As an environmental science major, you'll gain the tools needed to address today’s environmental and sustainability challenges.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BS

Get Started

What courses will you take?

UMass Lowell student measuring a soil core sample

The B.S. in Environmental Science program is highly interdisciplinary. You will take courses offering a comprehensive understanding about the earth, the environment and human impacts, as well as a firm base in science and mathematics. 

Many of our courses provide hands-on experiences through field trips, applied measurements in the field and analyses in analytical laboratories to measure major and trace elements and pollutants.  

The B.S. in Environmental Science offers two degree options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • Environmental Science Option — Gain an understanding of human impacts on the environment and major environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution and sustainability. You will graduate prepared for careers that require knowledge in management and protection of the environment, pollution control and remediation of contaminated sites, environmental law and regulations, natural resources and environmental economics. Courses for Environmental Science Option
  • Geoscience Option — Gain an understanding of earth systems processes that involve the solid earth and hydrosphere, including the impact of sea-level change, geologic hazards, ground and surface water availability and quality, mineral resources, geochemistry and paleoclimatology. This broad and in-depth understanding of natural systems will lead to careers focused on environmental remediation and regulation, mineral resources required for modern technology and the transition to sustainable energy sources, water resources and employment opportunities with private and government entities that require a broad understanding of natural processes. Courses for Geoscience Option

View the Academic Catalog for:

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

  • A graduate in Environmental Science (B.S.) will be able to:
    1. Understand physical, chemical and biological processes in an earth systems context.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of human impacts on the environment.
    3. Analyze and address major environmental challenges including climate change, pollution, sustainability, and environmental impacts.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific data.
    5. Demonstrate computational, quantitative and oral/written language competence.

Why study environmental science at UMass Lowell?

Woman hiking in Antarctica

Research Opportunities

Work with UMass Lowell faculty on current research, including:

  • Chemical analyses of trace metals and stable isotopes
  • Field research across the globe from the Arctic to Antarctica
  • Global-scale and regional weather and climate modeling
Professor Frank Colby of the EEAS department pointing to large, interactive weather monitor

Digital Weather Wall

Our Digital Weather Wall allows for real-time forecasting and analyses of weather and climate patterns on a large high-resolution display.
Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Science Department’s Environmental Science Seminar conducted a recycling audit of the recycling bins in the Olney Science Center.

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

UMass Lowell environmental science student looks through a microscope as two other students stand nearby looking at a rock sample

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a degree in environmental science?

UMass Lowell's Environmental Science program prepares students for graduate school and careers in environmental, geoscience, climate and sustainability fields in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Man working with rocks in Antarctica

Our alumni are employed in:

  • Climate change mitigation
  • Environmental policy
  • Research and environmental consulting and industries
  • Flood prediction and management
  • Water/air/soil pollution control and remediation
  • Traditional and renewable energy research
  • Resource exploration and development
  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Sustainability
  • K-12 education