The Field

Environmental Science employs an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, research, and outreach. Students learn how to meet the challenges of creating a safe and healthy environment and how to recognize and control the effects of pollution and environmental stress on ecosystems. Faculty and students seek practical solutions to complex environmental problems by crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students learn how to integrate and apply knowledge from the appropriate areas of basic science, economics, and policy. Environmental Science faculty and students address problems caused by ecosystem degradation and from physical alteration of the environment and chemical contaminants from industrial activities, agriculture, food production, and inadequate resource management. The Environmental Science program is the only academic unit in the University of Massachusetts system offering a B.S. degree in Environmental Science. Environmental Science faculty teach a series of courses with the ENVIRSCI designation as well as disciplinary courses in their respective departments that apply to the Environmental Science major. The curriculum comprises 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.

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