<p>What is the job outlook for this kind of a major? Does anyone have a child that is majoring in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies?</p>
<p>Hi concerned123,</p>
<p>As a University of Southern California Environmental Studies major, and a senior at that, I have that very question on my mind too. The U.S. News and World Report ranked “Environmental Studies/Sustainability” as the third most up-and-coming college major.</p>
<p>[Discover</a> 9 Hot College Majors - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/09/19/discover-9-hot-college-majors?PageNr=1]Discover”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/09/19/discover-9-hot-college-majors?PageNr=1)</p>
<p>At USC, environmental studies is nearly doubling every year. Students can choose one of three concentrations and take everything from marine science to economics and statistics. I feel confident with my degree that I am qualified for grad school or a full-time job after graduating.</p>
<p>[Career</a> Opportunities > Environmental Studies > USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences](<a href=“http://dornsife.usc.edu/environmental-studies/career-opportunities/]Career”>http://dornsife.usc.edu/environmental-studies/career-opportunities/)</p>
<p>The variety of job opportunities after graduation helps me keep an open mind as I finish my education. For example, I could go into scientific marine research, I could work with a non-profit, or I could begin working with a consulting firm or government organization. I am also considering education. The problem is figuring out where my passion lies!</p>
<p>Don’t have a child in this field but my wife is a manager of an environmental, health and safety (EH&S) group. She is always complaining about the lack of good candidates in this field. So from that, it would sound like a good field to go into. She works for a private campany with hazardous wastes to take care of. A good chemistry background in the environmental area is what her area requires.</p>
<p>Interesting to note that what is a hot job today is noted by the entering college students. They enter the field and 4 (or more) years later they graduate; sometimes to a field that is now flooded with new graduates who made the same choices, based on the same info, that they did. My way of thinking is to pick a field that you like and are good at. People who enjoy their jobs do the best work. Temper your choice of fields with what you think the job market will be in 4 years (i.e. get out that crystal ball) but don’t choose a field based only on today’s job market.</p>
<p>Just to be clear; there is a generally a difference/distinction between Env Studies and Env Science.</p>
<p>Env Science is, well, more science. Most programs will require at least 2 semesters of biology and chemistry. Probably some geology and physics also.</p>
<p>Env Studies is lighter on the science and heavier on the policy classes. Quite often, it is only intended to be a 2nd major.</p>
<p>My understanding is that most jobs are for Env Science or better yet, Env Engineering majors and even then you may need a grad degree.</p>
<p>[Environmental</a> Science: Iowa State University](<a href=“http://www.ensci.iastate.edu/]Environmental”>http://www.ensci.iastate.edu/)</p>
<p>[Environmental</a> Studies: Iowa State University](<a href=“http://www.envs.iastate.edu/]Environmental”>http://www.envs.iastate.edu/)</p>
<p>In response to your post: </p>
<p>Would you recommend that someone be well-versed in the sciences (like Chemistry, Physics) and higher-level maths to follow this path? I’m seriously considering Env. Studies as a minor, and I might take an intro course in Environmental Studies (Foundations in Environmental Studies) at my university. I am a second-semester freshman, though I have had thoughts of dropping the course this semester and taking it next semester after doing more reading in the field.</p>
<p>[SUNY-ESF</a> Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.esf.edu/admissions/programs.htm]SUNY-ESF”>http://www.esf.edu/admissions/programs.htm)</p>
<p>SUNY–Environmental Science and Forestry
^SUNY cost with access to Syracuse University campus</p>
<p>The website associated with the link has a lot of good information. Take a look.</p>
<p>Based on what my daughter has told me someone who is serious about environmental science will require a sound grounding in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. She participated in the Semester in Enviromental Science program at Woods Hole last year and felt her work would have been very difficult for anyone who had not taken at least Calc II and Organic Chem. Very heavy emphasis on math modeling. Most of her classmates were pursuing bioengineering or BS science degrees, although there were one or two environmental studies majors in her class. </p>
<p>Environmental Studies is usually much more policy based from what I understand, although some colleges use environmental studies and science almost interchangeably.</p>