Environmental science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural processes, and of interactions of

the physical components of the planet on the environment

he field of environmental science is filled with many hard working and creative individuals who want to
help protect the environment, and we have brought some of them to you. The expert interviews we feature
will provide a glimpse into some of the many careers that a degree in environmental science can lead to.

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In a world where global warming, air pollution, and plastic waste are major topical
issues, environmental science is becoming an increasingly valued and relevant
degree. Although it is a relatively new field, it combines elements of the key
traditional fields of chemistry and biology, and is widely recognised as a rigorous
and academic degree. However, due to its newness, many people have questions
about what studying environmental science is like and where it can lead. This article
will answer these questions and a number of other common questions about
environmental science.

What is studying environmental science like?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary subject, so it will involve studying
elements of biology, chemistry, physics, geography and social sciences; this can be
a challenge as each of these fields requires different skills and knowledge. However,
by combining an understanding of all of these areas, students are better able to
study the environment from an integrated perspective.
Fieldwork is a key part of studying environmental science. How far you travel for
fieldwork is related to your areas of interest – it could involve travelling to different
countries to experience a range of habitats and climates or it could be focussing on
a particular ecosystem and involve a significant amount of work in a single location.
Laboratory work is also a core element of studying environmental science – as part
of the degree, you will learn how to test analyse different samples and interpret the
results.
It is also common to do work placements or voluntary work as part of the degree; the
environmental sector is extremely competitive, and work experience develops
valuable skills which are invaluable when job hunting.

What do you study in environmental science?

As mentioned above, environmental science is interdisciplinary, so topics will draw
on different fields to develop understanding.
Core elements of most courses include atmospheric sciences, ecology,
environmental chemistry and geosciences.
Atmospheric sciences involves studying the atmosphere, typically covering the
chemistry and physics of the atmosphere, and the impact changes can have on
ecosystems all over the world. You may also study meteorology.
Ecology focuses on how organisms interact with the environment and each other.
This can connect to social sciences as well as biology. Environmental chemistry
centres around the impact humans have on the environment and how contamination
happens, what its effects are and how it can be prevented.
Geoscience is a very broad field, but focuses on the earth’s natural processes; in
environmental science, this will involve learning more about the earth to ensure you
have a good scientific basis for understanding environmental changes.>

Is environmental science a good degree?

Environmental science is academically rigorous and involves developing a wide
range of transferable skills that are very useful in the job market.
It also offers the opportunity to study multiple branches of science and take part in
lab and fieldwork as well as more traditional study.
Top universities register a high employment rate for environmental science, and the
US Bureau of Labour and Statistic calculates that the growth outlook is higher than
average.
If you are interested in working in a related field or even going on to further study,
then environmental science is an excellent degree choice.

Should I study biology instead of environmental science?

If your main interest is in biology, a pure biology degree may be a better choice.
There will still be the opportunity to choose modules that are related to
environmental science, and it will reduce the number of different sciences you are
learning about.
However, if you are happy with interdisciplinary study and you are committed to
working in the environmental sector then environmental science might be a better
option.
It is also important to consider that a pure biology degree will enable you to access
some biology-related careers that an environmental science degree wouldn’t qualify
you for. This is because studying a single science will result in a much greater
understanding of that specific field than a multi-disciplinary approach.

Where can it take you?

Environmental science is a degree with excellent career prospects, as well as
opportunities for further study – around a fifth of students go on to postgraduate
study or research. This may also be necessary if you wish to pursue a career in law
or graduate education.
Working as an environmental scientist or in a career directly related to the field may
require further study, as their person specifications often require a high degree of
specialisation. More information about top careers in environmental science can be
found here.
However, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, and the range of
transferable skills you develop, there is a wide range of career opportunities outside
the environmental science field. Common routes for environmental science
graduates include resource management, environmental advocacy, teaching and
planning and development. These careers allow you to utilize the skills you have
developed, but definitely allow you to engage with immediate real-world problems,
rather than researching in a laboratory.

What is the job market like?

Jobs in the environmental sector are typically very competitive and can require
specialised study and significant work experience. However, the sector is growing
rapidly, and there are a number of careers, such as environmental engineer or
scientist where demand is extremely high. Moreover, as the impact of environmental
issues such as plastic waste are studied further, the demand for graduates who are
able to support sustainability targets is likely to increase.
Moreover, many countries are likely to need to undergo major infrastructure
upgrades in the next decade, and environmental considerations will be a major
concern.
New graduates are likely to have good career opportunities but will likely join
companies in more junior roles in order to be trained up, as many careers have very
specific knowledge and skill requirements. This means that starting salaries may be
relatively low, but there will be good opportunities to progress and earn more in the
future.

Do I need a degree in environmental science to work in the

green sector?
One of the things people are often keen to know is whether they ‘need’ a degree in
environmental science to start a career in the environmental sector. This may be
because they already have a degree or because they’ve started a degree in another
subject but have developed an interest in environmental science.
Firstly, it is important to note that many careers in the sector require further study, so
it may be possible to pursue a postgraduate qualification in environmental science
without an undergraduate degree in the subject. So if your degree isn’t in
environmental science but you want to work in the field, there are still options
available.
Secondly, an environmental science degree is only advantageous if you want to
work in a scientific role. There are many jobs in the green sector which do not
require a science background and are accessible to any graduate, with the right
volunteer work and enthusiasm.
So if you are in the process of selecting a degree, are keen to study a scientific
subject and committed to working in the green sector then an environmental science
degree might be the best choice for you. However, it is not the only route into the
field: so if you are passionate about the environment and happy to do volunteer work
and potentially further study, then you may not need an environmental science
degree.
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 What is Environmental Education?
Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore
environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the
environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible
decisions.

The components of environmental education are:

 Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges

 Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental
challenges
 Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain
environmental quality
 Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges
 Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges

Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of

action. Rather, environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh
various sides of an issue through critical thinking and it enhances their own
problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The National Environmental Education Act of 1990 requires EPA to provide
national leadership to increase environmental literacy. EPA established the
Office of Environmental Education to implement this program.

Environmental Education is More Than

Information about the Environment
 Environmental Education Environmental Information

 Increases public awareness and knowledge of  Provides facts or opinions about environmental
environmental issues issues

 Does not necessarily teach individuals critical-

 Does teach individuals critical-thinking
thinking

 Does enhance individuals' problem-solving  Does not necessarily enhance individuals' problem-
and decision-making skills solving and decision-making skills

 Does not advocate a particular viewpoint  May advocate a particular viewpoint

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