Environmental Science

Are you a UMass student in a different major, and interested in Declaring EnviSci as your Major?
1. Check out our major requirements below. (EnviSci is a science major that requires organic chemistry and calculus.)
2. Meet with one of our Peer Mentors to learn more about the program. (See peer office hours above )
3. See a CNS Professional Advisor in 022 Stockbridge Hall, or Make an Appointment through  Navigate.
4. If you are a first-year student, see a CNS advisor in 122 Lederle Grad Tower, or make an appointment through Navigate.
 

You are also invited to view this Informational Video which includes lots of detailed information. (It was recorded during a live information session held a few years ago when all of our Destination Day events were being conducted virtually.)

But be sure to check out more program details below:

• About the Major  | The Minor  | The Field, and Careers in this area.
• Research Opportunities  | Useful Forms for current students

And check out our EnviSci blog, written by students for students.

Here’s how to connect with a Peer Advisor.

Peer Advising is available via Zoom and in-person in our Holdsworth Hall 209 advising center at the following times:

Fall 2025 Office Hours (Zoom Link): 

Mondays: 9-10 am, 2-3pm

Tuesdays: 11:30-1:30pm

Wednesdays: 9-10 am, 2-3 pm

Thursdays: 9-11am

Fridays: 11-1 pm

Use this Zoom link for those EnviSci Peer Virtual drop-in hours above.

Course overrides are submitted directly by faculty instructors. Please contact the instructor of the course if you are seeking an override. 

Please note: many courses have major restrictions due to limited seating and overrides may not be possible. 

Independent Study and Practicum Forms must be submitted directly by the faculty sponsor. 

All interested Environmental Science students are encouraged to take advantage of the many rich research opportunities that exist in all three of our partnering departments.   Read more about undergraduate research here, or check out the lists on that page to get a flavor of the various research opportunities open to you!

• Program Manager & Director of Faculty Mentoring:
  Deborah Henson, PhD
  Office: 310 Holdsworth Hall (though most appointments are still virtual)
  Email: [email protected]
• Navigate appointments are available for all students.
  During the months of November and April, when Registration is at its peak, most appointment slots are reserved for current EnviSci students (in years 2 through 4).
• Students in years 2 and 3 who are interested in Declaring the EnviSci major must meet with a CNS Professional Advisor in 022 Stockbridge Hall, or make an appointment through Navigate.
• All First-Year students needing assistance should go to the CNS First Year Advising Center located in 122 Lederle Grad Research Tower (LGRT). Appointments can also be scheduled through Navigate.
• All of my personal appointments are VIRTUAL at this time. You will receive a Zoom link with your Navigate appointment confirmation. 
• Drop-In Virtual Advising with Dr. Henson. 
  • Fall 2025 drop-in VIRTUAL office hours
    • Most Mondays at 4:00 pm and most Fridays at 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • Use this Zoom LINK for these Drop-In Advising Times ONLY.
• Assistant Program Manager:
  Craig Nicolson, PhD
  email: [email protected]
• Zoom link for Dr Nicolson’s Virtual Drop-in Hours for EnviSci Advising –
• Times TBD
  Here is Dr Nicolson’s Zoom link for his virtual Drop-in advising times above.
• Bookable Navigate appointment times with Dr Nicolson are also available each week.