Environmental Science
What Can I Do In My Major?
Background
Environmental scientists use their knowledge to protect the environment and human health. This may involve advising policy makers, working with industry or spending time in the field to identify and assess potential threats. The Environmen-tal Science (BS) degree at Appalachian State University is a science-intensive, cross-disciplinary experience that develops a strong background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, geosciences, environmental policy and planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The curriculum has a required “active learning” component, which can take the form of research, an internship, communi-ty service, educational outreach or study abroad. This senior capstone experience includes the opportunity to share what you learn with the scientific community through journal arti-cles and professional presentations.
Concentration: Earth Systems Science, Life Sciences
Related Careers
Air Pollution Analyst
Conservation Land Manager*
Environmental Compliance Analyst
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Educator
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Health Specialist*
Environmental Lobbyist
Environmental Manager*
Environmental Planner
Environmental Scientist
EPA Inspector
Forester
Ground Water Manager*
Habitat Manager*
Hydrologist
Land Use Planner
Natural Resource Manager*
Naturalist
Reforestation Specialist
Research Assistant
*additional experience or advanced degree may be required
Related Major Skills
Curiosity and creativity
Independent worker
Information handling & organization
Innovative talents
Numerical computation Oral & written communication
Problem solving
Scientific theory & practical knowledge
Statistical awareness
Teamwork
Technical skills
Employers of AppState grads
Arcadis
Biomason Inc
Brooks Engineering Associates
Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting
Cardno
Cisco
Clean Harbors
CLEAResult
Comunidad De Madrid
Cypress Creek Renewables
DCE Solar
Domtar
Duke Energy
ECS Limited
Ensafe
Lowe’s Companies
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Northwest Geoscience
Parallon
Pace Analytical Infrastructure
Renewable Energy
Resource International, Ltd.
Sevier Solid Waste Inc
Spangler Environmental, Inc.
Spectrum Labs
Southern Energy Management
UNC-Chapel Hill
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Forest Service
US Geological Survey
Various local, state and federal government agencies Various colleges and universities
Graduate School Enrollment
Appalachian State University
Clemson University
Florida State University
Kansas State University
Utah State University
Professional Organizations and Associations
Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences
National Association of Environmental Professionals
Preparing for Your Career
• Develop excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations
• Look for internships and jobs in to gain knowledge and experience
• Participation in internships and summer jobs in a relevant setting
How can I know if an Environmental Science degree is right for me?
• Complete a self-assessment inventory at the Career Exploration Office in the Student Union to see how your interests, values, and personality match this major and related career fields.
• Schedule an appointment with a career counselor on careers.appstate.edu/Handshake
• Obtain direct experience by doing a job shadow
• Conduct an informational interview with a professional in the field
For more information on careers & job outlook: onetonline.org