It may be an inconvenient truth, but global warming is real — largely due to human impact. For those who would like to understand this and other environmental issues — and hopefully, change them for the better — a major in environmental studies might be your calling.
What Is Environmental Studies?
Environmental studies looks at things like energy sources recycling public policy and biodiversity as well as natural built and social environments. In addition to studying how we impact the environment you’ll also study how the environment impacts us — economically politically socially etc.
A few decades ago only a few colleges had environmental studies programs. Now the number is closer to half. In fact several colleges and universities are taking it one step further opening separate schools of sustainability and/ or hiring full-time sustainability staff members whose job it is to make sure the college itself is doing its part to meet its present needs (for energy clean water solid waste disposal etc.) without compromising the environment for future generations.
What Classes Will I Take?
You’ll start with core classes like basic chemistry physics calculus computer science English social studies and some humanities courses. Later you’ll begin to specialize taking classes like Vegetation Ecology Public Policy Marine Biology Geography Aquatic Pollution and Tropical Ecosystems.
What Jobs Can I Get When I Graduate?
Because environmental studies is such a broad topic career possibilities fall in a wide variety of categories from wildlife biology and horticulture to land use planning soil conservation fisheries management and alternative energy development. (Notice that none of these had the word “environment” in the title so don’t limit yourself with restrictive key words when doing research!)
How Much Money Will I Make?
Although salaries will vary greatly depending on your focus whether you work for a public or private organization and where you live the following average salaries in 2005 (median salary in 2004 for conservation scientists) might be of interest. It should be noted that a high percentage of these jobs are with the government.
- Conservation scientists: $52,480
- Foresters: $63,492
- Soil conservationists: $60,671
- Rangeland managers: $58,162
- Geologists: $83,178
- Geophysicists: $94,836
- Oceanographers: $87,007
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
