A major in Environmental Studies provides students with interdisciplinary coverage of natural resources and climate science, social science, geographic information science (GIS) and remote sensing technology, research methods, a regional or international focus, and policy issues related to human-environment interactions. Graduates may work as researchers, communications specialists, educators, advocates, or policy developers. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, arid lands or natural resources science, environmental law, public policy, landscape architecture, or ecology. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Policy development
- Communications
- Journalism
- Advocacy
- Research
- Planning
- Education
- Environmental regulation
Sample Employers:
- Government agencies
- Park and forest services
- Schools
- Nonprofit organizations
- Planning/development firms
- Research institutes
- Outdoor education programs
- Alternative energy companies
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Science Policy Analyst
|
$39,000 - $108,000
|
|
Environmental Science Teacher, Secondary
|
$25,000 - $49,000
|
|
Public Information Officer
|
$30,600 - $52,100
|
|
Sustainability Specialist
|
$33,800 - $62,400
|
|
Field Education Coordinator
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Environmental Economist
|
$48,300 - $89,400
|
|
Environmental Activist
|
$18,000 - $47,000
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Environmental Protection Specialist
|
$26,600 - $41,400
|
|
Alternative Energy Products Sales Representative
|
$36,700 - $73,700
|
|
Environmental Restoration Planner
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Science Reporter
|
$19,180 - $73,880
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).