Sustainability at UMass

Founded as an land grant agricultural college in 1863, green roots run deep at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Today we are one of the nation’s leading centers of sustainability research and practice.

Learn
In addition to founding one of the country’s first Sustainability Science MS programs, UMass offers more than 20 sustainability-related undergraduate degrees, 350+ sustainability-related courses, and has over 200 faculty conducting research in this field. The School of Earth and Sustainability brings together a suite of undergraduate and graduate degrees that provide students with the knowledge and professional training to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Learn more >

Live
As a community, UMass is pioneering the frontiers of sustainable living. Our green procurement policies and innovative waste management efforts are helping to drive a circular economy approach. UMass Amherst is also investing in a cleaner energy future, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions approximately 30% since 2009 and conducting innovative research on solar and wind implementation. Learn more >

Lead
Outside the classroom, innovative programs like the Permaculture Initiative, Eco-Reps and Sustainability Fellows are training students to be the next generation of environmental leaders. From the local Western Massachusetts Community, to the White House and beyond, our students are recognized as changemakers and innovators. Learn more >

Princeton Review ranks UMass Amherst at #28 in their Top 50 Green Colleges List, out of 455 schools, and we have maintained a STARS Gold rating since 2011 from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

UMass Amherst participates in the Campus Race to Zero Waste, a national competition that helps colleges and universities advance campus recycling, food waste diversion, and waste reduction efforts. In 2023, UMass Amherst placed 2nd nationally in waste diversion category among large schools.

As an MS student you are at the heart of a vibrant community where we Learn, Live, and Lead sustainability.

Next...
Are you as excited about UMass Amherst as we are? See if we are the right program for you. Learn more >