Understand and Solve Earth’s Climate, Environmental and Sustainability Challenges

The Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with unique interdisciplinary study programs encompassing Geosciences, Meteorology, Hydrology and Sustainability. Our research and teaching engage students in today’s environmental challenges, including climate change, critical minerals and water resources.

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Meet Our Students & Alumni

Aya Oulal in Dubai while attending the COP28 summit.
Aya Oulal '23
Environmental Science

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Aya Oulal was able to study abroad in Spain, attend COP28 in Dubai and become a resident advisor.

UMass Lowell was great. I don’t think I would have done so much or even considered this path for myself without the university.
Read More About Aya Oulal 
Ericka Boudreau poses with another researcher outdoors in Oregon.
Ericka Boudreau '22
Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Earth System Science Ph.D. student Ericka Boudreau is on her way to becoming a triple River Hawk.

I enrolled in the Ph.D. program because I loved the research I was doing and wanted to continue to develop those skills.
Read More About Ericka Boudreau 
William Lefebvre poses for photo at the COP28UAE - United Nations Climate Change in Dubai-2023.
William Lefebvre ’25
Climate Change and Sustainability

From attending COP28 in Dubai to joining the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, William Lefebvre is learning that environmental science is also an art.

UMass Lowell has enabled me to expand sustainability more than I ever thought it would.
Read More About William Lefebvre 
Laurie Agel speaks at a podium
Laurie Agel '18
Marine Sciences & Technology

Software engineer Laurie Agel was looking for a career change in her 40s. Fifteen years later, she has her Ph.D. in marine sciences and technology from UML and is working as a post-doctoral research assistant, studying extreme precipitation and flooding in the Charles and Mystic river basins.

I’ve seen many, many people like me – people doing a second career and coming in from another field. And there’s just so much excitement at UMass Lowell. I don’t really feel like a fish out of water.
Read More About Laurie Agel 
Erin McGuire sits on a mountaintop
Erin McGuire '21
Geoscience

Erin McGuire has been able to ease into her new job as staff geologist at Nobis Group in Concord, N.H., while putting the finishing touches on her bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a geoscience option.

I’m excited to have the outdoors as my office. I really love being outside.
Read More About Erin McGuire 

Environmental Studies Career Outlook

  • +6%

    Projected new job growth in environmental scientist careers 

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
  • $102,700

    Average salary for environmental scientists 

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

News

More News
  • Christopher Skinner points at the pyranometer.

    Professor Studies Weather ‘Whiplash’ from Downpours to Droughts

    A warming climate is leading to greater extremes of wet and dry weather, a pattern called hydroclimate whiplash. One example is the Los Angeles fires, which were followed by torrential rains and mudslides, says Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Prof. Christopher Skinner.
    Featured Story
  • An artist rendering of a three-story building addition, with people crossing a street in the foreground.

    Kennedy College Breaking Ground on Olney Science Center Expansion

    Work is set to begin on the expansion and renovation of the Olney Science Center, providing modern labs, collaborative spaces and amenities to enhance the learning experience for Kennedy College of Sciences students.
    Featured Story