How to Become an Environmental Scientist
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become an environmental scientist depends on the industry and company you apply at.
Those looking for an entry position will likely need a bachelors degree in natural science or environmental science. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree along with intern experience can help you stand out in the hiring process.
Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as an environmental scientist.
How Much Does a Environmental Scientist Make?
$63,570 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+13,200 additional people employed
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Environmental Scientist page)
The Best Places to Become an Environmental Scientist
Environmental science professionals work in a variety of industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 24%
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals 23%
- Architectural, engineering, and related services 19%
- Testing laboratories 12%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals 12%
Employment and Information Data for Environmental Science
Why Become an Environmental Scientist?
The health of the environment is not only a global concern, but also a global business concern. That’s why employment of environmental scientists and specialists is expected to grow by 19% from now until 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ever since the first Earth Day back in 1990, environmental issues have not taken a backseat to many other concerns. In fact, fights over everything from global warming (some people say it doesn’t exist) to overpopulation to the health of our oceans, have created a sea change in the environmental job market.
Today, there are plenty of opportunities to do good in the world and environmental scientists are playing a pivotal role in that.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become an Environmental Scientist
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Ethics
- Toxicology
- Natural History
- Environmental Law and Practice
- Strategies for Sustainable Development
- Environmental Education
Degree Options for Environmental Science Careers
Certificate
Many Environmental Studies certificate programs are designed for those interested in the diverse scientific, political, humanistic, and technological dimensions of environmental problems.
Bachelor
These four-year degrees provide rigorous, traditional scientific studies (biology, chemistry, etc.) combined with interdisciplinary studies of environmental science within a local, national and global scale.
Master’s Degree
A master’s in environmental education and studies prepares students to work as educators and policy-makers. A master’s in environmental education prepares students to work as educators and policy-makers responsible for developing plans on improving the environment. For developing plans on improving the environment.