What can I do with a major in Environmental Science?
Environmental scientists assist in regulating the uses of the environment, educate citizens about environmental issues, and help in making decisions regarding the future of the environment that may be long lasting and even irreversible.
Related occupations:
| Agronomist |
Biochemist |
Biological Restoration Expert |
| Biologist |
Botanist |
Cartographer |
| Civil Engineer |
Conservation Administrator |
Ecologist |
| Educator |
Environmental Consultant |
Environmental Investigator |
| Environmental Scientist |
Geographer |
Geomorphologist |
| Housing Developer |
Hydrologist |
Illustrator |
| Industrial Developer |
Landscape Architect |
Military Scientist |
| Mining Engineer |
Park Service Worker |
Resource Manager |
| Satellite Imagery Specialist |
Site Location Analyst |
Site Selection Expert |
| Soil Conservationist |
Terrain Analyst |
Urban/Regional Planner |
| Veterinarian |
Wastewater Treatment Operator |
Zoologist |
Possible employers of Environmental Science majors:
| Colleges/Universities |
Local/National Government |
| Libraries |
Environmental Protection Agencies |
| National Wildlife Federation |
Textbook Publishers |
| Planning Agencies |
National/State/Local Parks |
| Research Firms |
Bureau of Land Management |
| Map Companies |
Travel Agencies |
| Military |
Special Interest Groups |
| Consulting Agencies |
Engineering Firms |
| Oil Companies |
Skills important for Environmental Science majors:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to plan and develop research models
- Thorough knowledge of biological theories and practices
- Ability to use logic or scientific thinking to deal with many different types of problems
- Ability to gather and interpret data
Personal attributes important for Environmental Science majors:
- Desire for precision
- Creative, patient, analytical, resourceful, detail-oriented
- Achievement-oriented
- Interest in living organisms, enjoy the outdoors
Related activities for Environmental Science majors:
- Do an internship
- Attend science exhibits and fairs
- Join environmental concerns groups, the Humane Society, community social groups
- Join a professional association
- Volunteer or work in a high school or college science department
- Volunteer or work part time with an environmental agency, a zoo, or the wildlife and parks service
Print Resources:
- Basta, Nicholas. Environmental Jobs for Scientists and Engineers. John Wiley & Sons, 1992.
- Fasulo, Michael & Paul Walker. Careers in the Environment. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
- Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Dept of Labor (latest edition).
- Wille, Christopher. Opportunities in Forestry Careers. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
- Winter, Charles. Opportunities in Biological Science Careers. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- Association of American Geographers
- Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society
- National Association of Environmental Professionals
- Society for Conservation Biology
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Region 8
This information was adapted from:
The Environmental Sciences Field. The University of Vermont, 1998
