What is Environmental Studies?

The field of environmental studies examines the complex relationships between humans and the natural world. Like environmental science, students of environmental studies learn about ecology, biology, evolution, and chemistry. But environmental studies takes a broader approach, with courses in environmental ethics, history, literature, geography, and cultural ecology.

People who study environmental science use an interdisciplinary lens to explore how humankind impacts the environment. They create plans for sustainable development. They tackle key environmental issues like pollution, climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion.

Most people pursuing environmental studies care about the health of our world and are driven by a passion to make a difference. They pursue real-world solutions to environmental problems. They work to understand the complex interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems. Environmental studies professionals learn to communicate and integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines and perspectives. 

What Do Environmental Scientists Do?

Environmental scientists identify, analyze, and reduce or eliminate environmental concerns. Some focus on human health, others focus on minimizing human impact on the ecosystem. Some work with government agencies to ensure compliance with natural resource regulations, while others help businesses follow environmental regulations. They may specialize in reclaiming polluted land and waters, or assessing the environmental risks of a new construction project.

What is the Main Purpose of Environmental Studies?

Environmental studies provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. The field takes a holistic approach to analyzing environmental problems to develop sustainable, interdisciplinary solutions—interdisciplinary meaning working with and across many different academic and scientific disciplines. Those who study this field aim to foster environmental awareness, literacy, and responsible citizenship. The primary, long-term goal of environmental studies is to promote the health of humans, our planet, and all life on it.

Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Sciences

Environmental studies include a range of disciplines that can help us understand our environment and its interconnectedness with humans. In contrast, environmental sciences emphasizes understanding the environment and how humans impact it through the natural and physical sciences. Where environmental sciences focus on improving human interaction with the natural world, environmental studies centers how humans, governments, and global entities interact with each other and the world around them.

The effects of global changes and rise in climate-change concerns bring human impacts front and center in environmental issues. Environmental studies views these problems through the social sciences, humanities, and arts. Fields like environmental philosophy and ethics, environmental history, environmental economics, cultural anthropology, cultural geography, ecocriticism, political science and policy, and environmental sociology all have a place in environmental science.

An environmental scientist may help engineer a solution to problems in the climate or ecosystem. An environmental studies expert will focus on whether that solution is feasible for the people who will use it. Both disciplines form the foundation for studying sustainability, which is held up by the pillars of environmental health, economic growth, and the well-being of social systems.

What Skills Do Environmental Professionals Need?

To succeed in this broad career field, professionals need a wide variety of skills. Some may choose to specialize their expertise more in one area than another, depending on their interests and career plans. However, there are core skills that are foundational to any environmental professional’s career. A strong grounding in research, organization, commercial awareness, policy, legislation, health, and safety are all essential to successfully pursue environmental studies.

Technical Skills Every Environmental Professional Needs

Professionals in environmental studies examine interactions between complex natural and human systems. To understand these systems, they must be able to gather and interpret data from a wide variety of sources. A skilled environmental professional should be familiar with geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, data analysis, and statistical analysis. They should also know how to use computer models to simulate environmental processes and have strong laboratory experience in handling and analyzing samples. They need to understand scientific principles. And, they must keep up-to-date and be able to interpret environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Transferable Skills Every Environmental Professional Needs

People engaged in environmental studies don’t just analyze complex systems, they also share their findings, guidance, and recommendations with the community and other key stakeholders. Strong communication abilities ensure environmental professionals can present their findings effectively. They will also need to be comfortable solving problems, managing projects, navigating interpersonal relationships with people from various perspectives, and thinking critically about systems. 

What Tasks Do Environmental Professionals Do?

The day-to-day responsibilities of an environmental professional will depend on their specific job title, specialization, and what sector they're employed in. Generally, an environmental professional can expect to:

• Determine data collection methods for research, investigations, and surveys.
• Collect and compile environmental data samples for scientific analysis.
• Analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess sources of environmental pollutants or hazards.
• Research and investigate environmental concerns, including pollution sources, human impact on ecosystems, and new environmental protection technologies.
• Develop solutions to prevent, control, or address environmental problems.
• Provide information and guidance to government officials, businesses, and the general public on possible environmental hazards and health risks.
• Ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws and policies.
• Prepare reports and presentations to document research and findings.
• Communicate and educate stakeholders, government agencies, and the community about environmental issues and conservation efforts.

What Careers are There in Environmental Studies?

A career in environmental studies can take many forms. The broad field opens many doors in the private and public sectors, depending on where you would like to direct your focus.

• Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
• Compliance officers specialize in laws and regulations involved in environmental remediation and work with project managers to ensure ecological and safety laws are properly enforced.
• Natural sciences managers oversee and coordinate the efforts of scientists from different disciplines involved in remediation projects.
• Emergency management directors coordinate responses to emergencies and begin planning cleanup and management while mitigating negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Environmental Scientists

There are many careers for an environmental scientist with a background in environmental studies.

• Climate change analysts study the effects on ocean, forest, and other ecosystems caused by long-term shifts in weather patterns.
• Environmental health and safety specialists study how environmental factors affect human health.
• Environmental restoration planners assess polluted sites and determine the cost of and activities necessary for cleanup.
• Industrial ecologists work with organizations to increase the efficiency of their operations, with the goal of limiting an operation’s impact on the environment.
• Environmental chemists study the effects that chemicals have on ecosystems.

All of these careers can involve grant writing, outreach and education, risk assessment, and data analysis.

Environmental Studies Job Outlook

This emerging field offers promising job growth over the next decade due to increasing awareness of environmental challenges and a need for effective solutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, environmental scientists, environmental science and protection technicians, environmental engineers, and natural sciences managers can anticipate 7-8% annual job growth through 2033. Renewable energy analysts, a niche for data scientists, is a rapidly growing career with 36% job growth anticipated through 2033. Urban and regional planners, compliance officers, and emergency management directors can anticipate average job growth (4-5%) during that same period.

How Much Do Environmental Scientists Earn?

Environmental science is a broad field with an equally wide range of career opportunities. Employees with a background in environmental studies will find their salaries vary based on job title, experience, specialization, location, and whether they work in the public or private sector.

The Future of Environmental Studies

The future of environmental studies will likely focus on interdisciplinary collaborative approaches to sustainable solutions enabled by technological advances. A collaborative approach is best suited to meet the growing demand for environmental professionals who can holistically address the complexity of environmental issues and their place in human and natural systems. Forward-thinking environmental professionals consider ecology, public health, social sciences, economics, and technology when tackling a problem. By approaching these problems holistically—taking all aspects into consideration—they can develop practical solutions and promote sustainable practices that work for people and the planet.

Though the urgent need for environmental strategies is growing, the technology available to support these efforts is also advancing. Machine learning will play a key role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large and increasingly complex datasets. New developments in sustainable materials, renewable energy and storage technologies, and sustainable agriculture and resource management are crucial to minimize humanity's environmental footprint.

The growing recognition of environmental concerns is increasing demand for skilled professionals who can develop realistic solutions. Job opportunities for professionals with a background in environmental studies and related fields are expected to increase faster than average in all fields and sectors, with a wide variety of specializations available to new graduates and experienced professionals alike.

Pursuing an Environmental Studies Degree

There are several paths you can take to a career in the environmental studies profession. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. These tips from our academic advisors can help prepare you to pursue a degree in environmental studies:

Tips for High School Students

If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into an environmental studies field, here are some things to consider:

• Focus on your STEM classes, as these will form the basis for your environmental studies education.
• Take courses related to natural sciences, communication and public speaking.
• Explore AP courses related to environmental science, biology, chemistry, social sciences, humanities, and physics. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not environmental studies may be right for you.
• Join school clubs related to environmentalism, science, public speaking, or debate to round out your education.
• Volunteer with local organizations involved in sustainability, social wellness, and public health.
• Seek internships and other opportunities to get involved with research projects.
• Read overviews of different environmental degrees to get a sense for which one you may want to pursue.

Choosing a College or University for Environmental Studies

Selecting a school where you'll focus on environmental studies field can be easier if you follow these tips:

• Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called environmental studies to have a successful career in this industry. Look for degrees that fall within the environmental studies umbrella. If you aren't sure, ask admissions or the department that is offering the degrees you think might work for you.
• Consider what aspects of environmental studies you would like to focus on most in your career. Whether that is science, policy, education, or a myriad of other options, be sure the program you choose supports that specialization.
• Find out about research opportunities and access to outdoor spaces that institutions offer for field experience. Do they have a dedicated outdoor fieldwork area? Are regular outdoor experiences part of the curriculum?
• Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees since most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
• Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.

Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Keep a calendar or tracking system that works for you so that you don't miss any deadlines.

Tips for College Students

If you’re currently in college, consider these tips to help ensure your success in the environmental studies field of your choice:

• Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in an environmental studies field.
• Gain experiences in real environmental studies projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, volunteering, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
• Sign up for field courses to gain real-world experience in areas like ecology, hydrology, or geology.
  Explore electives in data analysis, GIS software, and communication.
• Develop your teamwork and leadership skills through collaborative projects with peers from multiple disciplines.
• Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant environmental studies experience during and after your college career.
• Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
• Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.