What Can I Do With A Major In Environmental Studies?

Introduction

First and foremost, pursuing a degree in environmental studies will help you learn how to change society and yourself to live more lightly on the earth. You can do this regardless of whether you choose to pursue an environmental career; however, there are many interesting and rewarding careers in environmental care.

Environmental professionals seek to understand the interdependence of earth and human systems so as to minimize the impacts of human actions and design an equitable and sustainable society that lives within the limits of the earth's systems. To do this, they pursue a wide range of human endeavors involving research, education, communications, public service and/or management. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of skills-including skills in oral and written communication, research and analysis, time management, fundraising, financial management, and working with people. All careers benefit from a thoughtful consideration of ethics in public and private life. All these skills can be built while working toward a degree in environmental studies.

An advanced degree is important for some environmental careers, but many are open to the undergraduate. In any case, it is wise to work for a time between undergraduate and graduate school to help you better understand some of the skills needed and how you enjoy performing different types of tasks. This will help you focus on planning for an advanced degree. Internships also give you insight and experience which employers value.


A Sample of Related Occupations

Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
Air Quality Specialist Alternative Energy Specialist Community Organizer
Community Relations Specialist Ecologist Editor
Environmental Compliance Officer Environmental Educator Environmental Film Maker
Environmental Impact Analyst Environmental Lawyer Environmental Planner
Environmental Writer Fish/Wildlife/Land Steward Fundraiser
Journalist Lobbyist Naturalist
Organic Food Grower Parks Planner Public Health Inspector
Researcher Soil Scientist Technical Writer
Transportation Planner Waste Manager Water Quality Specialist
   
 

Types of Employers  

Private and Non-profit Organizations
 

Chemical Manufacturers

Insurance Industry

Conservation Organizations

Libraries

Environmental Consulting Firms

Museums

Environmental Public Relations Firms

Pharmaceutical Firms

Environmental Research Organizations

Recycling Centers

Film Makers

Testing Labs

Food Manufacturers

Travel and Tourism

 
Government Agencies
 

Bureau of Land Management

Peace Corps

Bureau of Reclamation

Public Health Service

Food and Drug Administration

Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Forest Service

State/County Environmental Agencies

Federal/State/Local Park Services

State/County Health Departments

Department of Interior

Federal Environmental Protection Agency

National Science Foundation

Federal/State Fish and Wildlife Departments

Natural Resource Conservation Service

Vista

Occupational Safety & Health Admin.


Related Web Links


Professional Associations


For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook