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
Cost
School
Accreditation
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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
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.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
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.
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and Music Major
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Major
Career Outlook: Where Can an Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Degree Take You?
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.
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
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
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
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)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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