Why Study Environmental Sciences and Sustainability?
The need to understand, respond to and transform the impacts of human activity on the natural systems of the planet has never been more urgent.
Two Pathways of Study
Merrimack College’s Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (ESS) program offers you the choice of pursuing either a bachelor of arts in ESS or a bachelor of science in ESS based on your career pursuits. You will select a concentration within your program. And no matter which concentration you choose, internship experience is woven in, with 100% of ESS majors participating in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum during your time at Merrimack.
Bachelor of Arts in ESS
(select one)
Bachelor of Science in ESS
(select one)
Why We Offer Two Different Choices
- No one can be an expert in every dimension of the environment. Therefore, we offer two distinct degrees in environmental science and sustainability - each one having three distinct concentrations.
- There are certain things that every environmental specialist needs to know and be able to do. You will study a common core curriculum while also taking courses in your chosen specialization.
Difference Between the B.A. and B.S. Programs
Bachelor of Arts in ESS
- You’ll develop an understanding of what it means to be sustainable.
- You’ll learn ways of transforming the world to become sustainable.
- With concentrations in environmental business and policy, science and society, and social sustainability, you’ll be challenged to study a variety of cultural and scientific ideas on how to bring about the personal, cultural and institutional changes necessary for a better planetary future.
Bachelor of Science in ESS
- You’ll focus on becoming proficient in the methods of the natural and physical sciences.
- You’ll complete the ESS core curriculum, incorporating an understanding of how to deal with the social dimensions of environmental problems, while focusing on different aspects of scientific knowledge.
- You’ll concentrate on the technical and quantitative skills necessary to break down and analyze environmental problems creatively and effectively.
- You’ll select a concentration in environmental analysis, environmental and natural systems, or environmental operations.