University of Massachusetts Lowell
AC-4: Graduate Program

The environmental science field is interdisciplinary in nature and blends a strong science core with focused areas in the humanities/social sciences leading to a program of study that is compatible with the student's strengths and goals. This program prepares students for employment in the private and government sectors where knowledge is required in management and protection of the environment, environmental laws and regulations, natural resources and environmental economics. Graduates of this concentration can pursue a variety of careers. Alumni have become doctors, environmental lawyers, teachers, environmental analysts, planners, water treatment plant operators, hydrological consultants, noise and air pollution specialists, and managers in private industry and government.

This program explores environmental, social, and economic issues across the globe. Graduates of this program will demonstrate the following competencies: 1. Globally shared political, social, economic, cultural, artistic, environmental, and security issues. 2. Current academic research in the fields covered by one of the program tracks (Security and Human Rights; Socio-Economic Development; or Comparative Cultures) as well as a broad familiarity with key topics in all three areas. 3. An understanding of the key concepts, theories, and methodology in the new and emerging field of Global Studies. 4. An understanding of the diverse aspects of global civil society--such as political economy, relationships, security, human rights, religion, ethical and historical perspectives, artistic expression, culture, and environmental protection--that affect our contemporary world in significant ways. 5. A working knowledge of the organizations, institutions and global systems having important roles in the development and maintenance of global civil society, human rights and social justice, and economic growth and stability. 6. Both advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. 7. A second language.

The Master Degree in Work Environment is available by combining either Occupational & Environmental Hygiene or Environmental Hygiene or Occupational Ergonomics & Safety with either Epidemiology or Cleaner Production & Pollution Prevention.This degree provides students with the scientific basis for optimized design of the work environment compatible with the capabilities and limitations of the working population. It combines a working knowledge of the work environment in its core curriculum and an intensive study experience in the principles and techniques of production for sustainability. The sustainable production systems of the future must integrate economic performance with sound environmental policy and strong safeguards for workers and public health. Pollution Prevention or environmentally conscious manufacturing is characterized by sound management, creative and productive design, environmentally friendly products, waste minimization and work organizations that protect health while assuring economic returns. This degree provides students with a strong sustainable background.

The current way we are making our products and organizing our services is harming our environment and creating health problems. Every product has a life cycle, which includes raw material extraction, transport of materials to production sites, manufacturing, transport of the finished product, sales, service, and disposal or (ideally) recycling. In Clean Production, the goal is to create a cradle-to-cradle process with minimal negative impact and maximum positive impact on human health and the environment. Cleaner Production Processes conserve raw materials and energy, eliminate toxic materials and reduce the generation of wastes and emissions.

UMass Lowell’s Work Environment master's degree programs train you to be an effective leader in occupational and environmental health and safety. You’ll graduate with skills to enhance any industry, government agency, consulting firm, insurance agency, or labor and community organization. The doctoral degree programs groom you for a career as an educator, research scientist or policy specialist with the creativity and critical thinking needed to generate new knowledge. Whether you select a career in academia, governmental or private research, private industry, or public policy, you’ll be ready to push the envelope for innovation.

M.S. Environmental Studies – Environmental Engineering Sciences Concentration and Atmospheric Sciences Concentration: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Civil-Environmental-Engineering/Masters-Program.aspx#Master%20of%20Science%20in%20Environmental%20Studies Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Infrastructure for Developing Nations – Civil and Environmental Engineering Department: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Civil-Environmental-Engineering/Graduate-Certificates.aspx#Sustainable%20Infrastructure%20for%20Developing%20Nations D.Eng, Ph.D, M.S. Energy Engineering – Renewable (Solar) Energy Concentration: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Energy-Engineering/Masters-Program.aspx Professional Certificate in Energy Conversion - Electrical and Computer Engineering Department: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Electrical-Computer-Engineering/Graduate-Certificates.aspx#Energy