BS Environmental Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

This major is designed for students focusing on such topics as how material and energy are moved and transformed in complex environmental systems, the role of society in perturbing those processes, and scientific techniques that might be used to improve environmental quality. The program provides interdisciplinary preparation for graduate or professional training as well as for jobs in government, consulting, and industry. There are two tracks available. Interested students should contact Dr. Amy Cooke to discuss which track best fits their interests and career goals.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Environment, Ecology, and Energy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

Required courses include ENEC 201 Introduction to Environment and Society; ENEC 202I Introduction to the Environmental Sciences; ENEC 203 Introduction to Environmental Science Problem Solving; EMES 203 Data Analysis for Earth; ENEC 415 Environmental Systems Modeling; ENEC 698 Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems.

Career pathways

Amy Cooke to discuss which track best fits their interests and career goals. We encourage students to participate in study abroad during their career at Carolina.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level admission applies (not programme-specific): apply through UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Admissions; international applicants submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2) unless they qualify for the waiver, and transcripts translated into English.

Domestic applicants: USD 7,230 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 in-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (NC resident rate, $3,615 per semester on the University Source

International applicants: USD 47,472 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 out-of-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (non-resident rate, $23,736 per semester on the Univ Source

First-year applicants apply for fall enrollment (fall 2027 entry); transfer applicants apply through the Common Application with decisions by April 30.

First-year Early Action (non-binding): application deadline October 15, decision by December 20 for North Carolina residents and by February 15 for all other applicants. Regular Decision: application deadline January 15, decision by March 31. Enrollment confirmation deadline for both is May 1. Apply through the Common Application. The non-refundable application fee is $85, with a fee waiver available. SAT or ACT scores are optional with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale; students below 2.8 must submit an ACT of 17 or higher or an SAT of 930 or higher.

Transfer applicants: application and fee or waiver due February 15; supporting materials and residency due March 15; decisions by April 30; enrollment confirmation by May 15. Apply through the Common Application; the non-refundable application fee is $85.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unc.edu/

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