Our M.S. in Environmental Science offers flexible learning options and interdisciplinary research opportunities to address today's environmental challenges.

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MS in Environmental Studies Overview

With UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Environmental Science, you will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to address issues related to the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. Prepare to develop sustainable solutions to today's most pressing environmental challenges with our interdisciplinary curriculum and diverse research and professional development opportunities.

Environmental Studies Curriculum

The M.S. in Environmental Studies is a 30-credit master's degree with an optional thesis. Numerous opportunities for experiential learning in the field are available.

Choose an option to align your degree with your academic interests and career goals.

  • Atmospheric Science Option — This option is designed for students interested in weather forecasting, atmospheric pollution, wind energy and related topics. In addition to courses in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, the curriculum includes requirements in environmental policy, economics, energy and the environment.
  • Environmental Geoscience Option — This option is designed for students to gain knowledge and skills to conduct research and act as a consultant in environmental sciences and geosciences. Courses are distributed across two areas – Policy/Economics and Environmental Geoscience.

Why Study Environmental Studies at UMass Lowell?

Man working with rocks in Antarctica

Hands-on Research

Gain a competitive edge by conducting research with faculty in forecasting, climate modeling, hydrology, surface processes or geochemistry/petrology.
Christopher Skinner points at the pyranometer. Image by Brooke Coupal

Laboratories & Resources

UMass Lowell has a range of laboratories and resources for teaching and research, including the UMass Lowell Weather Station; fully equipped weather, environmental geoscience and modern gamma ray spectroscopy laboratories; a research reactor; ground-penetrating radar equipment and extensive rock, mineral and fossil collections.
Environmental Science student Abraham Mudoola harvests peppers on O’Leary Library rooftop garden at UMass Lowell.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • NOAA National Weather Service
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Department of Energy
  • United States Geological Survey
  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Teachers at local high schools 
  • MIT Lincoln Labs

Tuition and Aid

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

Admissions

For a list of application materials and guidelines, please visit the Sciences Admissions Requirements.

Please note:

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is not required.
  • Statement of Purpose: EEAS recognizes that students have encountered hardships and barriers that may have impacted their academic performance. We welcome all prospective students to address these in their Statement of Purpose. 
  • Applications for the Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Studies, Atmospheric Science and Environmental Geoscience Options, are accepted year round, but it is recommended that completed application be submitted several months before expected matriculation.

Take the Next Step — Apply

Learn about admissions requirements and start your online application.

Request More Information

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu