Environmental Studies
The environmental studies degree uses what they learn in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand environmental problems. They look at how we interact with the natural world and come up with ideas for how we can prevent its destruction.
Sample Occupations
- Hazardous & Solid Waste Management
- Environmental Engineer
- Hazardous Waste Manager
- Industrial Hygiene
- Air & Water Quality Management
- Air Pollution Analyst
- Air Quality Manager
- Environmental Air Monitor
- Water Quality Manager
- Stream Restoration Designer
- Land & Water Conservation
- Soil & Water Conservation
- Ecological Modeler
- Ecologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Biologist
- Fishery & Wildlife Management
- Consultant
- Wildlife Biologists
- Zoologists
- Wildlife Educator
- Planning & Conservation
- Conservation Agent
- Conservation Scientists and Foresters
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Impact Analyst
- Resource Manager
- Environmental Education & Communication
- Elementary, secondary & post-secondary education
- Park Ranger
- Technical writer
- Public Involvement Specialist
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Lobbyist
- Policy Analyst
Types of Employers
- Federal, state and local government
- State farm bureaus
- Environmental research laboratories
- Agricultural or environmental consultant firms
- Power Companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Consulting firms
- Private companies that generate waste in production
Preparing for your career in
Planning & policy: Become an active member or a student organization of interest, ideally with an environmental focus, seek research experience with professors or internships, and begin networking in the field.
Conservation: Volunteer with a state park and recreation department to learn how government is involved in maintaining natural habitats, identify volunteer opportunities with nonprofit conservation-related organizations (i.e., Carolinas Raptor Center, Latta Plantation), join student conservation organizations, seek research experience with professors or internships, participate on planning boards to stay current with local conservation initiatives, build negotiation skills for interacting with various stakeholders.
Waste & Quality Management: Conduct regulatory research regarding environmental issues in area of interest, seek experience with data management, analysis and regulatory/compliance software, gain experience through internships, OSHA HAZWOPER training may be required for some positions.
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.