Environmental Studies

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University of Maine at Machias students and faculty are doing research studying the effects of the Machias Wastewater Treatment Plant on the growth and survival of soft-shell clams. This new endeavor is made possible through a five-year, $255,000 grant from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI).

Environmental Studies

The world needs environmentalists! There are many opportunities for you to contribute.  UMM is uniquely located to get you started in environmental studies. We are situated at the headwaters of the Machias River Estuary. Our campus is surrounded by forests, blueberry fields, lakes, rivers, maritime bogs, and the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby are many state or national parks with unique trails and views, such as Acadia National Park; Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge; and the Bay of Fundy. Downeast Maine is home to many endangered species including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Atlantic Salmon, Northern Right Whale, and Jacob's Ladder. You can literally step out of the classroom and into a natural laboratory where you can see fascinating species such as boreal birds, moose, seals, and pitcher plants. Our faculty specialize in taking their students outdoors to enhance the UMM learning experience.

Download the Program of Study PDF for this major >>

Download the Learning Outcomes PDF for this major >>

Why study Environmental Studies at UMM?

Hands-On Experience!

During your career at UMM, you will participate in a series of "Issues and Actions" courses where you will have opportunities to pursue practical, project-based learning experiences in Environmental Studies. You also have the opportunity for experiences outside of classes such as cooperative education or internships, both of which can provide college credit. Download the Environmental Studies brochurePast student internships have included working for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, industrial plants, national parks, and wildlife refuges.

Excellent Faculty!

UMM faculty will serve as your advisors and guide you in structuring and completing the educational program which best suits your interests and future career goals. Our courses are rigorous and of the highest quality. From the beginning of your studies, you’ll work closely with us in the classroom, lab, and field. At UMM we take a personal approach to education…you are the focus.

Individualized Programs!

The program focuses on the environment and the interactions between people and the world in which we live.  You can tailor the program to your interests by choosing any of the UMM minors as your focus.  The Environmental Studies degree will help prepare you for careers in: 

  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Law
  • Environmental Recreation
  • Environmental Entrepreneurship
  • Geographic Infomation Systems (GIS)
  • Public Administration
  • Nature Writing
  • Human Ecology
  • Wildlife, Avian, or Fisheries Biology

or carve your own niche...

Careers in Environmental Studies

Student in Chemistry Lab

UMM graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers in environmental fields. These include employment with:

  • State and federal environmental agencies
  • Private environmental advocacy organizations
  • State and national parks
  • Environmental education institutions
  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Pollution control agencies
  • Environmental advocacy organizations
  • Environmental departments in industrial settings

 

Many students continue their education through advanced degrees in graduate school. Our faculty are eager to help you explore your career interests and the many opportunities available in the environmental field.

Opportunities Abound at UMM

For example, you can combine courses in environmental studies with:

Take a Break!

Students Rowing

We don’t work all the time, and you won’t either. Down East coastal Maine is a wonderful place for recreation. Mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing are some of the many recreational opportunities available in our great outdoors. If you’ve wanted to learn some of these activities we’ll teach you.

Faculty

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