10 Top Double Majors With an Environmental Science Degree

Interested in environmental science? Perhaps you're considering one of the many careers you could pursue with an environmental science degree. Did you know that pursuing a double major can improve your career options and help you develop further marketable skills?

Double majoring with an environmental science degree and another strategically chosen major can give you specialized skills to prepare you for specific environmental careers. The extra credential can also make you a more prized job candidate, giving you better chances of landing the jobs that interest you.

Environmental Science Double Majors

Let's explore 10 of the best majors to consider when you are pursuing a double major with environmental science.

Sustainability

Sustainability goes hand in hand with environmental science. Whereas environmental science provides a scientific view of the environment and the problems facing it, sustainability looks at practical ways to improve and sustain it. These two degrees in tandem can lead to various careers in science, government, education, and more. Some universities also offer a sustainability degree online, allowing you to earn your two degrees without having to commute.

Biological Sciences

Biology and biological sciences are good double majors to pair with environmental science because of their focus on life and the natural world. Pairing these degrees can prepare you to seek further studies at the graduate level or to enter careers in science and environmental protection.

Communications

A major in communications is applicable in almost every field, including environmental science. Double majoring in these two areas of study will help students improve their communication skills, which can aid them in any environmental career path they choose to pursue.

Applied Mathematics

Applied mathematics teaches skills such as data analysis, statistics, mathematical modeling, and more. Double majoring in applied mathematics and environmental science will help you apply your math skills to the environment in careers such as meteorology, demography, and toxicology.

Marine Affairs

A marine affairs degree is good for students interested in learning about political and social aspects affecting natural resources. Double majoring in marine affairs and environmental science will prepare you for careers in resource management and environmental policy.

Sociology

Sociology degrees prepare students for various careers working with groups of people. Double majoring in sociology and environmental science enables you to work in private and public organizations, promoting awareness of environmental issues and advocating for positive change.

Animal Science

An animal science major will help you understand the effects of environmental issues on animals, as well as their behaviors and adaptations. Double majoring in animal science and environmental science will enable you to pursue careers in wildlife management, zoology, and more.

Conservation

A degree in conservation focuses on preserving and protecting cultural and natural resources. This major pairs well with an environmental science degree, helping you develop a greater understanding of the resources available and what should be done to conserve them. Graduates of this double major can go on to work in national park and forest management, as well as educational and other roles.

Forestry

Forestry degrees are similar to conservation degrees but focus more closely on managing and maintaining forests and other wooded areas. It is another excellent choice for an environmental science double major, as it prepares students to work in park and forest management, awareness, education, and more.

Public Policy

Double majoring in environmental science and public policy will prepare you for careers in government agencies, creating policies and regulations regarding the environment. You will learn about both political science and environmental law, discovering how they relate to each other and how you can apply your knowledge of both to protect the environment.

What Is a Double Major?

New to the idea of a double major? You may still be wondering what this term means exactly. The answer is simple: a double major is a single degree that allows you to complete two areas of study simultaneously.

When you complete a double major, you will most likely take fewer electives than you would with a single degree program. This is because you'll have extra core courses to take: you will need to fulfill the major requirements for two different programs. You will still likely take just one set of general education courses.

Double majors typically don't take longer to complete than single degrees because they still consist of about 120 credit hours: the same amount as single degrees.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Double majors and dual degrees sound like they would mean the same thing, but they are actually similar terms for two very different types of degree programs.

Double majors are when students complete one degree with two major concentrations; meanwhile, dual degrees are when one student completes two separate bachelor's degrees. With a double major, the student receives one diploma; with dual degrees, the student receives two.

Dual degrees often take longer to complete than double majors, as they often involve extra coursework. Double majors are always completed simultaneously, while dual degrees can be completed at different times and, in many cases, at different schools.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Environmental Science

Let's turn our attention to some frequently asked questions you may still have.

Can You Double Major With Environmental Science?

Yes, you can often combine your environmental science degree with another major. It's important to discuss your plans to double major with an academic advisor at your school, as they can provide guidance on the necessary classes you'll need to take and will help you ensure you meet all of the requirements.

Is a Double Major With Environmental Science Worth It?

Pursuing a double major prepares you for the challenges you may face in environmental science by helping you learn to draw on knowledge from multiple areas of study. It can also help you improve your job skills and professional readiness. For these and various other reasons, double majoring with environmental science is definitely worth the time and effort you put in.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Environmental Science?

Pursuing a double major can have a range of benefits. Some of these include:

• improved career opportunities
• a larger, more marketable skill set
• an interdisciplinary education
• increased knowledge and confidence

Will a Double Major With Environmental Science Improve My Career Outlook?

In many cases, yes. Double majoring with environmental science can make you a more desirable job candidate because of the increased knowledge and skills you gain by pursuing a second major.