What Is a Green Degree? 8 Environmental Degrees

Green degrees are becoming more popular as companies focus on sustainability initiatives. Discover eight common types of green degrees and what they focus on.

Green degrees are degrees focused on 'green' fields of study, such as:

The environment
Conservation
Sustainability

They help prepare students for green careers in fields that range from environmental science to climate change advocacy to sustainable architecture.

There are several different green degrees available, and some are better for certain green jobs than others. Keep reading to learn more about environmental studies and green degrees.

Bachelor-Level Environmental Studies Degrees

Environmental studies is a broad field that encompasses many areas of environmental science and sustainability. Below, we've broken down eight common types of green degrees.

1. Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Degrees in environmental and sustainability studies are often broad degrees that focus both on understanding the environment and the sustainable business practices needed to manage and care for it.

These degrees often provide a solid foundation for a range of careers in environmental and sustainability studies as well as prepare students for graduate programs in these fields.

2. Environmental Engineering

Bachelor's degrees in environmental engineering teach students how to develop tools, machinery, and systems that decrease the pollution of the environment and protect our health.

They integrate principles from environmental science and engineering as well as:

Chemistry
Physics
Ecology

Common course topics include:

Fluid mechanics
Hydrology
Quantitative analysis
Soil mechanics

3. Environmental Science

Environmental science degree programs are interdisciplinary, bringing together sciences like:

Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Geology

These sciences help us to understand our earth and the threats it faces.

These are often flexible degrees that allow students to tailor their degree to their intended career path. Course topics may include:

Environmental hazards and remediation
Geology
Ichthyology and fish health
Watershed hydrology

4. Environmental Studies

A degree in environmental studies is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental affairs. They often dive deep into topics like:

Sustainability
Conservation
Global ecology

An environmental studies degree may also cover topics like:

Ecology applications and design
Hydrology, wetlands, and water policy
Natural resources
Urban ecology

5. Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects design, plan, and sometimes restore land, from public places like parks and gardens to natural places like wetlands and forests.

A bachelor's in landscape architecture focuses on building skills and knowledge to create, map, and preserve landscapes for human use, ecological function, and climate resilience. These programs often include design studios as well as courses in:

Engineering
Materials
Plant and soil systems

6. Sustainability

A bachelor's degree in general sustainability will cover environmental issues and sustainable practices. They often cover the basics but may also offer concentrations like:

Ecosystems
Health sciences
Sustainable energy and materials
Sustainability economics

Additionally, a wide variety of more focused sustainability degrees are available. Majors include:

Forest ecosystems and resources
Sustainable business management
Sustainable energy and natural resources
Sustainable horticulture

7. Environmental Design

Environmental design is similar to landscape architecture but has a broader range of study. They often emphasize general knowledge and design research and focus on visual and spatial design skills applied to the context of environmental sustainability.

Many of these degrees offer focus areas or concentrations, such as:

Design technology
Sustainably built environments
Sustainable design management

8. Resource and Environmental Planning

Degrees in resource and environmental planning focus on how human settlement and culture interact with the environment and how to make communities better places to live, work, and play.

These programs often give students the knowledge and skills needed to manage development, assess the consequences of proposed changes, protect natural resources, and recommend program, policy, and regulatory changes.

The Growing Trend Toward Sustainability

As severe weather continues to worsen globally, there's been a growing trend toward sustainability. Many companies are now putting environmental initiatives at the top of their mission statements.

These initiatives can vary from reducing waste to lowering dependence on natural resources to ensuring materials are sourced ethically. Green careers are now in demand to help companies meet their goals.

Why Pursue a Green Degree?

Earning a green degree prepares students to meet the increased demand for green jobs. Additionally, it allows students to pursue meaningful careers with goals like contributing to climate change solutions and natural resources management.

Where Can I Earn a Green Degree?

You don't have to search too hard for environment and sustainability programs; there are many colleges and universities across the United States that offer green degrees. Some top institutions for green degrees include:

Duke University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Oregon State University
Stanford University
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Unity Environmental University
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Florida
University of Idaho
University of Michigan

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Green Degree?

The types of jobs available with a green degree can vary depending on the specific degree you earn but may include:

Find an Environmental Studies Degree Program Today

There are many different types of environmental studies programs available. With the guide above, you can narrow your search and determine which type of green degree is right for you.