Environmental Science and Sustainability

Academic Maps Our world faces immense environmental challenges–from global warming and the loss of biodiversity to the effects of air and water pollution and the depletion 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.

Welcome to our Program

Our location provides ready access to more than five million acres of the great North Maine Woods, meaning we have the best field laboratory nature could offer right in our backyard.
Research with professionals

You aren’t just learning from professors who really care about your progress, you’re learning from researchers who are making important discoveries and contributions in their fields of study. And many times, you’re right beside them conducting fieldwork.
Not your typical lab equipment

With a 600 kW wind turbine on campus, as well as solar panels and a biomass boiler system, we have many renewable energy sources on campus that serve double duty as great opportunities for research and learning.
X marks the spot

You’ll be helping the local community as you learn about Geographic Information Systems. Our unique GIS Certificate offering allows students to work on real GIS projects to earn hands-on experience with the technology.
See the world

Through our Geo-Ecology Club, our students have been able to travel to spots like the Grand Canyon and Iceland.

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Academic Maps

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

Testimonials

I was amazed at the many opportunities that I had while I was in the Environmental Studies program at UMPI. Classes were only part of my education; there were so many more unique experiences including field trips, professional presentations, research opportunities and various club memberships available to me, all of which aided in preparing me for an environmental career. My professors involved me in various ecological studies and GIS projects that they were working on outside of school providing me with valuable skills and experience when it came time to pursue a career. Read More

The faculty are active in their areas of expertise and maintain many relationships with local professionals working in the area. Such contacts often result in unique opportunities for students to get involved in real-world research and fieldwork while in the program. Examples from when I was in the program include working with staff from the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, The Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection, The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge and the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. These only represent the opportunities that I had the time for, there actually were many more that I couldn’t fit into my schedule! The networking that developed from these professional working relationships has proven invaluable now that I work in the field.

Another important aspect of attending UMPI was the smaller class size. I was able to get to know all of my professors on a personal basis. The comfort and familiarity that resulted from this made it feel like I was often learning from family. To this day I look back fondly at the time spent with my “UMPI Family” as a great personal experience. A smaller class size definitely benefits the educational process and added tremendous value to my time spent at UMPI. I found that at UMPI, I enjoyed the professors and the in depth education they provided so much that I was actually sad when it was time to graduate!

— Scott Belair, Environmental Specialist at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Northern Maine RegionalOffice, Class of 2013, B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.

“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