Five starsTrusted by 70,000+ Future Students

Subject guide

Environmental Science

If you're eager to make a significant impact in protecting our planet, a course in Environmental Science may be perfect for you. Diving into this increasing field of study gives you a powerful platform to understand and address crucial global issues like climate change, deforestation, and waste management. As an Environmental Science student, you will have the opportunity to leverage scientific research to inform policies and practices that promote sustainable environments. Remember, your journey in high education doesn't just shape your future, but also of our planet.

Find school options
Environmental Science study and career guide

Environmental Science

You're passionate about our planet and its well-being — a truth that lights your path toward higher education — and Environmental Science has naturally piqued your interest. This multifaceted field, with its compelling intersection of biology, physics, and chemistry and its crucial ties to societal impacts, is not only academically stimulating but also inherently meaningful. As an aspiring Environmental Science student, you're striving to make a tangible difference in our world by combating environmental concerns and advocating for sustainable solutions. Annotations on your journey through academia must be accurate and reliable, guiding you towards the right schools for achieving your career aspirations. Making informed choices on your educational path is thus essential for the critical work you'll undertake in the future. With trustworthy information, nothing can stop your ambition from blossoming into the change we need for a more sustainable world.

Explore this subject within Science & Engineering.

Environmental Science Program goals

You stand on the brink of investing your time, energy, and passion into the exciting, dynamic field of Environmental Science. By pursuing a program in this vital discipline, you are decisively linking your dreams to the world's urgent need for skilled, science-based stewards of the environment. As you embark on your educational journey, it's essential to recognize and embrace the goals of your studies, each designed to equip you for a successful, rewarding and impactful career.

  • To acquire a comprehensive understanding of both the physical and biological aspects of the environment
  • To gain the problem-solving skills necessary for identifying, assessing and addressing environmental issues
  • To understand and practice the scientific methods used in environmental field-work
  • To master the tools and techniques for analyzing environmental data and findings
  • To develop the ability to convey complex environmental concepts and concerns effectively to diverse audiences
Environmental Science Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

As you delve deeper into an Environmental Science program, you're not only exploring the functions of ecosystems but you're also building a skill set that shapes your professional abilities in this exciting field. This academic adventure equips you with knowledge about the association between human activities and the terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. Simultaneously, it fosters critical thinking skills and cultivates your ability to mitigate and adapt to environmental issues and challenges. Below are some of the key learning outcomes you might expect:

  • An understanding of the scientific principles and concepts linked to environmental systems.
  • Ability to analyze complex environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.
  • Proficiency in using scientific data to inform decision-making and problem-solving related to environmental issues.
  • Capable of communicating environmental science concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Developing a responsible and informed worldview on the correlation between people and the environment.
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
Photo by This is Engeneering on Unsplash

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Environmental Science

If you're thinking about starting a higher education program in Environmental Science, having previous related experience will make your journey easier. This scientific discipline requires strong foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, and geology. You might have already gathered some of this experience in high school, or perhaps through your own independent studies or volunteer work. Familiarity with research methods and data analysis will also be beneficial, as these are integral parts of the curriculum. Passion for the environment and the drive to understand and solve environmental issues will give you an edge in this field.

  • Strong foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, and geology
  • Experience with or understanding of research methods
  • Skills in data analysis
  • Passion for the environment and its issues

Bear in mind, your beginning point doesn't completely dictate your journey. It’s entirely possible to start a program in Environmental Science without these experiences. Your dedication, curiosity, and willingness to learn can take you far in this rewarding field.

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Environmental Science illustration

Environmental Science careers

If you're pursuing postgraduate studies in Environmental Science, a multitude of exciting career opportunities await you. This vital field is broad, offering numerous pathways to channel your passion for the environment into positive change. You could find yourself working to combat climate change as a Climate Change Analyst, protecting our natural resources as a Conservation Scientist, or educating the public about environmental awareness as an Environmental Educator. As a Hydrologist, you'd study water and its impact on the environment, or as an Environmental Planner, you’d be instrumental in creating environmentally sustainable communities. Regardless of your chosen career path, your work in environmental science will be playing a crucial role in conserving and managing our Earth for future generations.

  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Environmental Educator
  • Hydrologist
  • Environmental Planner

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $80,060 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,730, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $142,250.

Source

As a postgraduate in Environmental Science, you'll have a wealth of job opportunities in front of you, encompassing a broad array of sectors. You could pursue a career as an environmental consultant, involved in assessing environmental impacts and offering advice on numerous environmental issues. Another route could be becoming a research scientist, working in areas as diverse as climate change, conservation, pollution control, and more. Alternatively, roles such as environmental engineer or town planner also represent exciting options, allowing you to directly influence public policy and infrastructure design. Some might opt for careers in education or nonprofit work, inspiring the next generation of environmentalists or fighting for environmental justice. While earning potential varies depending on the specific role and location, what is certain is that a career in environmental science allows you to make a difference every single day.

Keep exploring

View all subjects

Ready to compare Environmental Science programs?

Share your study preferences once. We’ll use them to find relevant school options.

Find school options