystic river basins.

I’ve seen many, many people like me – people doing a second career and coming in from another field. And there’s just so much excitement at UMass Lowell. I don’t really feel like a fish out of water.
Read More About Laurie Agel 

Environmental Studies Career Outlook

  • +6%

    Projected new job growth in environmental scientist careers 

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
  • $102,700

    Average salary for environmental scientists 

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

News

More News
  • A few of wildfire smoke from space.

    Rock Star: Geology Alum Helps NASA Spot Trouble from Space

    UMass Lowell environmental science alum William Stefanov ’88 is using his Earth science expertise at NASA to coordinate disaster response, train astronauts and advance remote sensing technologies aboard the International Space Station.
    Featured Story
  • Christopher Skinner points at the pyranometer.

    Professor Studies Weather ‘Whiplash’ from Downpours to Droughts

    A warming climate is leading to greater extremes of wet and dry weather, a pattern called hydroclimate whiplash. One example is the Los Angeles fires, which were followed by torrential rains and mudslides, says Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Prof. Christopher Skinner.
    Featured Story
  • An artist rendering of a three-story building addition, with people crossing a street in the foreground.

    Kennedy College Breaking Ground on Olney Science Center Expansion

    Work is set to begin on the expansion and renovation of the Olney Science Center, providing modern labs, collaborative spaces and amenities to enhance the learning experience for Kennedy College of Sciences students.