Environmental Studies University of Massachusetts Lowell

Overview

The Environmental Studies programme at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides students with the advanced technical skills required to tackle global ecological challenges. This Master of Science degree is specifically designed to empower professionals to drive sustainable solutions in pollution control and resource management.

Housed within the Francis College of Engineering, the curriculum bridges the gap between scientific theory and practical application. Students can choose between a thesis track for research-focused goals or a non-thesis track for broader professional development. The programme is STEM-designated, ensuring a rigorous academic framework that meets modern industry standards.

The learning environment is highly flexible, offering both full-time and part-time study modes to accommodate working professionals.

Why Environmental Studies at University of Massachusetts Lowell?

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and specialised research centres dedicated to solving pressing global issues. The university is a leader in developing tangible solutions for environmental degradation, providing a platform where academic research translates directly into local and international impact.

The faculty consists of leading experts who bring extensive real-world experience from the environmental engineering sector into the classroom. This expertise ensures that the comprehensive curriculum remains aligned with current trends in climate change mitigation, water quality, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the student journey, with numerous opportunities for fieldwork and internships. These hands-on learning components allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to complex environmental problems. This experiential approach ensures a seamless transition from the university environment into high-level professional roles.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 28398 per year
• National fee: USD 28398 per year
• Local fee: USD 16186 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Environmental Aquatic Chemistry
• Solid Waste Engineering
• Air Pollution Control
• Air Pollution Phenomenology
• Hydraulics and Hydrology
• Physical and Chemical Treatment Process
• Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology
• Environmental Application & Implications of Nanomaterials
• Environmental Fate and Transport
• Micropollutants in the Environment
• Marine and Coastal Processes
• GIS Applications in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Groundwater Modeling
• Hazardous Waste Site Remediation
• Wetlands Ecology
• Freshwater Ecology
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• Methods in Environmental Impact Assessment and Analysis
• Geology of New England
• Energy and Environment
• Understanding the Massachusetts Contingency Plan

Careers with Environmental Studies

Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as environmental engineers, with industry data indicating significant growth in job openings within the sector. The programme equips individuals for high-earning positions across various government agencies, private consultancies, and international engineering firms.

Alumni have secured employment at prestigious organisations including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Grid, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Other graduates work for leading private firms such as AECOM, Raytheon, Tetra Tech, Stantec, and Woodard & Curran.

The diverse skill set gained during the programme allows for careers in hazardous waste management, transport planning, and environmental impact assessment. Graduates also find success in state departments like Mass DOT and specialised environmental consultancies such as GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and TRC Companies.