Is an Environmental Science Degree Right for Me?

Environmental science is a field that covers multiple facets of the environment, including ecology, geology, and climate. An environmental science degree can lead to a variety of environmental science careers.

Choosing the right degree program can be tricky. Keep reading to learn more about environmental science degrees and how to determine if an environmental science degree is right for you.

What Is an Environmental Science Degree?

Environmental science degrees are degrees that teach students about environmental issues and how to solve them. A degree in environmental science can lead to several career paths.

These can be offered as both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees depending on your program. Both can lead to a variety of career opportunities in environmental science.

At the graduate level, environmental science degrees may be offered as master's degrees and sometimes as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. A bachelor's degree in environmental science can also be a precursor for graduate programs in environmental engineering, environmental health, and environmental law.

What Does an Environmental Science Major Study?

Environmental science majors study a range of topics concerning the earth and the ecosystems within it. Coursework for environmental science programs often covers topics like:

• biodiversity
• climate change
• ecology
• environmental policy
• geology
• sustainability

These programs also tend to require a strong foundation in both physical and biological sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology.

Some environmental science programs offer concentrations or specializations. These may be in fields like:

• aquatic biology
• conservation and natural resources
• environmental management
• environmental public policy

Some environmental science degree programs require an internship or fieldwork experience. This gives you a chance to face environmental problems head-on in the real world.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Environmental Science

If you have a passion for earth science, natural science, or a related field, a degree in environmental science might be a great choice. Below, we've listed a few reasons you should consider a degree in environmental science.

You'll Get To Spend a Lot of Time in the Natural World

When you earn an environmental studies degree, you'll get the opportunity to spend a lot of time in nature during your environmental education and possibly in your career as well.

While some environmental science careers are office-based, many give you the chance to spend time working outdoors. Environmental scientists, ecologists, and park rangers are all environmental science roles that require working in nature.

You Can Choose a Career Path in a Number of Areas

As we mentioned above, some environmental science careers get to spend time outdoors, and others are more office-based. That's because there are a number of careers you can pursue with an environmental science degree.

You can stick to working in science with jobs like environmental scientist or ecologist. You can also work in politics and law with careers in environmental law or public policy. An environmental science degree can lead to multiple future careers.

You Can Work in Many Different Settings

In addition to the numerous environmental science careers available, there are also many settings that you can work in and employers you can work for. Your options will depend slightly on the career path you choose, but many roles can be found across sectors.

Environmental science graduates may find themselves employed by government agencies within the local, state, or federal government. Roles are also available in nonprofits, the private sector, education, and healthcare.

You Can Make a Difference

Many students enter environmental science programs because they want to protect our natural environment. Most environmental science careers allow you to do exactly that.

Working as a scientist could allow you to collect data and research that leads to breakthroughs in environmental management and climate change mitigation. Or maybe you'll get a law degree to enforce and protect environmental regulations. Whatever career path you choose, working in environmental science gives you the opportunity to protect the earth.

Online and Remote Options Are Available

For many people, learning on campus or commuting to work isn't a viable option. Luckily, there are online and remote opportunities for environmental science students.

Several colleges and universities offer online environmental science degrees. While these degrees allow you to do your coursework online, you may still be required to complete a fieldwork experience.

Additionally, some environmental science jobs are available as work from home. This is especially true for roles in data analysis, which can be vital for environmental science research.

Job Opportunities for Environmental Science Degree Majors

There are a variety of career options within the field of environmental science. Some common environmental science jobs include:

• Climate change analysts study the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
• Ecologists study ecosystems and the organisms that live within them. They may specialize in specific types of ecosystems, like forests or deserts.
• Environmental consultants are brought in to advise on environmental issues. They may be brought in to advise policymakers or businesses.
• Environmental health and safety specialists research how the environment impacts human health.
• Environmental lawyers often work for government agencies.
• Environmental scientist and specialists are environmental experts who may do a variety of things, such as conduct research, develop conservation plans, and advise policymakers or businesses.
• Park rangers are responsible for protecting and maintaining public parks and forests.
• Soil scientists study the best ways to use, improve, and conserve the soil.

Some environmental science careers, like environmental lawyer, may require you to attend graduate school or other types of advanced education.

Environmental Science Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you still aren't sure if an environmental science degree is right for you, there are a few things you can ask yourself.

• Am I comfortable being outdoors?
• Is science one of my strong skills?
• Will a degree in environmental science help me reach my career goals?
• Is there a demand for environmental scientists in my area?