UMass Boston

Environmental Sciences BS

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Gain the skills to succeed as an environmental scientist or research professional.

As a student of Environmental Science, you will acquire the fundamental skills you need in a program that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to prepare the next generation of innovators. You will also expand your knowledge of ecology, geology, hydrology, and marine science and apply it to critical challenges facing coastal marine systems in the Boston metropolitan area.

In this program, you will:

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of both the natural sciences and social sciences
  • Have the opportunity to focus your studies with degree tracks in marine science, policy and management, and earth and hydrologic science
  • Apply what you learn to real-world problems in collaboration with our many public and private partners

Career Possibilities

Whether you want to work as a a hydrologist, an environmental analyst, a marine technician, or proceed to further your knowledge in a graduate program, your research and internships will prepare you to launch your future right away.

Become a:

  • Environmental Specialist
  • Environmental Technician
  • Marine Biologist
  • Environmental Science Educator
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Water Quality Scientist

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

Course requirements for a BS in environmental science comprise a total of 120 academic credits, at least 30 of which must be taken at UMass Boston. In addition to UMass Boston general education requirements, students take introductory courses in biology, chemistry and physics as well as calculus 1. Students also take introductory courses in environmental science and environmental policy, skills courses in statistics and GIS, natural science courses in geology, oceanography, and global environmental change, social science courses in urbanization and globalization and the environment, upper level electives across all disciplines of environmental science, and a senior capstone research course.

Concentrations

The BS in environmental science provides students the opportunity to focus their studies, through degree tracks, in marine science, policy & management, and earth & hydrologic science.  Students may also pursue a general track allowing them to take a breadth of courses across the environmental disciplines.

Related Minors

Environmental Biology Minor

Support your career goals by supplementing your degree with a minor in environmental biology. 

Requirements

Students complete 7 courses (23-26 credits) in 5 core areas.

Environmental Science: ENVSTY 101 Nature of Environmental Problems
100-level Biology Core: BIOL 111 (General Biology 1) and BIOL 112 (General Biology 2)
200-level Biology Core: BIOL 252/254 Genetics lecture and lab and BIOL 290 Population Biology
300-lebel Biology Core (choose 1): BIOL 342/343 Ecology lecture and lab, BIOL 352/353 Evolution lecture and lab, BIOL 330 Biology of Fishes, BIOL 332/333 Biology of Marine Invertebrates lecture and lab, BIOL 334 Microbiology (note this course requires completion of general chemistry 2 lecture and lab as well), BIOL 336L Ecosystem Ecology, BIOL 338 Insect Life, BIOL 340 Marine Mammal Biology, BIOL 359 Caribbean Tropical Ecology
Environmental Capstone: ENVSTY 401 Environmental Problem Analysis and Policy Formulation

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School for the Environment

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