SES undergraduate programs examine the world and its inhabitants from a variety of perspectives through rigorous disciplinary programs as well as multidisciplinary programs in environmental science, social science, economics, and the built environment.
Undergraduate Programs
The curriculum within SES includes several Bachelor of Arts degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees, and associate degree program tracks—plus a variety of minors, certificate programs, and 4+1 graduate degree tracks. Depending on the program, students may also complete an internship or research project during their course of study. Programs within SES all share a comprehensive education in sustainability-related topics.
The applied plant and soil sciences bachelor’s degree program includes concentrations in plant science or general applied biology, with advanced coursework in plant science and biotechnology, horticultural sciences, plant pathology, conservation biology, soil science, and more. Many successful graduates work in research or applied careers. Others go on for advanced graduate training for careers in business, the public sector, or academia.
The arboriculture and community forestry associate degree program prepares students for critical work as professional arborists and urban foresters in urban ecosystem management. Students will enter a diverse industry with high demand for their services throughout the country. This program offers a 100 percent job placement rate, with most undergraduate students fielding multiple competing offers.
The building and construction technology bachelor’s degree program prepares students for rewarding careers in construction management, sustainable building design, building energy efficiency, and materials technology. Students graduating from this program are well-prepared for project management roles and engaging technical careers. The building and construction technology program has a 100 percent job placement rate, and many students field multiple competing job offers upon graduation.
The Earth systems bachelor’s degree program investigates the human dimensions of the global environment, geophysical processes, and environmental change. Students utilize a range of geophysical science techniques to analyze impacts on Earth’s processes, hazards, resources, and environments. Earth system scientists pursue diverse career paths related to climate science, the environment, water resources, energy, mineral resources, natural disasters, education, science communication, and environmental law and policy.
The environmental science bachelor’s degree program provides a rigorous, multidisciplinary science education in earth and ecosystem processes and environmental sustainability. Topics include global climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental toxicology, air and water quality, environmental health, sustainability, and environmental policy. Graduates pursue careers in state and federal environmental agencies, private industry, and environmental consulting.
The geography program incorporates a BA in human geography with six concentrations, a BS in physical geography, a minor, a certificate program, and an accelerated five-year MS program. Geography integrates social and natural sciences through research and teaching to address key environmental and social issues. Students pursue rewarding careers in education, business, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The geology program includes a BA and BS degree track, with BS concentrations in geology or Earth science. Students will learn techniques to find and develop resources such as groundwater aquifers, minerals, and energy sources; research climate history and earth processes such as hydrology and sedimentology; and study the structure and materials of the solid Earth. Geoscientists hold a range of positions related to climate science, the environment, water resources, energy, mineral resources, natural disasters, education, and environmental law and policy.
The professionally accredited landscape architecture bachelor’s degree program prepares students to design sustainable landscapes that balance human needs with ecological concerns. Students receive interactive learning, develop a rich portfolio, and gain real-world professional experience with design and planning projects at the local, national, and international scale.
The landscape contracting associate degree program is a highly applied program in landscape design, horticulture, and landscape construction/business. Students build invaluable professional skills in plant health care, design, estimating, installation, and project management. Successful graduates start profitable landscape contracting businesses and transition into four-year degree programs.
The microbiology bachelor’s degree program is part of a broader microbiological training program and prepares students to study the biogeochemical impacts of microbes in aquatic and terrestrial environments, how climate and land-use changes impact microbes, and their impact on the health of the planet. Environmental microbiologists pursue careers in environmental remediation, bioenergy, biotechnology, atmospheric sciences, and oceanography.
The natural resources conservation bachelor’s program helps students to develop a broad understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Students receive rigorous academic training in the natural, conservation, and social sciences alongside the practical experience needed to effectively manage resources, protect ecosystem functions, and conserve biodiversity. Graduates enter careers as foresters, ecologists, wildlife and fisheries biologists, watershed and wetland scientists, environmental educators, and environmental policymakers. Our students also go on to graduate school or law school.
The sustainable community development bachelor’s degree program draws on a variety of disciplinary fields and seeks built environment and policy solutions that balance equity, economics, and environmental considerations. Students focus on one of four concentrations: urban studies, landscape studies, horticultural studies, and the built environment. Graduates are highly qualified for careers in nonprofit organizations, community development agencies, municipalities, and private firms specializing in site-, municipal-, and regional-level work.
The sustainable food and farming associate and bachelor’s degree programs help students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for farming practices, growing and marketing “real” food, farm-based educational systems, food advocacy, community development, and public policy. Graduates from the sustainable food and farming program begin careers in agriculture, education, herbalism and health, and urban agriculture and community development.
The sustainable horticulture associate degree program prepares students to redesign landscapes in response to diminishing supplies of fossil fuels and water. Graduates can pursue career paths in the green industry, the largest segment of plant agriculture, by economic measures, in Massachusetts and New England.
The turfgrass management associate degree program provides invaluable career and technical training on the production and maintenance of grassed areas, including golf courses, home lawns, and parks. The turfgrass science and management program has a 100 percent job placement rate, and many students field multiple competing job offers upon graduation.
How to choose?
Check out our Undergraduate Major Finder Tool.
Certificates
SES offers some exciting certificate programs that provide valuable credentials that help distinguish our students, making them highly competitive and successful in the job market.
The 15-credit arboriculture and urban forestry certificate online program is a gateway for students eager for an introduction to the arboriculture and urban forestry fields. The certificate can be added to any UMass degree and has a flexible course sequence, allowing students to begin in any fall, spring, or summer semester.
- Climate Adaption Planning Graduate Certificate
Elisabeth Infield, Program Director, eminfield@umass.edu
This program is designed to provide emerging and mid-career professionals with comprehensive and curated skills in addressing the climate change emergency in their work with communities, governments, and consultancies.
Cindy Bright, Program Coordinator, @email
This is an 18-credit Five Colleges program that is supported in partnership by SES faculty. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes coursework, field/lab experience, and a marine-related research project.
Elizabeth Brabec, Certificate Coordinator, @email
This 15-credit program is a significant category of cultural resources, demanding specific theory, training, and practice for successful conservation and management. Cultural landscape management draws on a body of knowledge and skills developed in the fields of landscape architecture, planning, heritage conservation, historic preservation, public history, and anthropology.
Qian Yu, Program Advisor, @email
This is a 17-credit program that provides essential credentials in the field of geospatial technologies—including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and computer mapping—for undergraduate and non-degree students.
John Gerber, Program Advisor, jgerber@umass.edu
This online 15-credit program provides students with a science-based education, which can be applied to a variety of careers in landscape plant production and the use of plant materials in constructed and natural landscapes.
Paul Barten, SES faculty advisor, @email
This 18-credit certificate program provides an official designation added to your transcript. Students learn about Native American history, culture, and lifeways through a six-course, thematic curriculum. With this certificate, graduating students have a competitive edge in career opportunities with government agencies (e.g., the National Park Service), environmental education and experiential learning centers or institutes, or non-governmental agencies with broad conservation, sustainability, and social justice goals. This program also offers a rich and diverse community for students passionate about Native and Indigenous peoples and cultures.
UMass Amherst students also have the option to complete the Five College version of the NAIS certificate. Click here to learn about the Five College program.
Dwayne Breger, SES faculty and UMass Clean Energy Extension Director, @email
This nine-credit professional certificate in offshore wind is geared toward professionals and graduate students seeking to up-skill and broaden their knowledge to address the needs of the offshore wind industry. This certificate covers the broad range of disciplines involved in this industry, including technology and engineering, development and finance, environmental impact and stakeholder engagement, supply chain management, and business law and policy. The certificate consists of three online courses and is designed to be completed in one year. Students must apply for the certificate program and are accepted on a rolling basis. For more details, please visit the Offshore Wind Professional Certificate page.
Charlie Schweik, SES faculty advisor, @email
This eight-course certificate program allows students to customize their course sequence and policy focus to their career interests. The certificate equips students with the necessary training for careers in government, public services, consulting, and nonprofits in the United States and abroad. Students are also well-positioned to pursue graduate education in a policy-related field.
John Gerber, Professor and Program Coordinator, @email
This is a 15-credit online certificate program offered through the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, one of the nation’s top-rated agriculture schools in the country.
This 16-credit graduate certificate comprises sustainable (green) building systems and materials, energy and conservation, building technologies, and construction management.