UMass Boston

Student holds flask of liquid in the lab.
Environmental Chemistry Minor

Develop Skills & Expertise to Address Pressing Environmental Issues.

UMass Boston’s Environmental Chemistry Minor explores the crucial connection between chemicals and the environment. You’ll gain a strong understanding of current and ongoing environmental challenges, focusing on issues like pollution, remediation, and sustainable practices.

Through this program, you’ll develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to diverse career paths, including environmental analysis, research, and regulatory compliance. Upon completion, you’ll be fully prepared to address environmental issues and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and healthier planet.

Expand Your Studies

How to Apply/Declare

Current Undergraduate Students: Declare or change your minor by completing an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form.

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Apply for admission to UMass Boston by completing an application. Start by reviewing the first-year and transfer application pages for important information about requirements, deadlines, and application status checks. Use the links below to apply: 

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Curriculum

Environmental Core Courses (6 Credits)

  • ENVSTY 101 - The Nature of Environmental Problems 3 Credit(s)

And

  • ENVSTY 111L - Environmental Concerns and Chemical Solutions 3 Credit(s) OR
  • CHEM 111L - Environmental Concerns and Chemical Solutions 3 Credit(s)

Chemistry Core Courses (10 Credits)

  • CHEM 115 - Chemical Principles I Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 116 - Chemical Principles II Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 117 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 118 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory 2 Credit(s)

Advanced Chemistry Course (3 to 4 Credits)

Take one course from the list below. Chemistry majors must take CHEM 471.

  • CHEM 311 - Analytical Chemistry 4 Credit(s) OR
  • CHEM 471 - Introduction to Green Chemistry 3 Credit(s)

Environmental Capstone (3 Credits)

  • ENVSCI 476 - Environmental Science Capstone 3 Credit(s)

Completion Requirements

Complete at least 22 credits from eight courses, including two environmental courses, four chemistry core courses, one advanced chemistry course, and one capstone.

GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all courses used for the minor.
Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor. The capstone may not be taken pass/fail.
Residency: At least six courses for the minor must be completed at UMass Boston including the capstone.

Contact

Chemistry Department
University Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 3230
617.287.6130
Chemistry [@] umb.edu

Students hold test tubes.

Chemistry

Learn more about UMass Boston's Chemistry department, our research, and our faculty.

Explore the Department of Chemistry

College of Science & Mathematics

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Science and Mathematics.

Explore Now