Environmental Science and Policy is a multi-disciplinary undergraduate major co-sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. This major offers twelve different concentrations, four of which are sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Of those four concentrations, three work well for Ag Forward students: Environment and Agriculture; Soil, Water, and Land Resources; and Wildlife Ecology and Management.
All ENSP students begin as “Undecided in ENSP,” which means they’re administratively housed in AGNR until they choose a concentration. In their first year, they work toward a lower-level, multi-disciplinary “core” and explore courses that help them choose and/or confirm their choice of concentration.
Pathways
Environment and Agriculture Major
This concentration prepares students to work in agroecology, agricultural land management and conservation, sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, and production science. It pairs well with the IAA certificates in Agricultural Business Management or Sustainable Agriculture.
Soil, Water, and Land Resources Major
The Soil, Water, and Land Resources concentration is part of UMD’s highly-ranked soil science program, and many students in this concentration who take ENST 200 (a required course, Intro to Soils) join the nationally-ranked Soil Judging Team. This concentration focuses on the essential importance of soil to our environment, covering topics such as soil and water dynamics to control problems such as pollution, wetland delineation, and land classification. Students emerge ready for careers in soil and watershed research or education; environmental consulting; risk assessment; soil and watershed management; or nonprofit, advocacy, or conservation work.
Wildlife Ecology and Management Major
The ENSP concentration in Wildlife Ecology and Management covers methods such as inventory techniques for wildlife population size and condition, physiological function, migratory patterns, habitat evaluation, and food web studies. This concentration requires the very best ecological science as a foundation as well as a substantial grounding in social science. Career options include wildlife research, education, and management; conservation research or advocacy; and hands-on conservation or wildlife management implementation.
Best Pairing
This is a sample four year plan for an ideal pairing of an IAA Track and AGNR Major.
To discuss other pairings, please contact the IAA at 301-405-4686.
