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Why Major in Environmental Science?
by Robyn Tellefsen
Environmental science is the science of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment, including their effects on all types of organisms. More often, environmental science refers to human impact on the environment.
What will I learn in an environmental science degree program?
An environmental science degree program provides an understanding of the biological and physical sciences and their application to environmental problems. When you major in environmental science, you have the unique opportunity to earn a science degree that spans a variety of disciplines that relate to the natural environment. You will take a body of core courses in biology, geography, and geology, supplemented with courses in chemistry, math, and physics. Areas of emphasis in upper-level programs include ecology, environmental biology, environmental geology, enclimatology and paleoclimatology, geographic information systems and cartography, and mineralogy and sedimentology.
What skills will I acquire with an environmental science degree?
An environmental science major provides plenty of transferable skills, including the ability to: conduct scientific studies and provide solutions to problems; develop, plan, and carry out environmental programs; communicate clearly; collect and analyze samples and data; and work as a part of a team and be project-oriented.
What can I do with an environmental science major?
An environmental science degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers in consulting, education, environmental planning, and government. With an environmental science major, you could become a chemical laboratory analyst, environmental engineer, environmental sanitarian, hydrologist, industrial hygienist, or a naturalist. Of course, some of these career options may require advanced study. Many environmental science majors choose to continue their studies in graduate programs in natural science programs or in business, engineering, legal, or policy programs. Since environmental issues will impact most sectors of the job market, education in this field is attractive to a wide range of employers.
How is the job market for environmental science majors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006; the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in an environmental science averaged $38,336 a year.
Earn an environmental science degree, and learn how you can make a positive impact on the world in which we live.
What will I learn in an environmental science degree program?
An environmental science degree program provides an understanding of the biological and physical sciences and their application to environmental problems. When you major in environmental science, you have the unique opportunity to earn a science degree that spans a variety of disciplines that relate to the natural environment. You will take a body of core courses in biology, geography, and geology, supplemented with courses in chemistry, math, and physics. Areas of emphasis in upper-level programs include ecology, environmental biology, environmental geology, enclimatology and paleoclimatology, geographic information systems and cartography, and mineralogy and sedimentology.
What skills will I acquire with an environmental science degree?
An environmental science major provides plenty of transferable skills, including the ability to: conduct scientific studies and provide solutions to problems; develop, plan, and carry out environmental programs; communicate clearly; collect and analyze samples and data; and work as a part of a team and be project-oriented.
What can I do with an environmental science major?
An environmental science degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers in consulting, education, environmental planning, and government. With an environmental science major, you could become a chemical laboratory analyst, environmental engineer, environmental sanitarian, hydrologist, industrial hygienist, or a naturalist. Of course, some of these career options may require advanced study. Many environmental science majors choose to continue their studies in graduate programs in natural science programs or in business, engineering, legal, or policy programs. Since environmental issues will impact most sectors of the job market, education in this field is attractive to a wide range of employers.
How is the job market for environmental science majors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006; the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in an environmental science averaged $38,336 a year.
Earn an environmental science degree, and learn how you can make a positive impact on the world in which we live.
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