Our Environmental Studies and Sustainability program is composed of diversified areas of study to best prepare you for your career in the environmental sector. You decide where your focus will be, and we’ll help to provide the opportunities for individualized approaches to understanding and addressing environmental problems.

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

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: 600 kW wind turbine 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