The Environmental Change concentration in the Environmental Science major familiarizes students with scientific, ecological, and social issues surrounding environmental change through time, including the study and reconstruction of past environments, the evaluation of current environments in the context of long-term change, and the projection for future change. Graduates in the Environmental Change concentration might work as researchers, policy and regulatory advisers, environmental activists, educators, or consultants. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, climatology, global change, or public policy. Some of the job titles listed below require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Research
- Policy analysis/design
- Regulation/enforcement
- Historic conservation
- Science writing
- Consulting
- Education
- Activism
- Forensics
Sample Employers:
- Government agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit organizations
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Park and forest services
- Research institutes
- Media outlets
- Consulting firms
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Climatologist
|
$39,000 - $120,000
|
|
Research Associate
|
$23,600 - $60,700
|
|
Environmental Forensics Specialist
|
$34,590 - $94,670
|
|
Environmental Science Teacher, Secondary
|
$25,000 - $49,000
|
|
Public Information Officer
|
$30,600 - $52,100
|
|
Environmental Restoration Planner
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Science Reporter
|
$19,180 - $73,880
|
|
Policy Analyst
|
$39,000 - $108,000
|
|
Sustainability Specialist
|
$33,800 - $62,400
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Corporate Climate Strategist
|
$41,910 - $73,570
|
|
Environmental Planner
|
$36,000 - $87,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).