A career in environmental science starts with an underÂ鶹ӰÊÓ degree, and knowing where the best place to get that degree is important. See how location, curriculum and hands-on job training opportunities can set you apart after graduation.
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Recent advancements in engineering, public policy, conservation and education are all fueling the need for highly-qualified and motivated environmental scientists.
This increased need further underlines the importance of choosing a degree that best prepares you to meet the challenges of a career in environmental science and its related disciplines.
The best colleges for environmental science understand the essential nature of these programs, equipping students with both the knowledge and the hands-on training to make an immediate impact.
But what exactly do these schools offer, and how can you best take advantage of an environmental science degree in order to land a lifelong career?
Discover what the top environmental science programs have in common and how you can Â鶹ӰÊÓ on time prepared to make a difference.
What Degrees are Good for a Career in Environmental Science?
Environmental science is a complex and diverse field, something the best schools for environmental science leverage through a wide variety of degree programs and certificates.
These environmental science degree pathways include, but are not limited to:
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Environmental science. Focused on the study of issues currently facing the environment, environmental science majors combine natural and social science to explore everything from environmental biology to public health.
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Environmental studies. Distinct from environmental science in its approach to the interaction between environment, society and culture, environmental studies majors learn strategies to help influence public policy and environmental education.
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Sustainability. Interested in helping students devise new solutions to environmental problems, the best schools for sustainability offer degrees that combine ecological science with humanities and ethics.
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Outdoor leadership. Champions for natural stewardship, outdoor leadership majors turn their passions into purpose by helping others experience nature through outreach, adventure and activism.
Advanced degrees in nonprofit leadership and business can also prepare you for a career in environmental science through leadership and management training.
What is the Difference Between Environmental Science and Environmental Studies?
While interconnected, a degree in environmental science and a degree in environmental studies will focus on different things and lead to different outcomes.
A bachelor’s in environmental science emphasizes a thorough understanding of the natural world through scientific inquiry in fields like biology, chemistry and land management.
A bachelor’s in environmental studies highlights the interaction between humans and their environment with a spotlight on sustainability, public policy and community engagement.
Importantly, despite the differences in their pathways and concentrations, degree holders in environmental science and environmental studies often work together to help address issues at a variety of scales.
Where are the Best Schools for Environmental Science Located?
It may seem like where you get your environmental science degree in the United States doesn’t matter, but the geography around your program can make a huge difference.
A robust environmental science program requires easily accessible natural spaces with a diversity of climates, landscapes and options for hands-on training.
For this reason, the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to pursue a degree in environmental science, as Â鶹ӰÊÓ’s unique location enables a wide range of opportunities to put your passions into practice.
Want to study marine ecosystems? The coast is just down the road. Interested in alpine terrain? You can see the Cascades from campus. Curious about urban ecology? The Portland Metro includes over 92,000 acres of green spaces.
While it’s true that you can pursue a degree in environmental science anywhere, the best schools for environmental science are those that can help fuel your curiosity through opportunities for nearby fieldwork.
What Careers can I Pursue with a Degree in Environmental Science?
A bachelor’s in environmental science is an extremely versatile degree due to its training in the ways natural environments interact with human intervention.
Because of this, careers with a degree in environmental science are similarly varied, spanning a wide range of fields and disciplines.
These fields can includes careers in:
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Local and state government. As specialists, science communicators and environmental advocates, environmental science Â鶹ӰÊÓs can find roles in government doing everything from water quality assessment to wildlife management.
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Environmental nonprofits. From The Nature Conservancy to the Audubon Society, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science can open doors to environmental organizations poised to make an immediate difference.
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Ecological stewardship. Helping form the next generation of environmental advocates, environmental scientists can form lasting connections within a range of communities as park rangers, outdoor educators or teachers.
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Private industry. Any organization, regardless of what they do, makes an impact on the environment, and many businesses often hire environmental scientists to help measure and assess that impact.
What Advanced Degrees can I Pursue with a Degree in Environmental Science?
Starting a career after receiving your bachelor’s degree in environmental science is only one option for those wanting to put their training to use.
The best schools for environmental science know this, and help prepare students for advanced programs at the master’s and doctoral level that make use of their underÂ鶹ӰÊÓ degree.
Taking their scientific education to the next level, Â鶹ӰÊÓ degree programs in ecology, biology, sustainability and more are all well-suited to environmental science grads.
For those who want to pursue a career in environmental policy, environmental science degrees can also lead to Â鶹ӰÊÓ programs in political science, law and other civic-minded degrees.
Leadership programs are also an option for environmental science Â鶹ӰÊÓs, with advanced degrees in nonprofit leadership and business available.
Pacific is one of the top private research universities in the Pacific Northwest and empowers you to pursue your purpose with real-world training.