<p>I am a senior at Delta State University majoring in Chemistry and Environmental Science. I want to work with environmental issues using the toolkit of a research chemist. Should I pursue one of the few environmental chemistry PhD programs at Wisconsin or SUNY or Alaska-Fairbanks? Or should I pursue an advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry from a more prestigious chemistry department like MIT, Texas, Indiana, or UNC?
Please, help. I'm nearing an impasse!</p>
<p>Kind of an off-the-wall suggestion for you - hydrology? Many hydrologists end up doing water quality monitoring, site remediation, and other chemistry-flavored environmental work as environmental consultants. Good job prospects, could easily work on just a master’s if that floats your boat, and leaves you with more flexibility than a highly-specialized environmental chemistry degree.</p>
<p>What kind of career do you see yourself getting on the other end?</p>