Career Opportunities for Majors in Environmental Sciences


Introduction

Environmental Sciences is the interdisciplinary study of natural processes and human impacts in the atmosphere, aquatic systems, and soils. The course of study is built on a foundation of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. All students also complete a series of environmental sciences courses that demonstrate the application of the basic science principles to solution of environmental problems. Specialization in either of the environmental sciences options (environmental sciences or applied environmental sciences) prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, industry, legal and science policy professions, and education, and graduate study in related fields.

An environmental sciences degree can prepare students for a wide range of careers in industry, government, consulting, and education. Many labor market experts predict that environmental industries will be a major source of new jobs in the next decade. Some technical specialties will require further graduate training either for career entry or advancement. Some students choose to combine their undergraduate degree with an MBA or law degree. Since environmental issues will impact most sectors of the job market, an educational background in this field will be attractive to a wide range of employers.

Although most graduates work in a related field, some may choose a career which does not require this specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstarated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choice, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and involvement in college activities.



A Sample Of Related Occupations

Air Quality Engineer Environmental Scientist Public Health Educator
Biostatistician Fundraiser Public Health Inspector
Botanist Grass Roots Coordinator Publisher
Chemist Hazardous Materials Specialist Research Environmental Scientist
Community Relations Manager Hazardous Substances Scientist Resource Manager
Contract Administrator Health Specialist (REHS) Risk Manager
Ecologist Hydrogeologist Safety Engineer
Environ. Impact Analyst Industrial Hygienist Science Teacher
Environmental Affairs Manager Lobbyist Scientific Librarian
Environmental Educator Natural Soil Scientist
Environmental Engineer Natural Resource Manager Technical Support Representative
Environmental Impact Analyst Naturalist Technical Writer
Environmental Lawyer Photojournalist Toxicologist
Environmental Manager Physician Water Quality Specialist
Environmental Protection Specialist Planner

Types of Employers

Private & Nonprofit Organizations
Agricultural Organizations Environmental Education Centers Pharmaceutical Companies
Chemical Manufacturers Environmental Public Relations Firms Recycling Centers
Colleges/Universities  Environmental Research Organizations Scientific Journals
Environmental Advocacy Groups Food Manufacturers Testing Labs
Environmental Consulting Firms Insurance Companies Waste Management Companies
Government Agencies
Bureau of Land Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Travel and Tourism Dept.
Bureau of Reclamation National Science Foundation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Commerce Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Food and Drug Administration Peace Corps US Department of Agriculture  
Forest Service Public Health Service
NJ Department of Environmental Protection Soil Conservation Service

Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates - First Jobs of Recent Graduates - Environmental Sciences

Organization Job Title
Small Business Devel. Center Admin. Asst.
York Labs Analytical Chemist
RW Beck & Associates Asst. Analyst
Con Edison Associate Chemist
Somerville Board of Education Biology Teacher
Environment Management Ltd. Compliance Mngr.
Environmental Professionals Drum Removal Mngr.
Manville Sales Corp. Environmental Coordinator
U.S. Army Environmental Protection Specialist
Sadat Associates Inc. Environmental Scientist
Show More


Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates - Jobs of Experienced Alumni - Environmental Sciences

HC-V Account Manager
Environmental Affairs, Hoffmann-La Roche (MS Environmental Science) Assoc. Mngr.
Drosera Botanist & Native Plant Designer
US Army Chief of Environmental Health
Con Edison Department Manager
NJ Attorney Generals Office (JD) Deputy Attorney General
NJ State Police Detective
American Express (MBA) Director-Strategic Planning
Middle School (MS Education) Earth Science Teacher
Ecology & Environment Inc. Environmental Consultant
Show More

Graduate Schools Attended

Institution Degree Field
Georgian Court University MA Education
Indiana University MS Environmental Sciences
Indiana University MS Public Affairs & Policy Studies
Indiana University Environmental Sciences Environmental Management
Marygrove College MA Education
NJ Institute of Technology MS Environ. Sciences
Northeastern University
Rutgers -The State University of NJ Public Health Environmental Health
Rutgers -The State University of NJ Public Health Environmental and Public Health
Rutgers University MBA
Show More


Additionally, you may: