Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Major

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (ESS)

100% of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability majors participate in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum.

Dive into how human actions affect the planet’s ecosystems. You’ll develop skills to rethink, redesign and reshape how we use natural resources for a more sustainable future.

ESS Degree at a Glance

Program Type

Major

Mode of Study

On Campus

Co-Op

Guaranteed

Est. Time

4 Years

Start Terms

Fall, Spring

Accreditation

NECHE

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The Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Major

Explore how science, culture, economics and politics influence the way we interact with the environment. You’ll dive into human connections to nature, examining ethics, values and the role of technology and economics in sustainability. Plus, you’ll develop strategies to inspire eco-friendly behavior and find ways to integrate them into everyday life.

What You'll Study

Study how the natural world impacts society and how ecosystems work. With a goal of understanding the environmental challenges we face today and develop sustainable solutions, the field draws from multiple areas of science, social sciences, policy and economics. Here’s what you can expect to study:

Environmental Ethics
Ecology
Environmental Justice
Research Methods
Sustainable Development
Environmental Policy

Skills You'll Learn

Plan to develop a diverse set of skills that equip you to address complex environmental challenges! These skills are a blend of scientific knowledge, technical expertise and the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively:

Research Methodology
Written & Oral Communication
Environmental Advocacy
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Hands-on Learning

Junior Year

Community internship opportunities are available your junior year and take place in a wide array of public and private organizations focused on environmental policy, business, research, regulation, enforcement, ethics and education.

Senior Year

During your senior year, you will also complete a semester-long capstone sustainability project while working with a team of students and faculty.

Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Courses You'll Take

environmental
justice

ess 3100

This course will introduce you to environmental justice as a concept and a movement, as well as its guiding principles, theories, practices, accomplishments, and challenges. Study health and environmental risks in neighborhoods and jobs.

environmental
research methods

ess 2100

Environmental problems possess both scientific and social dimensions. Identifying, diagnosing, and developing responses to these environmental problems require a diverse set of skills and methods – learn research design in environmental contexts.

environmental
policy

ess 3550

Examine environmental issues from a policy perspective. The course will focus on both domestic and global environmental issues with an emphasis on comparison of the United States to other countries and how values influence environmental policy.

See All Courses & Options Available to ESS Majors

Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Major Requirements

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

ESS Students In the Classroom & Beyond

When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.

Career Outlook: Where Can an Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Degree Take You?

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Career Outcomes Rate

94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.

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Experiential Learning

100% of the undergraduate ESS majors of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack. 

Graduate School

Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.

Jobs with an Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Degree

Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in environmental sciences and related disciplines. Studio art major jobs have a diverse range of career options. Positions may include:

  • Environmental Inspector
  • Biological Monitor
  • Watershed Coordinator
  • Water Quality Technician
  • Natural Scientist
  • Green Design Professional

Where Merrimack ESS Graduates Work & Intern

Woodard & Curran

Engineer

Tuscan Village Salem

Project Coordinator

Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Intern

Cargill

Technical Sustainability Analyst

University of Wisconsin

M.S., Environmental Conservation

Northeastern University

M.S., Environmental Science and Policy

Syracuse University

Ph.D., Biology

Change is
Simple

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Beyond the Classroom

See for Yourself

Programs Related to the ESS Major

Explore other areas and where they can take you.

Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)

At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!

Upcoming Events

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Info Session & Campus Tour

Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays

Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.

Merrimack College Awards & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)

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