Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies degree combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on outdoor experience. UMFK’s campus is located in the center of the Acadian Forest Region, which allows for a particularly unique and highly relevant environment for learning.

As a student in this program you will -

• develop an understanding of the general principles of ecological systems.
• be Engaged by a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes coursework in either aquatic or terrestrial ecology and human-environment interactions. 
• receive one-on-one advising from a faculty mentor with extensive experience in the field
• design and conduct an in-depth laboratory or field research study in the final year of the program. You will then present your findings to the campus at the end of the semester. 
• be fully prepared for an immediate transition into a career or to pursue additional graduate study. Career preparation is a primary goal of our program.

Beginning Fall 2022, all new students will be enrolled in the Self-Designed concentration option in order to tailor their education to meet their career goals. Self-design concentration could include field biology, wildlife biology, arctic studies, or the accelerated graduate pathway with MaineLaw (3+3).

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Field Studies: Wildlife Biology

The field studies wildlife biology concentration are provided a broad understanding of wildlife biology and management through the study of biology, a greater understanding of soil biodiversity, plants and their impact on wildlife diversity, wildlife habitat interactions, and management of wildlife.

What courses will I take?

Field Studies: Aquatic Ecosystems

The field studies aquatic ecosystems concentration introduces the theory and practice of ecology, the study of interrelationships among living things and their environment through the study of freshwater ecosystems and will be engaged in hands-on fieldwork to investigate the ecology of local forests and plants, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

What courses will I take, and when should I take them?