Career Specializations

• Environmental Ecologists: These environmental scientists examine entire ecosystems. They look at plants, animals, air quality, temperatures, and how all these systems and factors are interconnected.
• Ecological Modelers: Ecological modelers are environmental professionals who apply math and quantitative analysis to environmental questions. They use computer systems and mathematical models to evaluate ecosystems in order to see how pollution and other variables are affecting them.
• Environmental Chemists: Environmental chemists combine a knowledge of chemical principles and life sciences. They use chemistry to evaluate how environmental pollutants or toxins affect animal and plant life. 
• Meteorologists: These scientists study the Earth's atmosphere, and are major players in the environmental industry.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The education level you'll need in environmental studies will largely depend on where you want to work. A bachelor's degree in an environmental studies or earth science area is a good way to begin a career in government as an environmental scientist. These four-year programs explore the science of the earth from many different angles, and include course work in biology, chemistry, ecology, and geology. It's also common to take courses in public policy, political science, and hazardous waste management, as environmental scientists are often involved in crafting regulations surrounding environmental use. Bachelor's degrees also include an array of general education courses, in topics like math, social studies, humanities, and other liberal arts areas.

While a bachelor's degree is sufficient preparation for most entry-level government positions, a master's degree is often necessary for employment in the private sector, or for career advancement. Master's degrees also allow students to specialize their knowledge and skills in a particular environmental studies area, such as environmental chemistry or environmental modeling. These degrees require that students define a research area and complete a significant project in that area in order to graduate. Graduate courses in business topics, such as marketing or business administration, can be helpful for scientists who plan on doing consulting work after graduation. Doctoral degrees in environmental studies are often required for positions in academia or research, and include a lengthy (three- to five-year long) research project.

Environmental scientists are required to use a variety of technologies in their profession. Mastering this technology before entering the job market will be helpful for landing a job. Geographic Information Systems are often used by environmental scientists; the GIS Certification Institute offers a voluntary credential in this system. Computer modeling and digital mapping are two other techniques commonly used by environmental professionals. (BLS)

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Salary Information

New environmental scientists entering the job market with a bachelor's degree can expect salary offers of around $39,000 a year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Those with a master's degree and professional experience can earn $60,000-79,000 a year. State governments, scientific consulting firms, architectural and engineering firms, local governments, and the Federal executive government are the sectors employing the most environmental scientists. Washington, D.C., Alaska, Wyoming, and Washington state are the areas with the highest ratio of environmental scientists in the work force. Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Virginia, and Colorado are the states with the highest average salaries for environmental scientists, at $75,000-108,000 a year. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

An increasing concern about the environment and recognition of environmental degradation will mean good job opportunities for environmental specialists in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28 percent increase in jobs, which is much faster than the national average rate. Job prospects will be best with private consulting firms, which will be used by businesses and governments to comply with a growing number of environmental laws. Environmental scientists will also be used to help planners and builders make new construction projects environmentally sustainable.

Because of this increase in new jobs, environmental scientists should have good job prospects in the 2008-2018 period. State and local governments will be hiring large numbers of these professionals to help prevent future environmental harm. Because of the association of this profession with new construction projects, environmental science job availability can slow with dips in the economy. (BLS)

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Related Careers 

Civil engineers are the professionals who design and construct the infrastructure of roads, dams, pipelines, bridges, and airports that we use on a daily basis. They must conduct environmental evaluations of building projects and sites to ensure that new projects do not cause environmental harm. Civil engineers need an accredited bachelor's degree in order to begin their career. 

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