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Environment & Natural Resources

Turn your love of sustainability and conscious consumption of the Earth's resources into a career.

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Environment & Natural Resources

Environment & Natural Resources

Students interested in Environment and Natural Resources programs will learn how to cultivate natural resources to contribute to international development and the environmental economy.

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Related Majors

Students will learn the practical and methodological tools needed to make innovative contributions toward international agricultural development that encourages technical, scientific and economic advancement in the cultivation of the Earth that enables sustainable consumption and equitable distribution while meeting the increasing demand for finite resources. 

Pre-Veterinary

Pre-professional program for students interested in going to veterinary school.

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Individual Studies Program

Individual Studies (IVSP) students enjoy broad academic freedom and flexibility to pursue their degrees in ways that best suit their intellectual interests and passions. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the IVSP staff, students create their own unique, interdisciplinary majors that approach important issues, questions, and problems from a range of disciplines and perspectives. 

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Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation

The nonprofit leadership and social innovation minor gives you the tools to engage in hands-on learning to enhance your knowledge of local, national and global issues. Students will examine different approaches to social impact and study the role of the nonprofit, non-governmental and social sectors, in addition to social innovation, leadership and nonprofit management skills.

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Public Policy

The public policy major implements a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to tackling the most pressing policy dilemmas. Our coursework sharpens students' analytical and decision-making skills by focusing on practical problem-solving rather than theoretical concepts. Whether you are passionate about addressing inequality, reducing poverty, combating barriers to healthcare or strategic risk management, the public policy major provides a strong foundation for creating innovative solutions.

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Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, which is a very diverse field, concerned with such things as planning, design, construction and operation of large systems such as buildings and bridges; water purification and distribution systems; traffic and transportation systems; and water and land pollution treatment.

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Surficial Geology

This undergraduate minor recognizes concentrated study in Surficial Geology, a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

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Paleobiology

The minor in Paleobiology will provide students with a broad understanding of the application of the methods of biology and geology to the study of the history of life, and develop students’ appreciation of how issues in the study of paleobiology connect with larger trends in those sciences. It is intended for all students with an interest in the study of the history of life, be it professional or avocational.

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Hydrology

An undergraduate minor in Hydrology recognizes concentrated study in a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

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Geophysics

The undergraduate minor in Geophysics recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

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Geochemistry

The undergraduate minor in Geochemistry recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

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Earth History

The undergraduate minor in Earth History recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

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Geology

The Department of Geology offers three major tracks addressing key aspects of Geology - the science of Earth. In its broadest sense, geology focuses on the formation and subsequent modification of the planets, emphasizing planet Earth. Geologists study Earth's internal and surface structure and materials, history, and the chemical and physical processes acting within and on it using the principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

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Chemistry

Chemists seek to understand how molecules (organic, inorganic, organometallic) interconvert and can be interconverted, how they behave under various conditions, and design new molecules that perform specific tasks (such as pharmaceuticals or for energy transfer or light harvesting). There are also theoretical chemists who use computers and calculations to better understand molecular behavior.

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Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences students learn the foundations and applications of biology across multiple levels of organization: molecules, genomes, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Students participate in research, learn modern experimental techniques, and become active learners to address real-world challenges. Students choose between five tracks: Cell Biology and Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology and Neurobiology, and General Biology (integrating all areas).

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Biochemistry

Biochemists are concerned with the structural and energy changes that occur during physiological process such as metabolism and catabolism - in a global sense, they are concerned with how one molecule is converted into another (and the sequence of these events) in living organisms. Understanding the process can pave the way for the development of new drugs.

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Atmospheric Chemistry

This minor will provide the students with a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level required courses, and a background on issues in atmospheric chemistry. This minor track is intended for students who might pursue careers where background in atmospheric chemistry is needed, such as air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental issues.

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Atmospheric Science

This minor will provide a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, and a solid background in atmospheric physics (AOSC431) and atmospheric dynamics (AOSC432), as offered by two required courses. It is aimed at non-majors who might consider graduate work in meteorology, or prepare them for the very favorable job market in the Washington, D.C. area, where a background in meteorology can be an important asset.

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Meteorology

This minor will provide the students with a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, a broader background on a wide range of sub-fields in meteorology, and on current issues in climate research, as provided by the two required courses. This minor is aimed at students who wish to be informed about this field, who may not intend to pursue graduate work in this field, but who might pursue careers where a background in meteorology is important, such as environmental policy, government, and industry.

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Atmospheric & Oceanic Science

The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science B.S. program seeks to educate majors in the basic principles that control our weather and the interactions between atmosphere and ocean that regulate Earth’s climate. Students will be provided with practical experience as researchers and creators of knowledge, and equipped with the requirements for a full range of careers in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, as well as for related areas in secondary education, graduate school, industry, and public service.

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Geographic Information Science

The GIS minor is designed to give students the technical skills needed to acquire, manage and analyze geographic data. Geographic information science and remote sensing have evolved dramatically in the past few decades. Students in the minor will receive extensive training in digital processing of remote sensing observations and cartographic vector data, spatial analysis, and the display of information products.

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Remote Sensing of Environmental Change

The Remote Sensing of Environmental Change minor program (RSEC) is designed to build students’ understanding of global environmental change in order to assess their impacts on the physical and human landscapes, and to use remote sensing as an analytical tool for identifying those impacts.

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Geographical Sciences

Geography concerns the relations between people and the natural world, the effects of ecosystems on human beings and vice versa, the choices people make, the effects of past actions on people today, and the effects of today’s choices on future generations. Students specializing in Geographical Sciences will be exposed to a diversity of coursework that will focus on human-environmental interactions.

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Archaeology

This interdisciplinary minor explores the methods and findings of archaeology along with providing hands-on fieldwork experience. The program courses span eight departments and five colleges, drawing much of its evidence from archaeology or providing basic scientific background and training in important techniques, such as remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

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Real Estate & the Built Environment

The Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate and the Built Environment expands the traditional, narrowly focused, business approach to real estate, finance, investment and management, providing students with broad perspectives that come from the multitude of disciplines that make up the modern practice of real estate. The focus is on transformational real estate practice, addressing issues posed by individual and collective decisions about the built environment ranging from social and environmental justice, to climate change, to community identity and heritage.

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International Agriculture & Natural Resources

This certificate open to any student is designed to enrich their major with a global perspective. The required courses focus on: language instruction; international aspects of the environment, agricultural production, development and sustainability, nutrition, and business. Also included is an experience abroad and a capstone course surrounding the student's travel abroad.

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Applied Agriculture

The Institute of Applied Agriculture offers a 60-credit certificate that provides students with the entrpreneurial, technical, and communication skills needed to manage and lead profitable agricultural and environmental enterprises, including golf courses, sports fields, horticulture businesses, landscaping companies, and sustainable farming operations. For those who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree, the IAA offers direct pathways into AGNR degrees.

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Entomology

The Entomology minor provides students with a broad understanding of insects, their interactions with people and society, and their role as model species for fundamental and applied research. It is intended for students with an interest in insects and their relatives, whether from a professional or hobbyist perspective. Students from a wide range of majors may be interested in incorporating Entomology with their majors.

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Sustainability Studies

The Sustainability Studies Minor provides students the opportunity to explore pressing environmental topics such as global food systems, renewable energy, emerging environmental threats, ecological design thinking, and much more. This is an opportunity to embody the university's land-grant mission to preserve the natural resources of our planet. The minor can be paired with any major and since its creation has remained one of the university’s most popular and globally relevant minors.

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Soil Science

The Soil Science minor will provide students with a sophisticated understanding of soil resources, its development, characteristics, and principles for its use and management. Building on a basic introduction to the broad field of soil science, the program is completed by adding four or five upper division soils courses balanced between underlying principles and field applications.

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Landscape Management

This minor is catered to the aspiring landscape manager who is seeking a strong foundation in plant sciences and business management. Courses teach the science behind plant growth and development, the plant's responses to the environment, the skills needed to recommend best management practices to identify plant abnormalities, and business, human resource, and financial management skills.

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Global Poverty

Global Poverty students will discover how incentives, resources, and social and political institutions influence the incidence of poverty across and within countries. They will also learn of the relationships between poverty and determinants of human welfare such as hunger, health, education and environmental quality. Students of all majors are welcome to declare this as a minor.

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Plant Science

The Plant Science major offers three unique concentrations: Plant Biology, Turf and Golf Course Management, and Urban Forestry. This program features world class faculty with diverse expertise and research that spans genetics, molecular biology, physiology, pathology, food safety and security, ecology, and conservation biology. Graduates enter into in-demand fields including biotech firms and startups, sports turf management, research labs, government management and policy, and much more.

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Nutrition & Food Science

Nutrition and Food Science prepares students for careers in global food and health systems including the food industry, state and federal regulatory agencies, healthcare, food and nutrition policy, community nutrition, and dietetics. Students can choose nutritional science, food science, and dietetics, all of which focus on the core concepts of health and wellness. Career opportunities include food product development, dietitian/nutritionist, pre-health (physician, dental) and more.

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Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture educates licensed professionals who analyze, plan, design, manage, and preserve the built and natural environment. Program graduates go into a wide range of career fields including community design, park and transportation planning, urban development, environmental engineering, and more. Students will practice and master skills driven by real world design projects with real clients in D.C., Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Fermentation Science

The newest major in AGNR prepares students for workforce demand in a broad array of fermentation industries that include beverages (beer, wine, distilled spirits, and kombucha), vegetable foods (kimchi, tempeh and miso), dairy foods (cheese and yogurt), and biotechnology industries (biofuels and pharmaceuticals). Graduates will be prepared for careers in breweries, wineries and distilleries, cheese shops, environmental engineering, research labs, and much more.

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Environmental Science & Technology

Environmental Science and Technology educates and prepares students to work in natural resources management, ecological technology design, soil and watershed science, or ecosystem health. Government agencies, environmental consulting firms, "green"/renewable energy industries, and non-governmental organizations are all potential career paths allowing students to solve grand challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.

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Environmental Science & Policy

Environmental Science and Policy is a broadly multi-disciplinary, undergraduate major, drawing courses and faculty from 9 departments and three colleges exploring environmental systems and teaching students to address human-environment issues. The major prepares students to tackle environmental change such as global food security, environmental justice, and the development of green technologies.

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Animal Science

Animal and Avian Sciences provides a challenging program for students interested in the application of biology and technology to the care, management, and study of domestic and aquatic animals. Many animal sciences graduates enter veterinary school, while others pursue careers such as research technicians, educators, sales or marketing reps and animal producers. Students receive hands on training with animals here on site at our campus farm.

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Agricultural Science & Technology

Agricultural Science and Technology offers 3 distinct specializations in Agricultural & Extension Education, Agronomy, and Environmental Horticulture. Specific areas of study include crop science, sustainable production, precision agriculture, agriculture education, greenhouses and nurseries, urban agriculture, viticulture, and much more. Graduates enter a wide range of fields including K-12 teacher, specialty crop and greenhouse production, food safety, and Extension educator.

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Agricultural & Resource Economics

Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC) is widely regarded as one of the top departments of its kind in the world, offering students outstanding education and training in applied economics and business. Majors focus on the economics of the environment, natural resources, agriculture, and international development. Graduates proudly work for federal agencies, financial institutions, agricultural businesses, environmental non-profits, and private firms.

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Related Career Paths

  • Agricultural Economy
  • Brewing
  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Environmental Law
  • Food Science
  • Government Administration
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Natural Resource Planning
  • Plant Biology
  • Research
  • Sustainability

Related UMD Colleges & Schools

Ensure Healthy Watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR)

The College of Agricultural & Natural Resources embodies the University's land-grant mission with a commitment to eliminate hunger, preserve our natural resources, improve quality of life, and empower the next generation through world-class education.

Architecture building with a sunset

School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (ARCH)

At the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, you can help build a sustainable future. The undergraduate architecture program, with its close-knit community and unparalleled location, will give you unique opportunities to explore a range of disciplines - including urban studies, real estate development and historic preservation - and to practice the craft.

Chincoteague Hall

College of Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSOS)

Students in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences who are interested in government, non-profits, research or the private sector can take advantage of endless opportunities in nearby Washington, D.C. BSOS prepares students to obtain the most sought-after career readiness competencies from employers, and to Be the Solution to the world's great challenges.

Computer Studies

College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences (CMNS)

The thirst for new knowledge is at the heart of scientific endeavor and discovery. As we seek to understand our world across a host of complexly interconnected phenomena, our discoveries shape that world. At the forefront of many of these discoveries is the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

A James Clark School of Engineering ENGR

A. James Clark School of Engineering (ENGR)

The A. James Clark School of Engineering is consistently ranked among the world's top engineering schools. Its academic programs offer endless opportunities to explore, and our location near Washington, D.C., will give you access to federal research labs and major technology corporations to land internships and jobs.

Thurgood Marshall Hall

School of Public Policy (SPP)

Policy Terps understand how to make a positive difference in the most challenging problems facing our world today. Students are equipped with a sophisticated, in-depth understanding of domestic and international problems and possess the values and perspectives necessary to shape sustainable solutions. The School of Public Policy gives you the tools you need to translate your passion into real change.