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Environmental Science Major

Interdisciplinary study of environmental problems and solutions.

Entry: $45,000
Mid: $70,000
Senior: $100,000
Growth: 8% (above avg)

Overview

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and social sciences to study environmental problems and develop solutions. Students examine issues like climate change, pollution, and sustainability.

The curriculum combines scientific study with policy analysis and field work. Students learn to assess environmental impacts, develop remediation strategies, and communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences.

Environmental Science majors pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research. The field addresses critical challenges facing society and the planet.

Career Prospects

Environmental Scientist
Environmental Consultant
Sustainability Specialist
Environmental Health Specialist
Conservation Scientist
Environmental Educator
Climate Change Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Water Quality Specialist
Environmental Compliance Manager

Top Universities for Environmental Science

1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
2

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • 11.7% acceptance rate
3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • 3.8% acceptance rate
US News
#2
4

Yale University

New Haven, CT • 4.6% acceptance rate
US News
#5
5

Duke University

Durham, NC • 5.4% acceptance rate
US News
#8
6

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
7

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • 4.5% acceptance rate
US News
#1
8

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA • 85.2% acceptance rate
US News
#52
9

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • 15.0% acceptance rate
US News
#21
10

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • 7.6% acceptance rate
US News
#13

Popular Courses

Environmental Chemistry
Ecology
Environmental Policy
GIS and Remote Sensing
Environmental Statistics
Climate Science
Environmental Health
Conservation Biology
Environmental Economics
Field Methods

Admissions Requirements

  • Strong science and mathematics background
  • Interest in environmental issues
  • Outdoor education or field experience
  • AP Environmental Science helpful
  • Analytical thinking skills
  • Commitment to sustainability
  • Research experience preferred

Essential Skills

Scientific analysisData collection and analysisProblem-solvingCommunicationField workGIS and mappingResearch methodsPolicy analysis

Work Environments

  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Research institutions
  • Corporations (sustainability)
  • Educational institutions
  • International organizations
  • Environmental labs

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Environmental Science major?

A Environmental Science major opens doors to careers in environmental scientist, environmental consultant, sustainability specialist, and many other fields. The skills you develop in scientific analysis, data collection and analysis, problem-solving are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Environmental Science graduates?

The job growth for Environmental Science related careers is projected at 8% (above avg), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $45,000, with potential to grow to $100,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Environmental Science programs?

Most Environmental Science programs require strong science and mathematics background and interest in environmental issues. Additionally, many programs look for outdoor education or field experience and ap environmental science helpful.

Which universities have the best Environmental Science programs?

Top universities for Environmental Science include Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Duke University, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.