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First, some facts. Of the Environmental Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1101 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Environmental Science graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 31% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Environmental Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Environmental Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONConsulting Associate ERM Aug 2022 - Present ABOUT[NAME REMOVED] is an entry-level Environmental, Health, and Safety Consultant who has had two years of experience working in the field. She is State Co Lead for South Carolina and Georgia Stormwater, coordinating two small teams to provide compliance support and helping clients meet regulatory requirements. [NAME REMOVED] is familiar with Federal and State regulations on a variety of environmental compliance topics, including EPCRA, SPCC, stormwater, air, and wastewater.She has supported health and safety projects servicing industrial hygiene sampling, lab and warehouse safety validations, and Safety Hazards Assessment Procedures (SHAP). Her work has serviced various industries such as manufacturing, warehouse, pharmaceutical, and laboratory.If you have any questions feel free to message me! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the diverse set of careers held by individuals with degrees in Environmental Science, it's quite clear that the field offers a broad array of career paths—some of which are directly tied to environmental science principles while others stray significantly from the academic focus. The essential takeaway is that while many of these jobs are relevant to environmental science, there are also numerous positions that don’t require environmental knowledge, showing a mixed landscape for graduates seeking to apply their education in the workforce.
Among the most common jobs held by these graduates are roles such as Environmental Scientist, Project Manager, and Environmental Technician, which directly utilize their knowledge in environmental systems, regulations, and sustainability practices. These positions involve hands-on work in areas like environmental assessment, conservation management, and compliance with environmental laws. They demonstrate clear relevance to their degrees and are often essential in fields related to ecology, conservation, and environmental policy. On the other hand, many graduates ventured into less relevant positions such as sales roles, administrative jobs, or hospitality services, which only marginally benefit from their environmental training. For example, positions like that of a barista or a retail associate do not typically require any specialized understanding of environmental issues, putting these jobs firmly outside the core experiential knowledge gained during their studies.
The overall trend shows that while many Environmental Science graduates are able to find work that directly corresponds with their education—such as water quality analysis, habitat restoration, and community outreach related to environmental conservation—there remains a significant number of graduates who end up in roles that do not utilize their specific skill set. This suggests that while the degree is valuable, the application of that knowledge can vary greatly based on personal career choices, market demand, and the interdisciplinary nature of the job market that often leads to graduates taking roles in sectors outside of direct environmental focus. Those interested in pursuing a career closely aligned with their educational background may want to consider positions that are specifically labeled under environmental science, as these offer the best opportunities to leverage their expertise and contribute to meaningful work in sustainability and conservation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Environmental Science graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of Environmental Science graduates reveals a mixed bag regarding their career paths, especially in terms of whether they remain in their field of study. Many graduates begin their careers with relevant internships or entry-level positions that align closely with environmental science principles. Jobs such as Environmental Technician, Research Assistant, and various internship roles are prevalent as first jobs, showcasing a strong initial connection to environmental-focused roles. For example, those who graduated from institutions like the University of Florida and University of California, Berkeley often find positions linked to environmental compliance and science, which indicates a successful integration into the workforce after their studies.
However, looking five to ten years into their careers, there's a notable shift. Some graduates transition away from core environmental roles, opting for positions that may not directly relate to Environmental Science. For instance, various individuals who began as lab technicians or environmental consultants have branched out into roles like project management, sales, or even education, which can seem disconnected from their original field. This trend suggests that while many start strong with relevant positions, the long-term trajectories can lead to fields that stray significantly from environmental science. There are also instances of graduates taking longer detours into unrelated areas, such as teaching or business, before returning to environmental roles, indicating that the journey can be quite variable and often unpredictable.
On the flip side, there are several success stories, particularly among those who stick closely to their environmental roots. Many who continue their education or specialize further in environmental science fields secure significant roles in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profits focused on sustainability. Roles like Environmental Scientists at the EPA or public health specialists at local government organizations highlight paths that remain dedicated to environmental impact. Furthermore, trending fields such as sustainability consulting and renewable energy also attract graduates who capitalize on their training in Environmental Science, suggesting areas of strong growth for the future.
Ultimately, while many Environmental Science graduates start out in relevant roles, their long-term career paths can become diverse, stretching into various sectors. The initial promise of a focused environmental career does not always guarantee a lifelong journey in the field, highlighting the fluid nature of career trajectories in today's job market especially for those in higher education. Graduates who continue in their relevant fields often find meaningful and impactful careers, while others may need to reassess or realign their goals as they navigate the complexities of their professional lives.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science can be on the challenging side, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy science, especially biology, chemistry, and ecology, and are okay with some math, you might find it a bit easier. There’s a fair amount of lab work and field studies that can be super interesting if you like hands-on experiences, but it can also mean long hours and a lot of data to analyze. Overall, it’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, but if you're passionate about the environment, you might find the hard work totally worth it.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Environmental Science.
So, looking at the career paths of these Environmental Science graduates, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to financial success. Many of them started with internships or entry-level positions, which typically don’t pay that well. For instance, the graduate from Saint Mary's College started with internships and moved into mid-level planning roles, which generally offer decent salaries but might not be as high as someone in private sectors like finance or tech. Meanwhile, the Suffolk University graduate who has been working at Merrill Lynch since 2013 likely makes a much higher salary, showing how different industries can greatly influence earnings. Overall, environmental science careers can range from modest salaries, especially in conservation or academic roles, to competitive wages, particularly in planning and consulting roles for big firms.
Some graduates appear to have snagged solid positions right after school, like those working for various government agencies or in regulatory roles, which often provide good benefits and stable pay. However, others took longer to find their footing in the field or ended up in positions that seem less lucrative, like those focused on education and outreach. In essence, if you're planning on going into environmental science, know that while the passion for the planet is a fantastic motivator, the pay can be quite variable based on the specific path you choose. It's worth it to consider what type of job fits both your financial needs and your love for the environment.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Environmental Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Environmental Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Environmental Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
|
87 | 10 |
 The Ohio State University
|
85 | 12 |
 University of Vermont
|
68 | 13 |
 University of Oregon
|
66 | 10 |
 Western Washington University
|
63 | 14 |
 University of Virginia
|
57 | 15 |
 Oregon State University
|
56 | 11 |
 Loyola University Chicago
|
56 | 11 |
 Southern New Hampshire University
|
53 | 15 |
 University of Phoenix
|
46 | 15 |
 Florida State University
|
45 | 16 |