Environmental science is the academic study of how society and individuals interact with the world’s physical, chemical, ecological and biological:
- processes
- materials
- ecosystems
This field has many subcategories that lead to different:
- careers
- focuses
- outcomes.
Academic Environmental Science
An environmental science major develops the interdisciplinary skills and understanding needed to deal with human impacts on environmental systems. Environmental science degrees use a holistic curriculum that develops expertise in topics like:
- math
- economics
- natural sciences
- environmental policy
- public administration
Environmental science usually involves courses related to:
- environmental analysis
- risk assessment
- policy review
- problem solving
There may be classes in applied environmental solutions that involve:
- basic engineering
- sustainability
- project management
- public land administration
Most degree programs require student to complete field experiences working on projects in the region and community. Some degrees may focus more on the natural sciences than the environmental studies part. Other degrees focus more on:
- policy
- psychology
- the social sciences
These help students to gain stronger backgrounds in the natural sciences.
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science focuses on solving problems in:
- health
- pollution
- sustainability
This is done through research that determines root causes and suggests potential solutions. Most environmental scientists conduct theoretical research to increase our understanding of how the natural world is impacted by society’s behaviors and choices. Environmental science can include anything from asbestos sickness in old buildings to mysterious deformations in fish to unexplained disease occurrences in a neighborhood.
Environmental scientists’ ultimate goal is to minimize and eliminate these problems. They use a holistic approach and multidisciplinary attitude to identify, control and prevent disruption to the environment. They use their knowledge of the earth’s ecosystems to protect nature and human health. They may:
- clean up contaminated areas
- make policy recommendations
- work with industry leaders to reduce pollution
Most environmental scientists work for federal, state, or local governments.
Careers in Environmental Science
Environmental scientists work in applied settings and interdisciplinary fields analyzing the impacts that humans have on their surroundings. There are employment opportunities in:
- agriculture
- academic research
- health care
- business consulting
Most jobs require them to:
- collect data
- use observations
- collect samples
- implement research methods
- review current scientific literature
They must often present their research findings to non-technical stakeholders through a variety of technology mediums.
For example, an air quality environmental scientist will contribute to corporate compliance by monitoring utility and energy operations. They will:
- implement regulatory standards
- conduct inspections
- coordinate annual audits
As air quality inspectors, they will deal with:
- capacity assessments
- program evaluations,
- record-keeping quality
- air emission analyses
They may conduct pre-inspection checks and oversee regulatory officials during visits. They may oversee continuous emission monitoring (CEM) programs to ensure accurate data is:
- reported
- stored
- shared.
Related Resource: 20 Deals: Small Colleges for Environmentally-minded
Anyone who wants a career in environmental science should visit the BLS’ career page to learn about the:
- education requirements
- working conditions
- average salary
- similar occupations
- projected job outlook
This field is growing at 11 percent, which is faster than average. The standard entry-level education for an environmental science job is a bachelor’s degree.