Undergraduate Studies
The University of Michigan offers many opportunities for undergraduate study in sustainability-related fields. Students can integrate sustainability coursework into any field of study.
The majors listed here have a clear sustainability emphasis built into the core curriculum.
PitE: Program in the Environment (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts + School for Environment and Sustainability) This cross-campus, interdisciplinary undergraduate program offers a concentration (major), five different minors (Environment, Energy, Food, Water and Sustainability), and elective courses open to all U-M students. PitE's curriculum encompasses the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities coursework—with a focus on hands-on field experience. Topics covered range from global change, public policy, sustainable development, analytics, and ecology.
Biology (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) Seven concentrations and three minors, including plant biology, and ecology and evolutionary biology.
Chemical Engineering (College of Engineering) A solid disciplinary foundation that allows students to personalize the curriculum for diverse careers, including in the environment.
Chemistry (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) Concentrations in chemistry and biochemistry, and a dual degree with chemical engineering.
Civil and Environmental Engineering (College of Engineering) Sample topics: Environmental systems, environmental assessments, solid waste, nuclear waste.
Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (College of Engineering) Including an exciting concentration called Climate Science and Impacts.
Earth and Environmental Sciences (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) Concentrations in geological sciences, earth systems science, environmental geosciences, oceanography, and earth sciences.
Earth System Science and Engineering (College of Engineering) The interactions among Earth system components; concentrations in climate science, meteorology, and space weather.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) An integrated perspective on the earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Mechanical Engineering (College of Engineering) Global economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors all suggest that improvements are needed in the way that energy is produced, converted, and utilized in the modern world. Mechanical systems are integral to all three of these activities. The Mechanical Engineering Department offers undergraduates a concentration in energy.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (College of Engineering) This department offers study in marine environmental engineering. Recent graduates are working on approaches to overcome water-borne pollution transport in the Great Lakes and the oceans, and coastal erosion predictions. Several professors are researching new ocean and river energy-generation systems.
Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (College of Engineering) This rapidly-growing major is based on the principle that a sound education in both mathematics and the basic sciences is an essential foundation for any specialized training. Undergraduates are routinely involved in research projects.
Program in Sustainable Engineering (College of Engineering) A nine-credit-hour supplemental studies program whereby engineering students earn a "Specialized Study in Sustainable Engineering" notation on their transcript.