Environmental Science draws on chemistry, physics, and biology to understand contemporary environmental challenges, such as global warming, and to develop new solutions for these problems. Because environmental issues are complex, this major requires students to think creatively and to integrate knowledge of both biological and physical sciences. One might think of this as applied science rather than basic science, which is science for science’s sake. Most environmental science programs allow students to design a concentration in which they consider specific areas or problems of individual interest. In addition to concentrations in each of the natural sciences, many programs include such diverse offerings as atmospheric and oceanic science, biodiversity and evolution, geoscience, environmental physics and engineering.
In contrast, students who are more interested in how human activities impact the environment may prefer Environmental Studies. Programs in environmental studies tend toward the position that human society is undermining the ecological foundations of life and that we must change our behavior if we are to thrive as a species. This major involves developing a broadly integrated understanding of the social, political, and historical factors impacting our environmental challenges. Students spend much of their coursework examining the interaction between the natural and social sciences. They might learn about the cultural and religious traditions that lead to soil depletion in a geographic area or the political and economic pressures that prevent a group from adopting more “earth friendly” water treatment procedures. Students in this major might focus on resource management, environmental education, food and agriculture, or health and policy issues.
Both majors begin with fundamental courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and statistics. Students complete environmental sciences courses that demonstrate the application of scientific principles to the solution of environmental problems. From there, students choose courses depending on their major and concentration. Environmental Science electives include environmental biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as hydrology, wildlife conservation, research methodology, and environmental modeling. Electives for environmental studies might include environmental health, environmental philosophy and ethics, environmental politics, and energy technologies. Students in both majors develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills and use these in service to society. Computer skills are essential, as are opportunities to conduct lab research and engage in fieldwork. Rigorous programs may require senior capstone projects.
Both degrees prepare students for a wide range of careers in education, industry, and government. Some, particularly jobs in education, require advanced degrees. Graduates may pursue careers as teachers, researchers, environmental consultants, lobbyists, toxic waste managers, fisheries and wildlife managers, policy analysts and community activists. When students consider potential career paths, it is important not only to consider areas of intellectual interest, but also the work environments and levels of interpersonal, technical, and manual work that are typically required by each path.
The employment outlook for Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies graduates is projected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand.
Going Green
Studying Green: Which way to go: Environmental Science or Environmental Studies?
Environmental Science and Environmental Studies are two college majors that are enjoying increased popularity. Despite similar names and interdisciplinary approaches, there are significant differences between these two majors ranging from their perspectives and emphases to their curricula. Whereas Environmental Science programs focus on the natural sciences, Environmental Studies programs tend to emphasize the social sciences.
Learn more at:
Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences – www.aess.info
National Association of Environmental Professionals – www.naep.org
