Top 10 careers to pursue with environmental science degrees

About environmental science

Environmental science is a generalist degree within the natural sciences. Environmental science degrees draw from various study subjects and require a strong background in the more traditional sciences, such as biology, physics, chemistry, geography, ecology, and even biotechnology. Furthermore, social sciences such as economics, commerce, and sociology significantly influence environmental science degrees.  

Students interested in this profession like being outside and exploring their natural environment. A major in environmental science may be the perfect option for you if you are passionate about understanding, preserving, and safeguarding the environment.

Course structure

Environmental science degrees typically last three or four years at the bachelor’s level and one or two years at the master’s level. The first stage of your study will contain the required core modules to provide you with a general foundation of environmental science and introduce you to some key ideas. The stages that follow will generally allow students to select from various course modules, allowing for increasing specialization in one or more environmental science disciplines. 

You will be able to conduct your research on a topic of your choice at the end of your program. Examples of assessment procedures include essays, written debates, tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, field notebooks, and seminar presentations.

What skills do you gain from an environmental science degree?

Students gain-

• Data analysis and numeracy
• IT knowledge 
• General research abilities, including the utilization of scientific literature 
• Laboratory and fieldwork abilities 
• Capability to convey facts in a clear and persuasive manner 
• Environmental awareness of a variety of issues 
• Ability to approach problems from several angles 
• Self-management, including deadline planning and meeting
• Critical assessment
• Communication that is both effective and professional, both verbally and in writing

What can you do with an environmental science degree?

Students who complete the program have many job choices, with the environmental industry growing yearly. The environmental business generates more than $265 billion in the United States and more than 125,000 new jobs annually.

The following are some of the most common jobs students in an environmental science degree program pursue.

1. Environmental specialist

National average salary- $28,460 per year

These specialists are in charge of monitoring the influence of the environment on a group of people and discovering and suggesting solutions to environmental problems. You will find them working at chemical and electricity plants. They collect food, water, soil, and air samples and execute prevention programs to help reduce environmental concerns.

2. Marine biologist

National average salary- $48,017 per year

A marine biologist is a scientist who studies life in the ocean. They may also investigate life in other salty environments, such as marshes. They usually watch and collect data, conduct experiments, and research marine animals and life.

3. Environmental chemist

National average salary- $61,413 per year

An environmental chemist is someone who studies the nature and behavior of chemicals in the environment and assesses their effects (hazards) and risks to human health and other creatures.

Environmental chemists collect and evaluate soil, air, and water samples to determine their quality and impact on the environment. They may make reports on their results and distribute them to others. These specialists seek to identify and prevent environmental dangers to people, plants, and animals.

4. Environmental consultant

National average salary- $67,580 per year

Environmental consultants provide clients with specialized advice on managing environmental challenges and minimizing a company’s carbon footprint. They may assess a client’s present level of environmental contamination and develop systems to prevent future environmental damage.

5. Environmental scientist

National average salary- $69,869 per year

These individuals work to discover and eliminate various types of pollutants that influence the environment. An environmental scientist aims to promote and protect human and environmental health.

6. Ecologist

National average salary- $74,247 per year

Ecologists are in charge of investigating and assessing ecosystems to identify how humans affect ecosystems and their habitats. An ecologist may work for a government or environmental agency and an aquarium, museum, or zoo.

7. Environmental lawyer

National average salary- $74,337 per year

Environmental lawyers specialize in the law of the land, air, and water. They may lobby for new environmental regulations and laws and safeguard ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity. They may advise clients on issues such as water law, climate change law, and land management.

8. Environmental engineer

National average salary- $79,617 per year

These experts are in charge of creating systems that encourage environmental protection. Common projects for an environmental engineer include waste-to-energy systems and water reclamation. They may also guarantee that various facilities maintain environmental permits and standard operating practices.

9. Environmental health officer

National average salary- $82,879 per year

Environmental health inspectors serve to maintain correct environmental standards in both the public and commercial sectors. They may monitor and enforce various environmental and public health requirements, such as workplace safety, pollution management, and injury prevention.

10. Environmental health and safety officer

National average salary- $88,780 per year

An environmental health and safety (EH&S) officer is an expert who ensures that environmental safety laws are followed. This professional strives to preserve the environment from potentially damaging corporate practices while protecting employees from local environmental hazards.

Environmental health and safety professionals monitor and analyze numerous environmental processes within a workplace to ensure they fulfill safety legislation and industry standards. They evaluate current procedures and provide solutions to maintain and improve customer, employee, and environmental safety and health.

Key takeaways

• Environmental science degrees, being an ‘interdisciplinary’ study, require students to blend skills and knowledge from a range of different fields. It could include studying biology, physics, chemistry, geography, earth and marine, and social sciences.
• Like most science degrees, environmental science courses may require extensive lab work, fieldwork, or other data-driven work.
• The environmental business generates more than $265 billion in the United States and more than 125,000 new jobs yearly.

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FAQs

Q1. Is MBA in environmental science good?

Answer- Postgraduate students with an MBA in Environmental Management have numerous work prospects. As a young professional with an MBA in Environmental Management, you can begin your career by working with NGOs, commercial firms, or government organizations.

Q2. What are the four types of environmental science?

Answer- Environmental science has four categories- ecological health, bioscience, sustainability, oceanography, and marine biology.

Q3. What is the benefit of an MSc in Environmental Science?

Answer- Students with an MSc in Environmental Science can also pursue specializations in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Conservation, and Ecology. Students can play a crucial part in safeguarding the Earth’s resources and help in migrating.