environment/nature/adventure - what programs could this be

Graduate School
1

<p>so I need some suggestions or ideas of programs I can look into to see if it would be a good fit. note: I am coming from a MS in computer science, a bad decision in my academic career...</p>

<p>I have been looking into environmental of anthropology, environmental sociology, environmental ethics, environmental education, and some branches of geography like extreme environments. </p>

<p>I know that for me it would be important to do some field studies, not just sitting at a desk doing theoretical things and analysis, at least not 100% of the time. I would be happy with just a month or two of field work. I would love if field work would be in nature and have some adventure to it. (like exploring some isolated area to gather data for example, or hike in the mountains, i love mountains!). I also like reading and using maps.
I also want to do something that has an impact or some practical means to it, something that could be used to sensibilize people on a particular environmental issue or eventually to help policymakers, or learn about solutions to an environmental issue.
I also like environmental education aspect and ethics, but i see at these two fields as a secondary options. the 1st because it is more taught as an extra in k-12, and the second just seems too theoretical.</p>

<p>I don't really know if such research field exists. Perhaps there is some subfield that I don't know of. or something that gets close to it, I'm just not familiar with these fields in academia. I know this is a very general description.</p>

<p>ideas, suggestions, comments?</p>

<p>i need to make some decision to start working to build a decent resume to get into grad school. I don't have much time to try things out, I am 28 already and would like to start a family in 5/7 years from now.</p>

<p>many thanks!</p>

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<p>I was in a similar situation. I graduated in Economics/Business and decided that I def wanted to switch to a major where I could work outside (at least sometimes). Given the fact that you come from computer science I think that a program in Physical Geography where you learn GIS would be good for you. I looked at Natural Resource Sciences, Geography, Agricultural Science, and Geology. I think any of those would allow you to work in the field and most of those programs are pretty employable.</p>

3

<p>bender thanks for your info. I will look into that. I should have made it clear though that I would like to pursue a PhD to stay in academia, so when you mentioned “employable” , you were referring to government, or industry? is that right?</p>

4

<p>I am not sure about job prospects in academia. I chose agriculture/natural resource science because I felt that I could get jobs in the public and private sector. Geology professors seem to do a lot of work outside and get to take students on weekend field trips. I’m not sure if you have a passion for rocks but it is something to think about.</p>

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<p>thanks bender. I’ve looked into geology, i am not sure it is exactly what i am looking for. I think I need some sort of interdisciplinary field.</p>

<p>what are some field of studies that give you a chance for some outdoor adventure/exploration? I love being in nature and I love research. I like plants and animals but not to the point of doing advance research on them. I have been exploring geography as well. I am confused because I have never been exposed to social sciencs too much.</p>

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<p>Go into geographic information systems–a good mix of CS and the outdoors.</p>