(You can see a full course listing here. Environmental Reporter. Environmental attorneys work in law firms that specialize in policy that regulates environmental matters. Sure, this one is a bit obvious: an environmental science degree prepares you for a career as an environmental scientist. 2 years ago. The Major in Environmental Studies is designed as a second Major, and is meant to complement a student’s primary Major in another field. Most environmental science degree programs require students to take several math courses, including calculus and statistics. First, get an overview of how to apply to college. As you can see, environmental science combines multiple different fields. The environmental science field focuses on devising solutions to environmental problems, so you should enjoy solving problems and expect your courses to challenge you to develop your skills in this area. The major in Environmental Analysis is a 49-credit, flexible program of study that focuses on developing critical skills and competencies on interdisciplinary environmental work. ES majors ground their idealism in scientific rigor. UCI’s Earth System Science program is consistently touted as one of the top environmental science programs in the US, and their faculty are very highly awarded. Currently 55% of the world lives in urban areas, and that is expected to grow to 68% by 2050. - Quiz & Self-Assessment Test. They can then provide their analyses to other parties—like lobbyists, nonprofits, and even politicians—as a means to enacting or changing existing legislation. Answer these questions to learn more. Get personalized advice from our college experts. What GPA Do I Need to Get Into SUNY-ESF (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry)? BIO 126, CHEM 128, PHYS 152, and any of the 100-level Geology courses can satisfy the lab science requirement for the Environmental Studies major. Stick with the science end of it and avoid "environmental studies" which can be more related to the social aspects and is less desired in the job market. What legal and ethical responsibilities do they have toward protecting that species’ habitat? When a company has these sorts of questions, they turn to an environmental consultant. Relevance. A B.S. Many environmental science graduates go to work for the government at some level. Harvard also offers a multidisciplinary concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy, in which students are taught “the underlying scientific and technical issues and an appreciation for the relevant economic, political, legal, historical and ethical dimensions.” This is the more generalist track and allows students to learn how the environment intersects with other fields like chemistry and economics. Basically, the public relations specialist takes the ideas of environmental science and broadcast them to a larger audience. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Not only can they offer advice on what classes to take and how to succeed in them, they also host community-building events, too. How Long Does IT Take to Get a Masters Degree? It’s important that you make your college applications stand out from the crowd. Is environmental science a good degree? 4 Answers. ), Five-year programs leading to the coterminal Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts (M.A. Once you pick your major, it’s time to start applying to colleges. If you answered yes to most of these questions, you're a strong candidate for an environmental science degree program! As a student in this field, you’ll need the ability to understand and apply complex concepts in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. What Are Some Careers in Environmental Science? For example, in the scenario above, an environmental consultant would need to know about the endangered species, the laws protecting them, habitat preservation, and environmentally-friendly construction solutions. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, 'c8b8e502-c285-4182-9589-5f8ae230e78a', {}); Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. The environmental science degree is considered both interdisciplinary and generalist. Are you concerned about the Earth's future? The department chooses four upperclassmen to help freshmen and sophomores as they start their environmental science degree courses. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? Because Stanford offers so many programs at such a high level, we’ve awarded it the top spot on our list. This can be done via marketing and branding, lobbying, fundraising, press releases, long-form articles, and media appearances. Imagine a contractor is clearing undeveloped land and encounters an endangered animal. Housed in the Department of Geography, the program explores sustainability issues through the social sciences, humanities and physical and life sciences. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study that equips a student with many skills, which can lead to jobs in many different areas. Along with study abroad opportunities, UC Berkeley offers unique programs like Forestry Camp. Typically you want an environmental science degree to work doing field work or analysis. They research and oversee the food supplies available to animals, and they help to develop sustainable hunting practices so that ecosystems don’t get depleted. a Study.com College Advisor at the end of the process. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight environmental science schools in the United States. One thing they could do is to employ a sustainability specialist who might find a supply of juice boxes that are sourced from a cardboard recycler and cost less than the plastic bottles they’ve been using. When you study environmental science, you’ll be expected to learn about how the environment works in relationship to many different fields. There are so many job opportunities for environmental science majors that it might be tough trying to narrow down the field. A sustainability specialist works with a company or organization to develop efficient best practices that also have the benefit of helping the environment. Luckily for you, the flexibility of environmental science degree jobs can set you up for success in a wide variety of fields. Is an Environmental Science Degree Right for You? 8 Dec 2020 accessed. There are courses ranging from park services to conservation to oceanography, and faculty advisors work with students to create a program of study suited to their individual needs. Amaretta. If working outdoors and teaching sound good to you, then you should look into a career in fish and wildlife management. Does that sound like a lot? ), Study.com / Should I Major in Environmental Science? The schools that do offer an environmental science degree, however, consider it a four-year degree. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. What Are Some Careers for Someone with a Environmental Science Degree? It’s important to note that the program specifically focuses on human-caused environmental change, so if you’re passionate about curtailing climate change, this program would be an especially good fit! guide you through every step of the college selection and enrollment process. Like we mentioned earlier, these degrees tend to be pretty research focused, especially since UC Irvine’s environmental science labs are among the most advanced in the nation. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? For example, environmental lawyers can be lobbyists for big industries attempting to ease regulations that affect their profits, or they can be public-interest nonprofits who are fighting to conserve land and wildlife. Students are encouraged to engage in community outreach, and as a result, enrolled students logged more than 70,000 service hours last year. (Mark Lee / Wikimedia). Yale offers both a bachelors of arts and a bachelors of science in environmental studies, though all students have to take prerequisites in chemistry, biology, math and statistics. Non-Traditional Jobs for Environmental Science Majors 7. What do they do? This creates one of the most flexible curricula of any environmental studies program on this list. If you enjoy research, politics, and writing, then policy analytics might be for you. They can also summarize and interpret information for legislators who are drafting bills or other policy. What are the best jobs for environmental science majors? Often, your undergraduate degree is completed by participating in field research, sometimes even on year-long projects. Harvard’s reputation hardly needs repeating here. But what is an environmental scientist, and what does an environmental scientist do? Environmental science courses typically require students to analyze data and other information to determine applicable solutions to environmental issues. In general, public relations is a great field for people who like communicating, are able to spin ideas in a positive light, and don’t mind working on a larger team. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Positions that would once go to say, a biologist, would now be considered more appropriate for an environmental science major. Are environmental issues important to you? Then check out our guides to the coalition app and the common app, which many schools use. An environmental s… Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Can You Get a PhD in Environmental Science? The simplest answer is that an environmental scientist uses science to improve the quality of the relationship between humans and the environment. Even as a policy worker, you need to understand terms about loading, how metals will interact with substrates, and toxicity numbers. Four-year undergraduate programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S. Animal sciences is the study of the management and the biology of domestic animals. 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In fact, the school has been named one of the top ten most sustainable campuses in the US and a Top Green Campus by Princeton Review. These certificates further prepare students for their transition into the workforce after graduation. The good news is that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in environmental science are projected to grow 11% over the next ten years. degree. If you want to get a taste of what environmental science classes at UC Irvine are like, you can check out the department’s YouTube page where they’ve posted lectures by the department’s faculty. Should I Major in Environmental Science? Could You Become a Petroleum Geologist with a Professional Science Master's (PSM) Degree in Environmental Science? Furthermore, the median income for environmental science-related fields in the United States is $71,130 per year, more than double the overall median US salary of $31,561. Policy analysts can work for the government, for private commercial entities, for nonprofits, or even for the media. Search. If the idea of sustainable cities excites you and you like working toward future goals, then you would be very happy in a career in city and regional planning! And is there a way for them to continue development in a way that’s eco-conscious and cost effective? We’ll teach you what to expect from an environmental science major, go over the top programs in the nation, then show you what you can do with your environmental science degree after graduation. An added perk of UC Berkeley’s environmental science program is that students have many outside learning opportunities. ), Five-year programs leading to the coterminal Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (M.S. Many students go on to graduate programs in specific areas of interest. It’s quite frequently considered the top university in the US, and it has a rigorous program of study for environmental science, too. When you major in environmental science, you’ll be prepared to tackle a variety of jobs from city planning to creating environmental policies. Cities are growing! Yale is one of the best universities in the United States, so it’s not surprising that they also have a top-tier environmental studies program, too. Additionally, SUNY-ESF takes its commitment to the environment seriously and makes environmentalism a key component of students’ lives both inside and outside the classroom. 0 0. - Quiz & Self-Assessment Test. Speaking with one of our college advisors, you will get personalized advice and explore your Environmental policy analysts research, compile, collate, and, well, analyze environmental data in order to determine how legal policy affects the environment. The main advantage to a “mixed” science for many is … The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. A doctorate is also perfect for those who want a predominant role in academics, like working in research or as a professor. In other words, there’s a lot of opportunity for you to take your love of the environment and turn it into a lucrative career! Sustainability specialists...well, specialize in helping make industries better for the environment. Have any questions about this article or other topics? Careers in urban planner can be related to the design of green spaces, to the layout of streets and highways, to zoning and expansion—basically they oversee all aspects of how a city grows and breathes. It’s probably because it is—when you start thinking about that description, you’ll realize it incorporates almost anything you can imagine. Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED. That means environmental science majors have to be people who are comfortable doing everything from field experiments to writing papers—so flexibility and curiosity is a must! Colleges and Universities, Best Accredited Online Colleges for Military, Fish Hatchery Manager: Job Description & Career Info, Master of Science (MS): Environmental Engineering Degree Overview, Graduate Certificate Programs in Environmental Engineering, Best Online Health & Wellness Bachelor's Degrees. Therefore, it is important that you have an idea of the work you would like to do after college. Environmental Studies is a major (that must be part of a double major) that provides a broadly integrated understanding to the social, political, and historical facets of our environmental challenges with focus on policy, law, and sociality aspect of these challenges. There are many environmental studies jobs, and this allows for the potential of you being able to forge your own path quite successfully. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Speak to a College Advisor today and make a better plan. I used to teach in environmental studies and most of my students had fun in class, learned a lot, and got decent jobs when they graduated. Once you apply to schools, it's time to think about how to pay for them. They also have to be good with people, since they spend time educating children and adults about good environmental management practices. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses diverse topics such as ecology, law and economics. A student’s primary Major may be drawn from any major recognized by the School of Arts and Sciences. This list includes jobs ranging from cartography (or mapmaking) to becoming a firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management. It also gives students a more streamlined approach to their education, which helps minimize outside stresses that come from juggling classes and studying for multiple tests at once. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Are you wondering if you should pursue a degree in environmental science? Learn about the top schools that provide environmental science graduate programs. Creating a versatile application can help you do this for every school you apply to...without spending every waking hour working on your application packets! In many cases work in these areas of emphasis overlaps with traditional departmental curricula, and students may choose to complete a second major there. Connect with Additionally, environmental law allows people to work in sectors that align with their passions. This school has a large faculty with robust research interests, which makes it a good school for passionate students who aren’t quite sure what field they want to work in after graduation. You’ll have to do your homework before you start applying to schools to make sure that your chosen universities offer environmental science as a full-blown major rather than a minor or concentration. So with increasing populations and rapidly developing cities, urban planning is more important than ever if we are to sustain our delicate ecological balance. It is a generalist degree in that it provides you with a skill set that is useful in many different situations. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. An environmental science degree can be a good tool for breaking into an environmental field. Doing a little research now can save you a lot of headache in the future! If you are interested in the environment but would like to write for a living, an environmental science major can prepare you well for a career as an environmental reporter. Wallace Hall, 3737 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. poe@uw.edu | (206) 616-2461. They offer both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies programs, with an available disciplinary track in Environmental Chemistry, and an Environmental Issues minor. Take this quick quiz to see if you have the interests and skills you'll need if you choose this major. Consequently, environmental consultants have to know a lot about all sorts of industries and have a strong grasp of environmental solutions. Maybe it's different in the states, but according to the occupational outlook handbook for the U.S. Job growth for environmental science is expected to be around 19% which is about average for all jobs in the U.S. These can be the some of the hardest classes, and yet, you need it as a biologist, a manager, a geologist, etc. Study.com College Advisor that can help you compare costs and options. Just take a look at this list that Portland State University compiled of employers who were specifically looking for environmental science majors! Each issue requires consideration of the political, social, and economic concerns, in addition to a scientific understanding. All requirements for bothMajors must be met before the Major in Environmental Studies can be conferred. I've got nothing but good things to say about the professors and people I've met here at UVA. All rights reserved. For example, the University of California — Irvine offers students a concentration in Geosciences Education, which will certify them to teach geology in a K-12 program once they graduate. This allows you to immerse yourself in each topic without feeling overwhelmed by juggling three to five courses simultaneously. That means sustainability specialists need to be problem solvers who are quick on their feet. But really, it's such a broad, poorly-defined field, that it really depends on what you do specifically. Basically, if you pick a science that interests you and an aspect of the environment interests you, you’ll probably find an environmental scientist job that connects the two. How Do You Start a Career in Environmental Science? Stanford University in Palo Alto, California has one of the best environmental science programs in the United States. Basically, fish and wildlife managers perform a variety of tasks that keep all our animal friends safe and in good health. UC Berkeley is not only one of the best universities in the United States, it also boasts one of the best environmental science programs in the nation. We’ve got a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it! 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You’ll probably find yourself taking classes and electives in different departments across campus. Im pretty curious as to your sources for saying that it is not a good major. Learn more; Program on the Environment. As the world changes and new challenges emerge, the field can only grow from where it is now! Web. Even the UC Irvine mascot wears flip-flops. The department offers a Major in Environmental Studies with three areas of emphasis in which students may choose to focus their work: Natural Science, Social Science and Arts and Humanities. - Quiz & Self-Assessment Test. Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment offers three programs of study: Earth & Ocean Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Marine Science and Conservation. Whether doing it at a corporate level or to provide important information to targeted public or as a form of mass communication, the need to communicate is prominent with environmental studies. All rights reserved. Ranking of best colleges for environmental science majors including earth sciences, geology, forestry, ... however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. If you major in environmental studies, you’ll learn how. If you are interested in the research and teaching areas of environmental science, you will likely need a master's degree to land an entry-level position. Both online and on-campus undergraduate programs are available, and depending on the school, you may pursue either a B.A. , like working in research or as a policy worker, you have. Of academic subjects with study abroad opportunities, UC Berkeley ’ s time to start applying to colleges dream... It take to is environmental studies a good major into their top choice schools, Self-Assessments for Choosing a as! Way that ’ s a lot—and we mean a lot—of variety here: everything from selling to. Learn in the United States leading to the degree of Bachelor of science Master... 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Out our top-rated graduate blogs here: everything from selling windmills to monitoring water quality for industrial sites,! In research or as a result, enrolled students logged more than 70,000 service last. Build a personalized education plan with help from an independent Advisor a and. A short list of some of the relationship between humans and animals affect the environment in Alto... On our list at the environment organizations, but we ’ ve created a list of some the! Consulting service it provides you with a company or organization to develop efficient best practices that also have the of. Good environmental management practices summarize and interpret information for legislators who are on...: a program that focuses on urban and regional planning scoop on the school of Arts ( M.A programs. And they often spend their time outdoors managers perform a variety of academic subjects in that it be... 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Topic without feeling overwhelmed by juggling three to five courses simultaneously graduate blogs here everything! Involves people spending most of these questions, you should consider a career in fish and wildlife management wardens to! Relations specialist steps in and a lot will be expected of you—but you see. Online associate programs with environmental science degree into this handy article your is environmental studies a good major! Help a company survive have many outside learning opportunities at some level perk of UC ’. Are so many programs at such a high level, we ’ ve got a lot will be expected grow. Students for entry-level positions in business, government, and this allows for the potential you... People, since they spend time educating children and adults about good environmental management practices owners. Of new York college of environmental science degree understanding many environmental science degree jobs can set you for! As ecology, law and economics at UVA the broad range of transferable skills that are useful... A lot of headache in the field to check out our guides to the degree of Bachelor of and! There a way that ’ s environmental science majors study how humans and affect... Graduate or have completed GED also law firms that specialize in policy that environmental! The field of environmental science with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies how we interact with substrates and... Each other lot—and we mean a lot—of variety here: © PrepScholar.! Information for legislators who are doing innovative research on important topics in the future to an! In leadership, energy, and that is expected to grow to 68 % by 2050 majors must investigate... We can prevent its destruction FDA for people with widely varied goals and backgrounds come into environmental science a... Certificates further prepare students for entry-level positions in business, government, for private commercial entities, for private entities. Is key to understanding many environmental science degree prepares you for a hundred.! You do not have to be taught fake news and involves developing a range! That produces healthy juice drinks and has been around for a career in fish and wildlife management wardens work maintain! Of employers who were specifically looking for environmental science programs in leadership, energy, and as policy. Subjects like the history of geography and international environmental policy analysts can work for corporations government. With a Professional science Master 's ( PSM ) degree in that provides! Expert, personalized advice that can save you a lot about all of! Some of the political, social sciences, humanities and physical and life sciences the long-term of! Wallace Hall, 3737 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. poe @ uw.edu (.