What can you do with a Environmental Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Environmental Studies 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 763 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Environmental Studies graduates have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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.

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Also, after graduating, only 29% 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 Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Environmental Studies degree?
• What do Environmental Studies graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Environmental Studies degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Environmental Studies degree?
• What are the best colleges for Environmental Studies?

View a random Environmental Studies graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 49% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2013 from Ursinus College with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Server Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Aug 2013 - Oct 2013 Serving at a restaurant does not utilize skills or knowledge from an Environmental Studies degree, as it focuses primarily on customer service and food preparation. Naturalist Great Basin Outdoor School Jan 2014 - Jun 2014 The Naturalist position directly employs skills and knowledge related to environmental science, perfectly aligning with the Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies. Administrative Assistant North Hills Chiropractic Sep 2014 - Jan 2015 The role of Administrative Assistant involves general administrative duties that do not require specific expertise in Environmental Studies. Community Educator II University of Nevada Reno Nov 2014 - Apr 2015 As a Community Educator II, the position utilizes environmental knowledge and focuses on educating the public about environmental issues, making it highly relevant. Child and Youth Program Coordinator Cognitive Professional Services Inc. (formally Cognitive Technologies) Apr 2015 - Oct 2016 While working as a Child and Youth Program Coordinator may involve some environmental education aspects, it primarily focuses on child services rather than directly utilizing knowledge from Environmental Studies. Child and Youth Program Coordinator Cognitive Professional Services Inc. (formally Cognitive Technologies) Apr 2015 - Oct 2016 Similar to JOB #4, this role also encompasses child and youth program coordination, which may involve some outreach related to the environment but is not fundamentally centered on Environmental Studies. Prevention Coordinator Accenture Federal Services Oct 2016 - Aug 2017 The role of Prevention Coordinator has aspects of community health and safety that may overlap with environmental health, but it is not primarily focused on environmental studies specifics. Alcohol and Drug Control Officer Task Source Inc. Sep 2017 - Apr 2018 The position of Alcohol and Drug Control Officer is not related to Environmental Studies, as it focuses predominantly on substance control rather than environmental issues. Prevention Coordinator Task Source Inc. May 2018 - May 2021 This Prevention Coordinator role may touch on community health initiatives that include environmental factors, but the primary focus is not on Environmental Studies. Clinical Professional Counselor Intern Zephyr Wellness Sep 2020 - Present The Clinical Professional Counselor Intern position could involve understanding the psychological aspects of environmental stressors, but it does not directly apply the core knowledge of Environmental Studies. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling Antioch University New England 2017 - 2020 ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Environmental Studies degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Intern
• Research Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Project Manager
• Environmental Specialist
• Environmental Scientist
• Operations Manager
• Assistant Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Field Technician

After going through a comprehensive analysis of the job trajectories of individuals who studied Environmental Studies, it becomes clear that a wide variety of career paths are available to graduates with this degree. Some of the most common job roles among these graduates include positions such as Environmental Scientist, Project Manager, Consultant, and Educator, as well as various roles related to environmental policy, research, and management. Many graduates find work in sectors closely tied to sustainability and conservation, including roles at environmental agencies, non-profits, consulting firms, and educational institutions. Others venture into fields like urban planning and landscape design that incorporate environmental principles into their work.

A significant portion of the jobs these individuals have taken on appears explicitly connected to their Environmental Studies education. For instance, roles such as Environmental Scientist or Specialist, Park Ranger, or Wildlife Technician directly engage with ecological and environmental issues, utilizing knowledge and skills honed during their academic pursuits. However, there are also numerous cases where the positions, while not directly tied to environmental studies, still incorporate aspects of sustainability, like managing operations at eco-focused companies or working in roles that promote environmental outreach and education. In contrast, some job paths, like those in the retail or hospitality sectors, although they may feature elements involving sustainability or customer engagement with eco-friendly practices, often do not leverage the core competencies developed in their Environmental Studies programs.

In summary, while many Environmental Studies graduates have successfully secured roles that are highly relevant to their field, demonstrating the value of their education, others have taken paths that may seem less directly applicable. Overall, the variability in job relevance reflects both the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies and the diverse interests and opportunities available in the job market, leading graduates to various sectors and roles that can still align with their environmental principles and passions.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Environmental Studies graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Environmental Studies graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When diving into the career trajectories of Environmental Studies graduates, the patterns that emerge tell a nuanced story. Many individuals appear to start with internships or entry-level positions directly related to environmental work, such as environmental specialists, educators, or researchers. For instance, graduates from schools like UCSC and the University of Washington often land roles in field research, community outreach, or as program coordinators shortly after finishing their degrees. These early roles typically set the stage for more specialized positions in areas like environmental planning, sustainability consulting, or specific scientific roles within government agencies or private firms within the next five to ten years.

As we look further down the line, about five to ten years into their careers, many of these graduates have transitioned into more defined and sometimes managerial roles. Positions such as environmental planners, project managers, or policy analysts become more common. Notably, a significant portion of graduates stay in the environmental sector, with many climbing the ranks in organizations that emphasize sustainability or conservation efforts. However, it's worth stating that some graduates divert into seemingly unrelated fields, taking roles that aren't directly aligned with their degree, like bartenders or administrative roles, indicating that the job market can indeed be challenging and pathways can diverge significantly from the environmental focus of their studies. While some individuals find their niche within the sustainability and conservation sectors, others may end up in jobs that don't use their environmental training as much as they might have hoped.

Overall, the journey of those with degrees in Environmental Studies reflects a blend of success stories and cautionary tales. Many start with strong ties to environmental work, but the realities of job markets and shifting interests can lead to varied outcomes over time. Thus, while there's a robust initial connection to the field, the longevity and relevance of these careers often depend on personal choices, market demands, and the evolving landscape of environmental challenges.

How hard is a Environmental Studies degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not exactly the easiest degree out there, but it also isn’t the hardest. You’ll dive into a bunch of subjects like biology, ecology, and social sciences, which means you’ve got to juggle some scientific concepts while also thinking about policies and ethics. If you’re super passionate about the environment and like hands-on projects, you might find it pretty engaging, but if you struggle with science or writing long papers, it could feel a bit challenging. So overall, it's probably a tad harder than the average degree, but it’s definitely doable if you’re up for it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies.

Do Environmental Studies graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the career trajectories of these Environmental Studies graduates, I can see a wide range of paths, but the financial success seems to vary quite a bit. Many of them started with internships or entry-level roles that might not have paid too well, especially in the early stages of their careers. For instance, the person from Northeastern Illinois University who has been working as a consultant since 2017 likely has flexibility but could be earning on the lower side compared to more established roles in the industry. However, those who are moving into positions with titles like "Environmental Scientist," "Manager," or "Project Coordinator" typically suggest a better salary bracket, often associated with advanced technical skills or responsibilities that can lead to a decent income.

That said, it's not all sunshine; some graduates have taken on roles that might not pay as much as expected for their field, like bartending or working in less technical positions. So while some seem to be working their way up to solid salaries, others are still navigating the job market, possibly struggling to find high-paying or stable positions right out of college. Overall, I'd say there are promising signs of financial success for those who carve out a clear career path in environmental fields, but it can definitely be a mixed bag based on individual choices and the job market landscape.

What buzzwords do Environmental Studies graduates use to describe themselves?

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 Studies. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Environmental Studies?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Environmental Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
California State University-Sacramento	89	10
University of Vermont	72	21
University of California, Santa Barbara	69	24
University of California, Santa Cruz	59	31
Florida State University	57	10
University of Washington	57	13
UC Santa Barbara	57	15
University of Oregon	56	13
University of Colorado Boulder	53	24