The Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) covers the interdisciplinary study of the earth and its atmosphere. Our students and faculty are passionate about understanding earth systems and applying that knowledge to solve environmental and sustainability challenges.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to excel in education and research in Earth system sciences and human-environmental interactions. We aim to provide students with the scientific basis to work in geology, meteorology, atmospheric sciences and environmental science, and promote sustainability at all levels in society.

Researcher Spotlight

Ericka Boudreau, an undergraduate student collecting samples of sandstone with Asst. Prof. Richard Gaschnig in southwestern Oregon.

Meet rising researcher Ericka Boudreau, an undergraduate student who found herself in southwestern Oregon collecting samples of sandstone with Asst. Prof. Richard Gaschnig.

They are conducting research on the origins and potential movement of rocks along the west coast in North America.

Read more about Ericka on the UMass Lowell Research blog.

Student holding a climate change poster

New B.A. in Environmental Science Option Sustainability

We are excited that our Environmental Science programs now include a Bachelor of Arts degree with the option Sustainability. The B.A. is highly cross-disciplinary with courses in natural and political sciences, economics, public health, and legal studies and designed for students interested in social-environmental aspects of environmental problems and climate change.

Professor Frank Colby of the EEAS department pointing to large, interactive weather monitor

New Ph.D. in Earth System Science

The UMass Lowell Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences now offers a doctorate in Earth System Science. The program is open for students with backgrounds in Geoscience, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Atmospheric and Climate science, Meteorology, Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Earth System Science, Environmental Engineering and related fields.

View open research and teaching assistantship opportunities

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William Lefebvre poses for photo at the COP28UAE - United Nations Climate Change in Dubai-2023.
William Lefebvre ’25
Environmental Science with Sustainability Option

From attending COP28 in Dubai to joining the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, William Lefebvre is learning that environmental science is also an art.

UMass Lowell has enabled me to expand sustainability more than I ever thought it would.
Read More About William Lefebvre 
  • Winbourne tree research

    Hot in the City

    Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Asst. Prof. Joy Winbourne is researching how trees respond to urban environments and climate change by deploying sap flow sensors throughout Lowell.