The Biosphere Science concentration in the Environmental Science major was developed with Biosphere 2 and concerns the Earth as an integrated system composed of land surfaces, water, air, and biology that both influences and is influenced by humans. In addition to classroom knowledge, laboratory skills, and field experience, students will gain an appreciation of how the interaction of systems contributes to past, current, and future states of the Earth. Graduates may work as researchers, consultants, or educators, or might pursue graduate studies in geography, global change, or biosystems science. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Research
- Education
- Conservation
- Consulting
- Advocacy
- Policy
- Astrobiology
Sample Employers:
- Colleges and universities
- Schools
- Outdoor education programs
- Research institutes
- Biosphere 2
- Government agencies
- Environmental campaigns
- Park and forest services
- Space exploration projects
- Nonprofit organizations
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Fish and Wildlife Officer
|
$30,000 - $80,000
|
|
Soil Scientist
|
$27,950 - $78,470
|
|
Astrobiologist
|
$33,151 - $65,080
|
|
Climate Change Analyst
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Research Associate
|
$23,600 - $60,700
|
|
Ecologist
|
$43,500 - $61,500
|
|
Field Teacher/Naturalist
|
$20,000 - $40,000
|
|
Conservation Scientist
|
$36,000 - $59,300
|
|
Sustainability Specialist
|
$33,800 - $62,400
|
|
Ecological Restoration Instructon
|
$25,000 - $50,000
|
|
Environmental Restoration Planner
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Environmental Science Teacher, Secondary
|
$25,000 - $49,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).