<p>hello everyone, i am very interested in majoring in environmental sciences or a similar major like earth and environmental science, environmental studies, etc.. It has been a passion for mine for a while and i have done published research in the field as a high school student. what are the job prospects for a student graduating with a bachelors in environmental sci? let's assume it's from an ivy league or very good well-known liberal arts college. is a masters/ doctorate required for most positions? </p>
<p>I’d say prospects are very good if you have a passion for the subject, have published as a HS student, and have a BS degree from a top school. If you finish with a solid record, you sound like a good candidate for substantial funding at a lot of grad programs.</p>
<p>Positions - my experience is that a BS (or higher) degree is required for most positions in the Environmental field. A number require a MS, which is generally helpful and provides more options. A much smaller portion of jobs require a PhD.</p>
<p>I am interested in environmental fields too and I got into Johns Hopkins (I’m a '17) majoring in “Global environment change and sustainability” (gotta type lots of letters everytime I tell others my major lol), though it is a BA, not BS, which frustrated me a little. But I decided that I’ll go to grad school so I’ll probably end up with an MS anyways. </p>
<p>I’ve heard that prospective jobs can be environmental consultancy, gov officials of env bureau, and a couple of others. If you really have passion in this field you should definately pursue a MS or even PhD degree.</p>
<p>It should be noted that Environmental Science(s) and Environmental Studies are different, in that environmental science is the hardcore sciences (biology, chem, geology, physics) as applied to the environment. (“Effects of Macromolecular Toxins on Reproductive Abilities in Elagatis bipinnulata”)</p>
<p>Environmental studies is typically less science based, and more public policy or history of environmental issues. Some environmental studies programs have concentrations in science issues.</p>
<p>You’ll need a BS, minimum. A MS is recommended. </p>
<p>Job prospects are good for science concentrations (the “Environmental Sciences” of environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, toxicology, environmental biology/ecology, hydrogeology/hydrology, oceanography), where you’ll be in the field and doing research. </p>
<p>Job prospects exist, but are poorer, for environmental studies majors.
I recommend that you major in Environmental Science with a double-major or a minor in a pure science (one of the 4: bio, geol, chem, physics) so that you’ll get an idea which direction you want to do with it.</p>