Our world faces immense environmental challenges–from climate change and the loss of biodiversity to the effects of air and water pollution and the management of our natural resources. And there are no easy solutions. The development and protection of a healthy environment demands an understanding of these challenges and a comprehensive knowledge of our natural world. That’s why our program is dedicated to preparing the future planners, leaders, and researchers essential to addressing our global and local needs, in government and industry, both nationally and internationally. Through an emphasis on field work, research activities, and special seminars, you’ll get the knowledge and experiences necessary to provide this leadership in critical thinking, problem solving, and responsible global citizenship. You’re also in luck: jobs related to the environmental sector are among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. So, go ahead; change the world with a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability.

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Program Highlights

Computer,  Computer Keyboard,  Desk,  Electronics,  Furniture,  Hardware,  Human,  Keyboard,  Person,  Table

EXPECT generous scholarships

Welcome to Our Program

If you’re looking for an Environmental Science program that gets you out into the field, look no further than UMPI’s Environmental Science and Sustainability program. Northern Maine has plenty of wilderness to explore and our faculty frequently leverage our pristine fields, woods, and waters to provide students with the most unique outdoor research labs imaginable.

student by river holding a turtle

X Marks the Spot

Over the years, our students have conducted GIS projects that have benefited many local municipalities and community organizations. Students get hands-on, out in the field experience using cutting edge technology, enjoy access to UMPI’s state-of-the-art GIS lab, and are able to add projects with real community impact to their resumes.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Unique UMPI Benefits

Whether it’s attending statewide events for undergraduate students to share poster presentations or participating in field trips as part of the New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, there are exciting opportunities for UMPI students to experience professional activities in a wide range of areas within Environmental Science.

Not Your Typical Lab Equipment

At UMPI, we take advantage of every possible learning opportunity, which means incorporating the renewable energy sources located right here on campus into our classroom activities and research projects.

UMPI students in field winter looking through binoculars

Research with Professionals

One of the main strengths of the Environmental Science and Sustainability Program at UMPI is the opportunity for undergraduates to participate in research experiences, both in the lab and in the field. Students can work as work-study students or paid assistants on faculty research projects, or they can take Independent Study courses or volunteer as well. UMPI faculty are all conducting research projects and undergraduates are encouraged to participate. UMPI also has other special opportunities in the state and beyond.

students on a field trip

See the World

Ready to explore the natural world and uncover the geology all around you? The GeoEnv Club meets every Thursday at 12 p.m. in the Geology Laboratory, Folsom 302. (Email club officers for accurate meeting schedules). Dr. Chunzeng Wang serves as the adviser for the Club.

Seminar Series

Our program partners with the Environmental Science and Sustainability program to host the Science Lunchtime Seminar Series, an innovative way to explore the world of science. This series provides the campus and community with a forum to present scientific research conducted by UMPI students and faculty as well as other local and regional scientists.

Seminars generally are held during the academic year on select Thursdays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Folsom 201, UMPI’s GIS Lab. Faculty, students, staff and community members are welcome to attend these free events and are encouraged to bring their lunches and join the discussion. Look for dates and topics on the latest Seminar Series on the University’s News and Events page.

Testimonials


“Choosing UMPI was the best decision I ever made. I found my true self by embracing my identity and being supported in who I am. It was empowering to discover my own strength and potential… The personal support is unmatched. My advisor encouraged me to follow my own path and to become who I’m meant to be. I don’t think I’d be where I am without that support.”

–Miranda Washinawatok, Class of 2022, B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability, graduate student in the University of Wisconsin’s Anthropology program

“When I attended UMPI, I was working full time in the agriculture industry. The flexibility of taking classes close to home and a very accommodating employer allowed me to both work long hours and finish my degree. To have a strong and healthy Ag economy in Northern Maine, we need a school willing to educate people for an Ag-based career, and UMPI provides that. The Ag industry throughout the country is always looking for talented people to fill positions, and currently there is a shortage of qualified people to fill these. If you love working outside, I would encourage you to consider looking into a career that begins with a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. It is a campus that will not only prepare you well for a career in the Ag industry, it’s strategically located in a county with almost 400,000 acres tillable land and millions of acres of forest land.”

–Marcus Flewelling, Class of 2012, B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Areas of Study


Anthropology

About: People have studied human life, society and social relations for thousands of years. This area of study not only exposes students to fundamental anthropological concepts, but also allows them to explore those concepts through hands-on archaeological activities and research related to the indigenous people who once inhabited the northern Maine region.

Facilities: Folsom Hall classrooms; the great outdoors — professors have led students on archaeological digs throughout the Aroostook River Watershed area.

Chemistry

About: “Chemistry is the study of the interactions between matter and energy.” From organic chemistry to biochemistry, students will receive a well-rounded understanding of chemistry and its basic principles. They also will have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through in-depth laboratory activities.

Facilities: Chemistry Lab, Folsom Hall

Ecology

About: In studying living organisms and their relationship to each other and their environment, students will focus on everything from ecosystems to biodiversity, and develop a finer appreciation for the natural world around them. Going out in the field for this area of study is a given.

Facilities: Ecology Lab, Folsom Hall; West Campus Woods; fields on and surrounding campus; woods and fields of Aroostook County

Climate Change and Energy

About: Energy and Sustainability have fast become a top area of study at institutions across the country. Students will learn about fossil fuels, analyze the shift toward alternate energy sources, and explore the wide range of renewable energy options and emerging energy solutions for the planet.

Facilities: solar array at southern end of campus; solar panels and biomass boiler, Pullen Hall; Folsom Hall classrooms

Geology

About: Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It includes the study of organisms that have inhabited our planet. An important part of geology is the study of how Earth’s materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time. Understanding of geological materials and processes help deal with geological hazards and impacts on human life.

Facilities: Geology Lab, Folsom Hall

GIS

About: This area of study focuses on learning the ins and outs of Geographic Information Systems and applying GPS technology in the use of those systems. In this area of study, GIS class work that benefit the community are a standard part of learning through real-world projects.

Facilities: GIS Lab, Folsom Hall

Anthropology

About: People have studied human life, society and social relations for thousands of years. This area of study not only exposes students to fundamental anthropological concepts, but also allows them to explore those concepts through hands-on archaeological activities and research related to the indigenous people who once inhabited the northern Maine region.

Facilities: Folsom Hall classrooms; the great outdoors — professors have led students on archaeological digs throughout the Aroostook River Watershed area.

Chemistry

About: “Chemistry is the study of the interactions between matter and energy.” From organic chemistry to biochemistry, students will receive a well-rounded understanding of chemistry and its basic principles. They also will have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through in-depth laboratory activities.

Facilities: Chemistry Lab, Folsom Hall

Ecology

About: In studying living organisms and their relationship to each other and their environment, students will focus on everything from ecosystems to biodiversity, and develop a finer appreciation for the natural world around them. Going out in the field for this area of study is a given.

Facilities: Ecology Lab, Folsom Hall; West Campus Woods; fields on and surrounding campus; woods and fields of Aroostook County

Climate Change and Energy

About: Energy and Sustainability have fast become a top area of study at institutions across the country. Students will learn about fossil fuels, analyze the shift toward alternate energy sources, and explore the wide range of renewable energy options and emerging energy solutions for the planet.

Facilities: solar array at southern end of campus; solar panels and biomass boiler, Pullen Hall; Folsom Hall classrooms

Geology

About: Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It includes the study of organisms that have inhabited our planet. An important part of geology is the study of how Earth’s materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time. Understanding of geological materials and processes help deal with geological hazards and impacts on human life.

Facilities: Geology Lab, Folsom Hall

GIS

About: This area of study focuses on learning the ins and outs of Geographic Information Systems and applying GPS technology in the use of those systems. In this area of study, GIS class work that benefit the community are a standard part of learning through real-world projects.

Facilities: GIS Lab, Folsom Hall

Facilities and Field Sites

Folsom Science Laboratories

Folsom Hall houses the science laboratories on the UMPI campus. The Environmental Science department has a GIS lab with wide-format plotter, a Soil Science and Geology lab, a Chemistry lab, as well as several research laboratory spaces. There are also multiple biology labs for working with wildlife or DNA. Equipment includes drones, GPS units, ground-penetrating radar, and other technology.

Zillman Family Greenhouse

UMPI has a new state-of-the-art greenhouse that is utilized by science-focused programs for classroom instruction and research. Three large climate-controlled rooms allow for multiple projects and classroom laboratory experiences in plant biology and agriculture.

Faculty

Photo of Larry Feinstein

Larry Feinstein

Associate Professor of Biology
Location
308 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9498
Email
larry.feinstein@maine.edu
Photo of Udaya Jayasundara

Udaya Jayasundara

Asst Prof of Chemistry
Location
307 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9483
Email
udaya.jayasundara@maine.edu
Photo of Jason Johnston

Jason C Johnston

Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Location
315 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9652
Email
jason.johnston@maine.edu

Dave Putnam

Adjunct Faculty
Email
david.putnam@maine.edu
Photo of Judy Roe

Judith Ladd Roe

Associate Professor of Biology
Location
316 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9446
Email
judith.roe@maine.edu

Matthew Wallhead

Assistant Prof of Agricultural Science
Dr. Robert Vinton Akeley Chair of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness
Location
South 307
Email
matthew.wallhead@maine.edu
Photo of Chunzeng Wang

Chunzeng Wang

Professor of Earth and Environmental Studies
Location
306 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9412
Email
chunzeng.wang@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

Environmental Science and Sustainability Program Offerings

Our Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability is a 120-credit program that includes: the General Education Curriculum (40 credits); Core Courses; sections on Science and the Environment, Energy and the Environment, and Humans and the Environment; a Practical Learning Experience; and general electives.

What can you do with a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability?


Our Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability is a 120-credit program that includes: the General Education Curriculum (40 credits); Core Courses; sections on Science and the Environment, Energy and the Environment, and Humans and the Environment; a Practical Learning Experience; and general electives.

What can you do with a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability?


We offer further opportunities through our GIS (Geographic Information Systems) certificate, aimed at bringing modern GPS and GIS technologies to students of all majors and to local communities. A two-semester GIS sequence is offered, ENV308-Introduction to GIS (GIS I) in the spring, and ENV408-GIS Applications and Advanced Spatial Analyses (GIS II) in the fall.  What is GIS?

Our Environmental Studies Minor is designed specifically for students from a diversity of majors with a strong interest in environmental issues, but not strictly environmental science, to gain a basic interdisciplinary perspective on these issues and challenges, including environmental policy and law, philosophy and literature, and sustainable development.

Our Chemistry Minor provides students with a grounding in basic chemistry principles and a study of chemistry sub-disciplines, including organic chemistry, biochemistry and environmental chemistry.

Our Geology Minor is designed for students seeking a fundamental understanding of Earth materials and geological processes. This minor should especially be considered by students who may be interested in pursuing careers in the fields of chemistry, engineering and earth sciences.

Our Physical Science Minor gives students a foundation in the science of non-living systems, and encompasses principles of physics and chemistry.

If you’re interested in exploring a degree in Agriculture, check out our Agricultural Science & Agribusiness degree.

What can you do with an Environmental Studies: Minor?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!