About the ENVSCI Program
The environmental science major provides an understanding of the biological and physical sciences and their application to environmental problems. Our majors follow a rigorous interdisciplinary approach that prepares them to respond to urgent environmental challenges. Students learn the basic theories and techniques needed to monitor environmental quality, interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and develop strategies for ecosystem restoration. Our majors also learn how to apply scientific data to develop policies and regulations for protecting the environment.
The environmental science major is an interdepartmental degree program that is co-administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Earth, Geographic and Climate Sciences, and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
Learn More About This Major:
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 Advisors to learn more about the program. (See peer office hours above for Fall 2024)
3. Make an Appointment with Dr. Henson or Dr. Nicolson, on Navigate.
NOTE: Appointments for Change of Major advising will be available in Navigate for both Prof. Nicolson and Prof. Henson starting in midApril.
You can also 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 EnviSci 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 2024 Office Hours (Zoom Link):
Mondays: 12:30-1:30 PM & 2:30-3:30 PM
Tuesdays: 10:00-11:00 AM; 1:00-2:00 PM & 3:30-4:30 PM
Wednesdays: 11:30 AM- 2:00PM; 8:00-9:00 PM (zoom only)
Thursdays : 1:00-2:00PM & 4:00-5:00 PM
Fridays: 11:00 AM - 1:00 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 Registration 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 Advising:
Deborah Henson, PhD
Office: 310 Holdsworth Hall (though most appointments are still virtual)
Email: dhenson@eco.umass.edu - 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). - Availability for Change-of-Major Students (years 2, 3 & 4) will open in the latter half of these months.
- 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 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 2024 drop-in VIRTUAL office hours
- Most Mondays: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
- Most Fridays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
- Use this Zoom LINK for these Drop-In Advising Times ONLY.
- FALL 2024 drop-in VIRTUAL office hours
- Assistant Program Manager:
Craig Nicolson, PhD
email: craign@umass.edu - Zoom link for Dr Nicolson’s Virtual Drop-in Hours for EnviSci Advising –
- Wednesdays 3:30-4:30, and
- Thursdays 1:00pm-2:00pm,
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.
