2008 EditionAre Freshmen Ready to Pick a Major? 7 Other Factors in College Admissions Environmental Studies Heats Up As a Degree AP Exams vs. SAT Subject Tests College Dance and Musical Theater Programs offer Stiff Competition Preparing for Pre-med and Pre-Health Flying High -- Engineering Takes Off Fine Arts, Design and Other Media What Are You Doing Next Summer? Exploring New Territory: The Lure of Study Abroad Student Wins $60,027 Writing Prize Articles from issue: top |
Environmental Studies Heats Up As a DegreeFrom the MCG 2008 editionIt may be an inconvenient truth, but global warming is real -- largely due to human impact. For those who would like to understand this and other environmental issues -- and hopefully, change them for the better -- a major in environmental studies might be your calling. What Is E.S.?Environmental studies looks at things like energy sources, recycling, public policy, and biodiversity, as well as natural, built and social environments. In addition to studying how we impact the environment, you'll also study how the environment impacts us -- economically, politically, socially, etc.A few decades ago, only a few colleges had environmental studies programs. Now, the number is closer to half. In fact, several colleges and universities are taking it one step further, opening separate schools of sustainability and/ or hiring full-time sustainability staff members whose job it is to make sure the college itself is doing its part to meet its present needs (for energy, clean water, solid waste disposal, etc.) without compromising the environment for future generations. What Classes Will I Take?You'll start with core classes, like basic chemistry, physics, calculus, computer science, English, social studies and some humanities courses. Later, you'll begin to specialize, taking classes like Vegetation Ecology, Public Policy, Marine Biology, Geography, Aquatic Pollution and Tropical Ecosystems.What Jobs Can I Get When I Graduate?Because environmental studies is such a broad topic, career possibilities fall in a wide variety of categories, from wildlife biology and horticulture to land use planning, soil conservation, fisheries management and alternative energy development. (Notice that none of these had the word "environment" in the title, so don't limit yourself with restrictive key words when doing research!)How Much Money Will I Make?Although salaries will vary greatly depending on your focus, whether you work for a public or private organization, and where you live, the following average salaries in 2005 (median salary in 2004 for conservation scientists) might be of interest. It should be noted that a high percentage of these jobs are with the government.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor To learn more about majoring in environmental studies, visit www.enviroeducation.com |