Department of Environmental Conservation

UMass Amherst | College of Natural Sciences | School of Earth and Sustainability

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Study in ECO:

Building and Construction Technology

BCT ProgramBuilding and Construction Technology graduates combine a passion for sustainable and resource-efficient building with a solid background in construction, building science and technology, business and project management. During their studies at UMass, BCT students enjoy an applied, project-based learning environment while receiving the required technical and scientific foundation for their future career. This major combines courses centered around sustainable building in the areas of construction technology, materials performance and engineering, building systems and energy, estimating, business and project management, marketing, digital tools, as well as written and oral communications.

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Natural Resources Conservation

This major provides students with the academic background and professional training to pursue careers in the rapidly growing field of natural resources and environmental conservation. Natural Resources Conservation is a multi-disciplinary field that integrates rigorous academic training in the natural, conservation, and social sciences with hands-on field skills; and field experiences from summer jobs, internships, and cooperative education positions with conservation organizations and the green industry. Students learn about the ecology of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and how these systems can be managed to conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystem functions while providing sustainable benefits to society.

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Environmental Science

Environmental Science employs an interdisciplinary approach, teaching students how to meet the challenges of creating a safe and healthy environment and how to recognize and control the effects of pollution and environmental stress on ecosystems. Faculty and students seek practical solutions to complex environmental problems by crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students learn how to integrate and apply knowledge from the appropriate areas of basic science, economics, and policy to address problems caused by ecosystem degradation and from physical alteration of the environment and chemical contaminants from industrial activities, agriculture, food production, and inadequate resource management.

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Environmental Conservation (M.S., Ph.D.)

The University of Massachusetts Environmental Conservation (ECo) Graduate Program is recognized nationally and internationally among scientists and professionals as a high-quality program and as a result is able to attract the highest caliber students. Recognizing the growing complexity of environmental conservation, the Program has evolved into a broad, multi-faceted degree program, with diverse opportunities for emphasizing 1) wildlife, fish and conservation biology, 2) forest resources and arboriculture, 3) water, wetlands and watersheds, 4) human dimensions and environmental policy, and 5) sustainable building systems, with options for a thesis (research) or professional (non-thesis) degree in any of these areas of concentration.

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MS Sustainability Science Program

The MS Sustainability Science (MS3) Program prepares students professionally for a broad range of sustainability-focused careers in industry, government, or the non-profit sector.  Students will graduate with: (1) a systems-based foundation for analyzing current environmental challenges; (2) pragmatic training and field experiences; (3) critical thinking and communications skills; and (4) knowledge and understanding of the interrelated scientific, social, economic and political underpinnings of environmental problems, solutions, and practices.

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