Environmental studies explore the legislative, manmade, and scientific impacts on the natural world and its inhabitants. ES majors fill a number of professional roles. Forest and wildlife conservationists strive to apply their research to conserve the ecosystems and save endangered organisms. Sustainability consultants work with businesses and governments to influence environmentally sound practices and public policies. Environmental scientists gather important data on climate change, species population statistics, and natural resources to inform decision makers. Many ES degree holders working in the private commercial sector will help deploy green technology in order to reduce both the environmental impact and the operational costs of a business.
Since these applications vary so widely, environmental studies degrees come with dozens of specializations and job prospects. Students can invest their time in researching specific life forms, terrains, or public policies, as well as the subsequent impact these factors have on the environment. Ultimately, these diverse disciplines and professions have a common goal: to address and reduce major threats to the Earth's natural environment.
Sample Courses
Students exploring an environmental studies program must grasp the chemistry, biology, and geology behind different types of ecosystems and understand the ways in which human activities can interfere with these systems. Classes cover both the building blocks of different types of habitats, as well as the ways in which government policies can restrain and discourage industrial and commercial damage of those habitats.
Students gain opportunities to study our planet's diverse life forms in lab classes, field trips, and expeditions. Those passionate about specific types of animals can take entire courses dedicated to a region's marine life, insects, birds, mammals, and plant life. In addition to natural sciences, the environmental studies course load places an emphasis on policy making developments, such as wildlife protection acts, pollution regulations, nuclear energy laws, alternative energy use, and hunting restrictions.
Possible Specializations
Since environmental studies covers a wide breadth of organisms, environments, and policies, students can choose from dozens of specialties within their undergraduate and graduate level programs. Students who wish to dedicate their careers to certain areas of the environment can explore programs in oceanography, urban agriculture, forest management, land-air interactions, water resources, or desert ecosystems, to name just a few. Students can also specialize in certain types of animals, including fish, insects, plants, and avian life. Students interested in the politics of environmental science can specialize in environmental policy making, conservation, and sustainability.
Degree Types
Prospective ES students can enter programs from the associate level up to the doctoral levels. These degree types will determine how long students remain in college and the types of careers they will end up advancing into.
Associate
This degree generally takes about two years for students to complete. It provides a cursory look at current environmental issues, legislation, and ecological impact. Associate degree holders can explore some entry-level jobs with environmental protection agencies as technicians. However, associate degrees in environmental studies are typically used as a launching point for bachelor's specializations. Since there is an emphasis on scientific research and policy making within the field, there are very few career options for people who only hold an associate's.
Bachelor's
This four-year undergrad provides students with a range of environmental science fundamentals and something of an opportunity to explore what specializing beyond the undergraduate could look like. As described earlier, scholars focus on specific types of organisms, environments, and legislative developments. Scientists with bachelor's degrees in environmental studies can explore roles like hydrologist, environmental protection technician, forester, and agricultural researcher.
Master's
This graduate degree generally takes one to two years to complete. Students are expected to choose a field specialization at this level, and some may decide to pursue interdisciplinary options such as law school with an environmental policy emphasis or business administration with an emphasis on sustainable technology. This graduate degree will also help scientists advance into research careers or to explore options within organizational administrations.
Ph. D.
Getting a doctorate in environmental studies allows students to immerse themselves in a research topic, with some students traveling to conduct research on their areas of focus. Doctoral scholars are usually expected to complete a dissertation and defend their research in front of a faculty panel. Doctoral graduates can pursue faculty positions at the college level and leadership positions within research facilities.
Students, faculty, and employees working within environmental studies fields can explore membership in dozens of professional and academic societies. Honors societies like Kappa Alpha Omicron provide access to networking and publication resources. Professional organizations like the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) give current industry employees networking and continuing education opportunities.
Ideal Candidates for Environmental Studies
Environmental studies can be a very compelling major for nature enthusiasts, including those with a keen appreciation for agricultural work, hiking, gardening, wildlife, and exploration. People who pursue research-oriented specialties within the natural sciences must have the patience, awareness, and observational skills to collect data in natural environments or observe organism behaviors.
People who pursue legislative and public policy specializations need to have the confidence and conviction to stand up for causes they believe in. Those with strong social and communication skills can influence change on social and business operations levels. Research skills will be necessary within this focus, since public policy changes are often informed by case studies and environmental debates.
Career Pathways
An environmental studies degree can be extremely valuable, since multiple disciplines require expertise in sustainability, wildlife conservation, and green technologies. The career options for graduates are diverse, with opportunities available within research labs, law firms, corporate offices, national parks, forests, and nature reserves.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that environmental scientists and specialists earn an average income of $63,570 a year. There seems to be a growing demand for researchers in this field, since the job outlook rate is 15% during the years before 2022. Technicians that work within environmental protection and conservation fields earn an average of $41,240 a year, with a faster than average job outlook growth rate of 19%. Geoscientists, those who research the Earth's elements, can make an average of $90,890 a year with a high career outlook growth rate of 16% before the year 2022.
Related Degrees
- Certificate in Environmental Policy
- Bachelor's in Environmental Policy
- Bachelor's in Environmental Science
- Master's in Environmental Policy
- Master's in Environmental Science
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Journals
Alternative Journal, Canada's Environmental Voice
This publication is meant for the general public, providing discussion of sustainable living, environmental policy, energy and resources.
Environmental Engineering Science
This publication reviews studies, environmental policy discussions, climate change and environmental risk assessment topics.
Environmental Science & Technology
The magazine publishes and analyzes ongoing developments in environmental policies and sustainability efforts.
An environmental journal published by the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment.
Trade Magazines
EM's audience is environmental professionals. Coverage is focused on EPA research, ecofriendly policy efforts and pollution.
This trade publication analyzes nuclear energy, green buildings, global climate change and recycling as they pertain to professionals in environmentally driven…
Environmental Science and Engineering Magazine
A trade magazine for professionals in environmental science and engineering focused on management of pollution, water, and hazardous waste.
A fully online magazine that features coverage of environmental services, tools and expert recommendations.
Trinity Consultant's Environmental Quarterly
This quarterly publishes regulatory updates, research findings and analysis of environmental science issues.
Grants
Duncan A. McNaughton Memorial Grant
Deadline: January 31st
Award Amount: $2,000
A grant awarded every year to graduate students with interests tied to Geology. The grant is awarded through the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Grants-in-Aid program.
Marilyn "Mimi" Atwater Memorial Grant
Deadline: March 31st
Award Amount: $2,000
This grant is available to graduate students to assist with projects related to energy and environmental science.
Scholarships
James Stuart Chanley Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 19th
Award Amount: $1,000
The University of California Santa Cruz offers this award to environmental studies majors who fit Chanley's interests and commitment to the environment.
The Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
Award Amount: $2,000
This summer scholarship program can be applied for by environmental studies students at the college level or above who are attending a program in or close to New Jersey's waters.
The Elizabeth Gardner Norweb Environmental Studies Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
Award Amount: $2,000
This particular scholarship is given to undergraduates to pursue summer "field work, research, or classroom work in the environmental field."
The Environmental Protection Agency's Marshall Scholarship
Deadline: October 1st
Award Amount: N/A
The EPA paired with the UK's Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, which has awarded this scholarship since 1953, "to pool the resources of many nations to solve environmental problems."
The Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: N/A
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
A scholarship awarded to sophomores and juniors in college who intend to pursue environmental careers or work tied to the the betterment of Native American communities.
The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers Founders Fund Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Award Amount: $3,500
A merit award given to one student "who has demonstrated excellence and outstanding dedication in a field of study that falls within an environmental field of a school or department."
Deadline: June 1st
Award Amount: $500 or $1,000
Windstar awards its scholarships to undergrads entering junior or senior year. Their mission is to inspire students to work towards a sustainable future.
University of Wisconsin's Nelson Institute's Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: March 24th
Award Amount: N/A
This undergraduate scholarship is offered to students who are Wisconsin residents majoring in environmental studies.
Appvion Inc.'s Environmental Internship
Deadline: N/A
Appvion has an environmental intern position available to assist in water and air quality and waste areas of the mill; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Deadline: N/A
The EPA offers paid and unpaid internships for a wide array of students, allowing them to work in the agency's administrative offices.
Deadline: N/A
Garver is hiring two summer interns, who are at least entering the junior year, in order to work with their Environmental Services team to perform field work related to "wetland delineation."
NYU's Environmental Studies internship
Deadline: N/A
This NYU internship is meant for students in their junior year of study and is a required course for environmental studies majors.
Terracon's Environmental Intern
Deadline: N/A
Terracon, a company that does environmental consultant based in Oklahoma City, is seeking interns on a rolling basis to conduct field work and to work out of their physical office.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium's Environmental Intern
Deadline: N/A
The Chicago-based aquarium is hiring environmental interns to work on assigned projects in addition to collecting and completing water chemistry analysis, interpreting data and preparing reports.
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Deadline: November 15th, February 1st and June 1st
The Smithsonian offers an internship for undergraduate and graduate students at three different times of year; each intended to let students explore the institution's research efforts.
The White House Council on Environmental Quality
Deadline: March 1st, July 1st and November 1st
CEQ hires interns to help them coordinate environmental acts with other federal agencies and monitor their compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Student Organizations
Northwestern University's student group dedicated to increasing sustainability and raising eco-awareness throughout the school and its Chicago surroundings.
Environmental Studies Student Association at Cal State Fullerton
This Fullerton association supports the school's small environmental studies program, in addition to the university's funding.
UC Berkeley's Environmental Studies Student Association
Berkeley's forum for students in the ES major works to bring professionals to the school, arrange trips to local businesses related to ES and pair graduates…
Professional Organizations
Rocky Mountain Association of Environmental Professionals
Based in Denver, the goal of the Rocky Mountain Association is to promote opportunities for individuals working environmental jobs, particularly in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS)
This independent faculty-and-student-based professional organization is dedicated to all dimensions of ES: improving coursework, research and professional opportunities for the entire field.
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
NAEP provides a forum for its members to talk about environmental issues and to collaborate in order to advance environmental professions. They also emphasize networking with other ES careerists.
The Society for Women Environmental Professionals (SWEP)
SWEP identifies itself as "a national non-profit professional association of persons involved or interested in environmental law, science, business, and policy."