What Can You Do with an Environmental Science Degree?

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What Can You Do with an Environmental Science Degree?

Climate change and pollution are causing the field of environmental science to flourish at a quicker rate than ever before. Environmental science majors, on the whole, are committed to protecting and improving the world’s land, water, and air quality. A degree in environmental science can lead to various professional prospects in fields such as research, education, and legislation. Environmental science majors frequently work for universities, government agencies, or commercial research institutes. While some of the occupations on this list can be obtained with only a bachelor’s degree, many require further, specialized training or education.

Graduates of the environmental field have a variety of career options. Some of these jobs will require a graduate degree, while others require a Ph.D. In some cases, it is necessary to have additional training or certification to work in the field. However, there are some opportunities that you can find in this field with an environmental science degree. So, what can you do with an environmental science degree? And what can you do with an environmental sciences degree?

1. Is a Degree in Environmental Science Worth It?

 Yes, environmental science is a fantastic field of study. Earning a degree with an environmental focus demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and assisting others, especially for the upcoming generations.

2. Why Is Environmental Science Important?

 Globally, the human population is growing faster than ever before, mainly to advances in technology and medicine. However, this quick expansion has resulted in challenges that we had not anticipated (and some did.)

  • The earth’s average temperature is expected to rise.
  • Warmer weather boosted evaporation and precipitation, resulting in floods and droughts in some locations.
  • As glaciers and other ice disappear, sea levels will rise.
  • Crops that respond well to elevated CO2 will prosper, while others will struggle to yield.

In other words, humans are affecting the world in ways that may have disastrous effects. Environmental sciences aid in the understanding of changes and the development of remedies.

3. Is Environmental Science a Good Major?

With that knowledge, we believe that environmental science is an essential and excellent major. Earning a degree with an environmental focus demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and assisting others, especially those yet to be born.

People who can gather facts, communicate knowledge, and assist others down the right path are needed in the world. Environmental science majors are in high demand across a wide range of fields.

Among the many jobs available to environmental science graduates, many of them are in the federal government. Some will work for agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Geological Survey. Others will work in the private sector. But in the end, it doesn’t matter where you’ll work. A graduate’s career will open up numerous opportunities for them. It can be an excellent way to advance in a field that interests you.

4. Career Outlook of Environmental Science Majors

 The demand for environmental scientists is only going to increase. We anticipate an 11 percent increase over the next ten years, quicker than the norm. Because of the many alternatives available within the interdisciplinary degree, the job market has a lot to offer.

 Although competition can be intense, opportunities do exist. Nearly 90,000 positions are available for recent graduates who want to make the world a better place. The demand for these roles has increased as public awareness of the threats to our environment has grown.

 The typical annual salary in this field is $69,400, with the top 10% earning more than $122,510.

5. Career Opportunities in Environmental Science Field

 Graduates of environmental science programs often find careers in public relations, utilities, and the media. Other opportunities include working in conservation, government, and education. The study of environmental issues may also lead to other fields like hydrology, geography, and earth science. Sustainability consultants can use their skills to help companies and organizations protect the environment. Those with a degree in environmental science can also specialize in different areas of environmental studies. There are many office and lab jobs in the public and private sectors. A degree in this field will allow you to work in environmental policy, as an educator or an environmental researcher, or as an environmental communications professional. There are even more opportunities for graduate students with this degree than in the undergraduate field. Listed below are just a few of the career options.

Environmental Consultant

When proposing to develop virgin land or use the presently developed property for a different purpose, all organizations must do environmental impact studies. As an environmental consultant, you’ll utilize analytical methods to determine how development projects affect the area’s water, soil, air, and wildlife. You’ll offer strategies to mitigate any negative consequences once you’ve found them. Organizations may also bring you in to address current issues, such as pollution, and offer solutions. To write technical reports and make client suggestions, you’ll use the writing and presentation abilities you developed while earning your degree.

Environment Educator

Environmental science majors receive a comprehensive view of environmental concerns, which will help you as an environmental educator. You’ll learn about the environment in and around your practice area, and you’ll use your skills to collect, interpret, and conduct fieldwork.

In your encounters with guests or students, it’s critical to convey a sense of energy, and public speaking abilities honed on campus will help you deliver exciting presentations.

Public Relations Specialist

 To secure political and financial support for their activities, environmental organizations must influence public opinions. As a public relations specialist or communications staff member, you’ll apply what you learned as an ES major to write press releases regarding your employer’s or client’s programs and activities.

You’ll use your writing talents to create content for environmental organizations’ websites and to assist in the creation of language for fundraising brochures and letters.

Environmental Attorney

Your scientific expertise will be an asset while working with clients on environmental problems if you choose to go to law school after completing your ES degree. As you prepare and fight cases, you’ll interview expert witnesses such as environmental engineers, biologists, chemists, and other environmental scientists. You’ll have to analyze scientific data and assess the findings’ validity and dependability.

Your writing skills will aid you in drafting legal briefs and other papers as an attorney. If you work for a government agency, you may be able to assist in the drafting of environmental regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers are frequently called upon to suggest and implement technical solutions to situations involving pollution or contamination of the environment. When designing environmental technology, you’ll draw on your knowledge of environmental science. When estimating the physical dimensions of systems, you’ll use the mathematical abilities you earned as an ES major.

You’ll be expected to produce project proposals and offer client recommendations that demonstrate you’ve conducted research, defended a position, cooperated with other professionals, devised solutions, and presented them in a clear, concise manner.

Sustainability Specialist 

Organizations of all kinds are looking for more environmentally friendly ways to carry out their missions. As a sustainability specialist, you’ll evaluate an organization’s environmental practices and impact, then develop and implement measures to conserve resources and reduce environmental damage.

The scientific approach is required for conducting thorough analyses of current operations’ environmental impact and estimating what conservation advantages can be obtained when alternative procedures are deployed.

You’ll make proposals and persuade colleagues to adopt alternative methods using the writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills you gained as an ES major.

Policy Analyst

Developing practical environmental policy proposals necessitates a thorough understanding of scientific concepts. As an ES major, you should have a strong background in biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as the ability to learn new scientific facts.

Your research abilities will aid in discovering information relevant to public policy suggestions, while your analytical and statistical abilities will aid in the interpretation and processing of that data. You’ll need your technical writing skills as an ES major to write scientifically focused policy documents.

Fundraiser

Fundraisers must have a thorough awareness of their organizations’ goals and activities to target potential donors for contributions to environmental causes appropriately. You are well-positioned as an ES major to gather this knowledge and communicate the advantages of supporting environmental projects.

To prepare letters and make pitches for potential contributors, you’ll need strong communication skills. To arrange fundraising events and campaigns, you must also be well-organized.

Researcher

If you have a background in environmental science, you can work as a researcher. You can also work as a writer or researcher. An environmental science background provides you with the credibility you need to get ahead in your career. If you have a creative streak, you can also work as a social media manager or a video producer. Either way, you can make a great living. If you love the environment, environmental science is the field for you.

College Professors

People who have continued further education in this field can continue teaching. To teach in colleges and universities, you need to have a doctorate in the field, which makes you eligible to apply as a higher-level educator.

Conclusion

 The number of jobs available for an environmental science major is enormous.

Environmental science graduates can pursue a wide range of career options. Some positions require graduate degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate. These advanced degrees open up many possibilities, and many employers will help new graduates continue their education. If you are interested in an environmental science degree, contact a local university or college for more information. You can also research and write about the environment through a blog or article.

Besides the usual job prospects, graduates of the environmental science field can work in various jobs. Some of these jobs require a master’s degree, while others require only a bachelor’s degree. Those with an environmental science degree can start their career as entry-level workers or pursue a career in government or business. Several of these positions can be considered a perfect fit, but it’s important to note that each position will have its requirements.

If you are genuinely interested in this field, this article will help you determine what is best suited for you.

About the author

Indu has been educator since last 10 years. She can find all kind of scholarship opportunities in the USA and beyond. She also teach college courses online to help students become better. She is one of the very rare scholarship administrator and her work is amazing.

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