Are you interested in learning how people affect local and global environments? Do you want to make an environmental impact on the world by helping to reduce climate change and pollution? Then obtaining your degree in environmental sciences might be right up your alley. If you have a passion for nature, then you can take classes to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s and even master’s degrees in environmental studies online, while you work full-time, from the comfort of your own home, and at your own pace.
Environmental studies encompass many different areas of expertise and coursework. You will learn about environmental science, political science and policy, philosophy, sociology, biology, mathematics, English, and geopolitics. In general, you will gain a deep understanding of historical and present-day environmental issues that are facing both local and global environments, and learn how to make positive changes in your community and the world. This interdisciplinary degree will teach you about how humans interact with both the natural and built environment around them, including ecosystems, natural resources, fish and wildlife, climatology, forestry, and other biological systems.
If you have a desire to work for the federal government in departments such as the National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc., then a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies will allow you access to entry-level positions. A master’s degree is typically needed to further career advancement and some jobs within the private sector, for example as a consultant, analyst, or scientist. Many graduates go on to obtain their PhD in fields related to environmental studies or go to law school for environmental law.
For those who are already working within the environmental sector, earning a certificate might be a good idea if your employer recommends furthering your education for a promotion. Certificates in environmental studies are typically short programs that offer added value to students when looking for a career. You can obtain certificates in conservation psychology, climate change, applied spatial analysis for geographic information systems, environmental science and policy, and many more. It is important for you to ensure that your career path will require one of these certificates, otherwise if you are looking to get more education, then a master’s degree or law school might be your best bet.
Job opportunities for environmental studies graduates are vast and abundant. Environmental issues are found in almost every workplace and as the awareness for environmental issues grows, so will the need for knowledgeable individuals looking to make a positive change. Graduates typically go on to become conservation scientists, environmental advocates, analysts, scientists, consultants, green architects, lawyers, political advocates, or surveyors, cartographers, or mapping technicians.
