Environmental Studies | Universities, courses, job opportunities, and more!

Environmental Studies | A brief introduction

Environmental studies is a contemporary field of study. It covers a variety of topics related to the earth, the natural systems of the planet, and how humans as a species impact it. With impending climate issues that threaten not just us, but all other organisms, we need to take utmost care of what we have. 

This course teaches you all about these issues and equips you with the knowledge you require to solve them. So read on to delve deeper into this subject and learn everything about it, starting from universities to the frequently asked questions.

What is environmental studies?

Environmental studies is a field that looks at the natural world and the effect human activity has on it. This may include aspects of biology, geography, marine science, and sociology. 

The subject matter may include-

• Learning about different locations.
• Climate change.
• Global warming.
• The precise impact of industrial processes on the environment. 

Like most degrees, a Bachelor’s in environmental studies usually lasts between 3-4 years.

Importance of environmental studies

Before embarking on a career in environmental science, you should be aware of its significance and future prospects.

• To comprehend the environmental consequences of contemporary development.
• To find environmentally friendly methods of living.
• To make optimum use of natural resources while minimizing environmental impact.
• Understanding organism behavior in natural environments and how to protect biodiversity.
• To educate and raise awareness about environmental issues on a local, national, and international scale.

Syllabus and subjects taught 

The basics of environmental studies provide the scientific knowledge and the social understanding of fundamental issues such as-

• Climate change
• Pollution, and its impacts
• Energy generation and requirements
• Resource management

Another major facet taught during this course is the physical cycles and systems of the earth, including biological processes and climate cycles. These may include but are not limited to- 

• Climate (Fundamental principles and human impacts)
• Air (Atmospheric composition and air pollution)
• Water
• Soils (Ocean pollution, biogeochemical cycles, agriculture, contaminants).

A lot of your work as an environmental scientist will require informing and encouraging the public to actively participate in environmental issues. Therefore, this course also teaches you to understand the impact policy and law have on pollution and environmental issues. 

In addition to this, you will learn subjects like-

• Energy
• Climate and Atmosphere
• Cleantech
• Land Use and Agriculture
• Oceans and Estuaries
• Freshwater
• Global 
• Community
• Environmental Health
• Sustainable Built Environment

You will also learn about Geoinformatics Information Systems. These are widely used to see (via maps) detailed information on all manner of measurements on the basis of location. A big part of all the data gathering skills learned during this course will be to understand, analyze, verify and use the data to come to relevant conclusions. 

Top universities & courses for environmental studies

There are several Ivy League Universities offering graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees in environmental sciences. Some of the top universities that offer highly accredited courses on the subject are-

Harvard University in Cambridge, USA

The Environmental Science and Engineering program at the Harvard School of Engineering is a multidisciplinary degree. This equips you with the required knowledge of chemical, physical and biological interactions within the environment. 

Stanford University in Stanford, USA

The Stanford School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences provides you with several online and physical graduate courses such as- 

• Reservoir Geomechanics
• Leadership and Design Thinking for Corporate Sustainability Challenges
• Forest Monitoring with CLASlite

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, USA

MIT offers an esteemed environmental science course by the name of the Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. This is a bachelor of science course (BSc) that teaches you about environmental systems, atmosphere, oceans, and climate.

The University of Oxford in Oxford, UK

However, if you are looking for a master’s degree in environmental science, then Oxford University offers an MSc in Environmental Change and Management. This program will prepare you for both the professional and research fields.

The University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK

If you have finished a graduate and postgraduate degree in this discipline and want to study further, the MPhil in Environmental Policy at the University of Cambridge is the course for you.

Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen, Netherlands

The Wageningen University in the Netherlands provides both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Environmental Science. This can be your go-to choice if you have made up your mind to pursue this subject at both- graduate and postgraduate levels. 

Jobs in Environmental Studies

Job	Job Description
Consultant	Many businesses and organizations require the services of an environmental consultant to help them assess the impact on the local ecology, especially if they plan on utilizing undeveloped lands. Construction companies (or the people hiring these companies) provide a steady demand for environmental consultants. As an Environmental Resources Management or even an Environmental Consultant, you can earn around $61,110 per annum.
Educator	Whether you want to teach young minds at school or educate adults at large corporations, becoming an educator in this field is a good option. If you choose to be an environmental educator who teaches at the school level, then you can expect to easily earn around $36,804 per annum.
Environmental Lawyer	If you decide to pursue a career in law after your degree, you can use your skills, scientific analysis, and knowledge to defend and litigate cases related to environmental issues. This can either be for business and corporate clients or on behalf of activists and climate change organizations. This is a more lucrative option and, in most cases, requires further education about international and corporate law. However, as an environmental lawyer, you can earn around $119,073 per annum.
Fundraiser	Many groups, communities, and organizations require financial support to accomplish their goals. As a fundraiser, you will need excellent communication skills and the ability to create content that moves people. Organizing events and campaigns will also be part of your job description. Keep in mind that contributors may be high net-worth people or the public. So either way, your job will be to raise funds for your organization. A fundraiser earns, on average, around $57,970 per annum.

There are other jobs like- 

1. Specialists in sustainability
2. Analysts for policy regarding environmental issues
3. Engineering with a focus on the environment 

Depending on your abilities and the field you are most attracted to, you will find plenty of fulfilling careers. Moreover, you must keep in mind that the salary ranges mentioned may differ from country to country.

Key takeaways

• Studying environmental studies is not just a job, but a lifelong calling for people who love and care for the environment.
• Learning about the environment, biology, and the various ways we as humans interact and impact it can be deeply interesting. 
• Also, the sooner we learn to deal with pollution, the greater our chances are of reducing the severity of climate change in the coming years.
• So if making a change in the world is something that attracts you, then consider pursuing this course.
• As we move dangerously close to disastrous climate issues (caused by human actions), we need more people actively working to reduce and also restore our planet’s biospheres and ecosystems. 
• With more people involved, we can have hope for a better, cleaner, as well as more sustainable future for us and future generations.

We hope you enjoyed this blog on environmental studies and learned more not only about this course but also about why we need to be more aware of the environment. You can get in touch with us to solve your queries and don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts!

Read more: World Environment Day quotes | Top ones to inspire you!

FAQs

Q1. What are the important areas of study under environmental studies?

Answer – The main areas of study in environmental studies courses will include-

• The natural environment
• The artificial or man-made environment
• The interaction between them as well as atmospheric science
• Chemistry related to the environment
• Ecology
• Social science

Q2. What are the problems that are tackled through environmental studies?

Answer – There are several major issues that environmental studies try to understand and seek solutions to, such as-

• Global warming
• Climate change
• River pollution
• Ocean acidification
• Loss of biodiversity
• Natural resource depletion

Q3. What are some steps everyone can take to protect the environment?

Answer – Here are a few steps anyone can take to save and restore the natural world while decreasing our impact on the world-

• Avoid using disposable items. Try to stick to reusable ones.
• Use minimal water and electricity when possible. Also, turn off taps and lights when not in use.
• Avoid using plastic items.
• Reduce waste and also cut down on your carbon footprint.
• Phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles. Bicycle or use public transport.