<p>I'm currently a biology major but I'm trying to switch right now to do something I like and something that will get me a job because I know I won't get into medical school due to the fierce competition. </p>
<p>I know I want to benefit humanity after watching the Zeitgeist trilogy because only technological advancement and science will help solve our global issues.</p>
<p>I am planning on changing to ES and minor in economics in order to have some financial skills along with the scientific skills of environmental science.</p>
<p>My goal is to ultimately work in a lab testing water for contamination or testing air for CO2 emissions and trying to make the environment a safer place.</p>
<p>A friend of mine who is an ES major told me the opportunities for the ES field are endless and it is currently in a boom cycle. Demand is constantly increasing. He's going to law school for environmental law, but he said he is also considering getting his masters or PhD so he can work in a lab and make a modest salary that allows for him to live and give back to society at the same time.</p>
<p>My question is should I major in ES? If I do, should I go for my masters or my phd? How hard is it to get into a phd program and how easy will it be to get a job since ES is in a boom cycle?</p>
<p>I'm very interested in ES and I would very much like to help make the world a better place after watching zeitgeist and realizing that the government and big corporations don't care if they damage society.</p>
<p>ES is basically a biology major for those who can’t do organic chemistry. So that should tell you that pursuing an ES major is a waste of time. There is no boom cycle for ES.</p>
While a noble goal, be aware that most environmental scientists work with small/minor issues. Many of these things, like measuring waste discharge, overseeing drilling operations, writing environmental impact statements, etc. are not terribly glamorous. </p>
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If your college offers it, I recommend majoring in geology. It’s a more practical degree than environmental science and more in demand. Due to its inherently interdisciplinary nature, environmental science (rightly or wrongly) has a “jack of all trades, master of none” reputation at the undergraduate level, and employers are often wary of this. </p>
<p>A major in geology combined with a master’s degree in any of a number of different fields (hydrology, environmental chemistry/toxicology, environmental science, public health, etc.) would serve you quite well for what you want to do.</p>