Environmental Studies: Study Resource & Degree Program Information

General Information About Environmental Studies Degrees

The need for a scientific team to investigate environmental systems coupled with environmental laws requiring protocols has led to a growing public awareness of the need to address environmental issues, hence the expansion of the major. The interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences means that many fields are studied within one broad and comprehensive subject.

One of the appealing aspects of environmental studies is how diverse the curriculum is, making it a perfect match for someone interested in the sciences but who does not want to focus as intensely in any one field of science. Many students pursue a degree in environmental studies concurrently with a degree in management, public policy, political science, economics, social sciences or landscape architecture.

Keep in mind that environmental sciences and ecology are separate fields of study, even if the two disciplines overlap. Ecology focuses on analyzing interrelated sets of populations or a population and its relationship to its environment, such as with endangered species, habitat integrity, the impact of land development and the effect of populations by contaminants.
Given the research-based applications of environmental studies, this degree is best earned at an established brick-and-mortar university instead of with an online degree.

Bachelor Of Arts In Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies comprises several areas of environmental concentration. At the undergraduate level, environmental studies teach students to understand the nature of environmental issues in both the scientific and social sciences, analyze problems and solve them with basic and applied research.

Many degree programs integrate teaching and research with public service in the community. Some schools offer leadership programs that focus on collaborative environmental research and service projects with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, like the program at the University of Oregon and at Brown University.

Bachelor Of Science In Environmental Science

A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science requires a stronger emphasis on sciences, particularly by focusing on biology, chemistry, physics or earth sciences, rather than social sciences or humanities courses. This includes the completion of a higher level of courses in mathematics, statistics, ecology and physical geology.

Master Of Arts In Environmental Studies

A graduate degree in environmental studies prepares students to work for disciplinary and interdisciplinary environments in the government, public interest groups and businesses while teaching students about the emerging environmental issues and strengthen the skills to manage them. These programs require a master’s thesis that incorporates more specific fields of study, such as marine science and policy, environmental health or forest ecology.

Some degree programs, like at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, offer different degrees related to the student’s area of focus. For example, a Master of Environmental Management prepares students for careers in environmental policy, stewardship, education and analysis, while the Master of Environmental Science is designed for those interested in scientific research and practice.

Coursework In Environmental Studies

Coursework for environmental studies includes basics in mathematics, including statistics and calculus, along with humanities courses, ecology courses, physical geology courses and classes in environmental policy, history, economic, law and policy.

Atmospheric sciences study the Earth’s outer layer of gases with an emphasis on greenhouse gaes, atmospheric dispersion modeling, light pollution and meteorology. Environmental assessment appraises environmental protection and sustainable development by collecting field data, while environmental microbiology studies the composition and physiology of microbial communities. Environmental chemistry involves studying chemical alterations in the environment, such as soil and water contamination.

Other courses depend on a student’s specific focus, but some of those courses could include international environmental policy, property rights and environmental policy, ecosystem analysis, conservation biology, environmental chemistry, physical hydrology, oceanography, geophysics and environmental sociology. There are still a slew of other classes available depending on the student’s concentration, such as courses in anthropology, chemistry, engineering, geology, biology, sociology, urban studies and political science.

Career Opportunities In Environmental Studies

Environmental scientists supervise the impact of human actions on various ecosystems and develop ways to restore the environment. They also help planners construct buildings and develop utilities and transportation corridors that protect water resources and effectively use land without waste, teams of professionals often work together on environmental research as required by the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Since the field of environmental science is complex, challenging and changing every day as new disciplines are added and others are excluded, having this degree means a lot of flexibility when it comes to job hunting. Careers in environmental science include positions in environmental planning, green investment planning, corporate management, environmental education and wildlife biology at all levels of government as well as in national and regional organizations. However, these are just a handful of options because it really depends on the student’s interests.

Potential Earnings For Environmental Studies Careers

The job market for environmental science majors is increasing, especially in the private sector as public policy demands and new regulations force corporations and consulting firms to comply with environmental laws. Employment for environmental scientists is expected to grow by 25 percent within the next ten years, making it one of the fastest growing jobs available. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average salary is $61,100.