Overview

Photograph: DES Field Immersion Class of 2011

"Taking an interdisciplinary and practical approach to understanding and solving problems arising from human/environment interactions."

The Department of Environmental Science (DES) was established as a program in 1995 with widespread local, university, and state support. DES is an interdisciplinary major in the College of Science, Technology, and Health, leading to Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. The program prepares students for a variety of professional roles in the environmental field as well as preparing students for graduate, academic, and professional degrees.

The program location in the greater Portland, Maine and Northern New England region facilitates student opportunities to participate with urban and rural communities addressing a broad range of environmental problems and issues.

As a DES student, you will:

• Receive a rigorous science and policy education foundation comprised of courses, laboratory training, and fieldwork.
• Learn to analyze environmental data and problems in the field and work with diverse community, government, and industry interests.
•  Apply knowledge and skills to community environmental projects.
•  Work with environmental professionals through our internship program.
• Develop a portfolio that can be shown to prospective employers and graduate schools.