Earning a degree that incorporates several disciplines of knowledge allows you many career opportunities. Explore the information below for examples of the types of career paths students who earn an Environmental Science or an Environmental Studies major pursue. For more information, contact the Loyola University New Orleans Career Development Center.
Environmental Science
Students majoring in Environmental Science major will acquire the basic knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of ecological systems and apply this knowledge to solving problems arising from human activities. Students of Environmental Science will go directly into an environmental science career or on to graduate or professional school to further their study. Some careers involve working for federal or state agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or state park agencies. Other careers may involve working as a scientist, manager or analyst for non-governmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, or World Watch Institute. Still other career opportunities exist in the private sector as environmental consultants, scientists, technicians and specialists with engineering firms, natural resource/energy corporations, or waste-management companies, such as CH2M Hill Ltd., Weyerhauser, Inc., Waste Management, Inc., and many others.
Some potential career fields for Environmental Science majors include:
- Wildlife Biologist
- Naturalist
- Park Ranger
- Fisheries Biologist
- Marine Biologist
- Forest or Rangeland Manager
- Endangered Species Biologist
- Aquatic Toxicologist
- Wetlands Ecologist
- Water Resources Specialist
- Soil Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Statistician/Modeler/GIS Specialist
- Environmental Technician
- Nature Preserve Manager
- Sustainable Agriculture/Organic Farming
Environmental Studies
Students majoring in Environmental Studies use what they learn in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to explore human interactions with the environment. Using this knowledge, Environmental Studies students work to further understand the causes and consequences of environmental problems, and strive to develop solutions to these problems. Students of Environmental Studies will go directly into an environmental studies career or on to graduate or professional school to further their study. Some Environmental Studies students may choose to go into a field like law with a focus on environmental law. As an environmental lawyer they may work to develop environmental legislation and policy in governmental agencies, like the US Environmental Protection Agency. They may also work as attorneys or legal aides for private firms. Others may work for businesses or corporations as consultants on issues like environmental ethics, sustainability plans/building, green investing and other areas. Some students may go into environmental research or education after completing graduate studies in their chosen field. Educational opportunities exist not only in colleges and universities, but also in high schools and nature centers. Others may choose to communicate directly with the general public about environmental issues as writers, journalists or artists. Still other students may choose to get involved with community groups and volunteer organizations to work for solutions of environmental problems at the grassroots level.
Some potential career fields for Environmental Studies majors include:
- Nature Writer/Editor
- Environmental Lawyer
- Policy Consultant/Legal Researcher
- Urban or Regional Planner
- Environmental Activist
- Sustainability Officer/Consultant
- Nature Photographer/Artist
- Environmental Communications/Journalist
- Green Investment Planner
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Parks and Recreation Director
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Educator/Naturalist
- Landscape Architect
- Conservationist
- Environmental Researcher/Analyst