If you’re concerned about the consequences of human production and consumption on environmental sustainability, you’re not alone. The effects include pollution, impact on biological diversity, climate change, and sustainability issues. At WPI, you can follow your passion for the planet locally, nationally, and globally and engage in community issues while promoting civic responsibility – all while earning your Bachelor’s degree.
WPI’s project-enriched Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) program provides a world- class technological education as well as an outstanding, hands-on, liberal arts education in key aspects of human dimensions of environmental change. Made of an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum, you will gain breadth and depth of knowledge across core disciplines such as biology, chemistry, philosophy, history, and environmental law and policy. Working alongside faculty who are equally passionate about the environment, you’ll gain practical experience by engaging in cutting-edge research in areas such as sustainability studies, environmental justice, environmental sciences, and environmental politics.
A degree in ESS will prepare you for graduate school or an exciting, meaningful career. You will not only have the technological and scientific skills needed to comprehend complicated environmental issues, but also a mastery of methods of inquiry, as well as the relevant sociopolitical understanding to work toward responsible solutions.
Average Starting Salary
WPI Graduates:
- Bachelor's: N/A
- Master's: N/A
- PhD: N/A
Average National Starting Salary (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015): $40,350
Average National Starting Bachelor’s Degree Salary (reported by the NACE Salary Survey): $32,813
Download the WPI Post-Graduation Reports for more information on salaries.
Companies that have Hired WPI Environmental and Sustainability Studies Graduates
- Banfield Pet Hospital
- Co-op Power
- Pare Corporation
Download the WPI Post-Graduation Reports for more companies that have hired WPI graduates.
Sample Job Titles
- Civil Engineer
- Data Entry Technician
- Interim Education & Outreach Coordinator
Sample Graduate Schools
- Purdue University
- Yale University
Sample Professional Associations and Clubs
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Environmental Career Center
- Environmental Careers Organization
- North American Association for Environmental Education
Sample MQP Titles
- Assessing People‘s Perceptions of Urban Trees: A Case Study in Worcester, Massachusetts
- Passive Home Design- A Guide to Remodeling and Building Highly Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly Homes
Visit WPI’s Electronic Projects Collection for more MQP titles.
Popular Industries for Environmental and Sustainability Studies Majors
- Air/Water Quality Management
- Conservation
- Law
- Remediation/Compliance
- Waste Management