Find Environmental Studies Programs

Find Environmental Sciences Programs

Niche Areas
There are many areas in which environmental studies students may specialize. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Ecology and evolutionary biology
• Environmental engineering
• Geology and geophysics
• Environmental law and politics
• Oceanography
• Behavioral ecology
• Zoology
• Pollutants in the environment

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
As with most fields of study, an Associate's Degree in environmental studies will prepare you for further, more in-depth work in the field. It also can serve as an end in itself, satisfying some intellectual curiosity you may have. Bachelor's and graduate degrees may lead either to work in the field itself or to positions in universities and other institutions of learning, teaching others about the field and conducting research on your own.

Typical Admissions Requirements
The ease or difficulty you may have gaining admission to an environmental studies program depends on both your previous academic record and on your level of interest in the field. If, for example, you want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies but have no previous academic background, then an Associate's degree may be a good place to start. If, however, you have no previous classroom experience in the field but have practical experience, then you may choose to jump right into a Bachelor's. Graduate degree program admissions are generally reserved for those who have already completed their Bachelor's degrees.

Careers In This Field
Because of the wide variety of specific areas one may choose to focus on over the course of an education in environmental studies, there is an equally wide-ranging number of choices when it comes to potential career paths. In fact, though many people often find themselves uncertain of what a degree in environmental studies can lead to, the fact remains that there are any number of options, including but not limited to the following:

• Agricultural scientist
• Conservation systems analyst
• Earth scientist
• Oceanographer
• EPA inspector
• Hydrogologist
• Forest ranger
• Environmental lawyer
• Environmental educator
• Seismologist

Salary Ranges In This Field
As with most fields in which there are many career options available, generalizing the amount of money one can make across the board is rather difficult. In general, however, "A bachelor's degree is adequate for a few entry-level positions, but environmental scientists and geoscientists increasingly need a Master's degree in a natural science. A Master's degree is also the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level research positions in private industry, Federal agencies, and State geological surveys. A doctoral degree is necessary for most high-level research positions. [Average salaries for various types of work in the field are as follows]: Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $47,600 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,820 and $62,400. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,920, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,200. Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $67,470 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,370 and $102,120; the lowest 10 percent, less than $36,580 and the highest 10 percent more than $133,310. Median annual earnings of hydrologists were $56,530 in 2002, with the middle 50 percent earning between $44,080 and $70,160, the lowest 10 percent less than $36,790, and the highest 10 percent more than $86,620. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of environmental scientists in 2002 were as follows: Federal Government $66,190 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 45,560 Local government 45,270 Architectural, engineering, and related services 44,590 State government 44,580 According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2003 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and related sciences averaged about $32,828 a year; graduates with a Master's degree averaged $47,981, and graduates with a doctoral degree averaged $61,050. In 2003, the Federal Government's average salary for geologists in managerial, supervisory, and nonsupervisory positions was $76,389 for geologists, $86,809 for geophysicists, $70,525 for hydrologists, and $79,023 for oceanographers. The petroleum, mineral, and mining industries are vulnerable to recessions and to changes in oil and gas prices, among other factors, and usually release workers when exploration and drilling slow down. Consequently, they offer higher salaries, but less job security, than do other industries" ( www.diversityworking.com ).

Future Outlook
"Employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014·Job growth for environmental scientists·should be strongest at private-sector consulting firms. Demand for environmental scientists·will be spurred largely by public policy, which will oblige companies and organizations to comply with complex environmental laws and regulations, particularly those regarding ground-water decontamination, clean air, and flood control. Job opportunities also will be spurred by a continued general awareness regarding the need to monitor the quality of the environment, to interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring ecosystems" ( www.bls. gov ).

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