What are some careers options with a B.S. in environmental science?

Question

I want to work with endangered species, wildlife, or conservation, but I don't especially like Biology or Chemistry.. could this still be a good career path for me? Thanks!

Answer 1

First you will need to take biology and chemistry courses, but don't let these stop you. If you are a bad study, work with others in your class as a study group to do homework and study for tests - this helped me in a number of difficult courses. Depending on school requirements you'll probably also need to take cellular biology and genetics, as well as several math courses, particularly statistics.

Unfortunately I know of few careers in the environmental sciences right now where you can make due with just a B.S.! Most are temporary or technician positions - without advancement unless you have a higher degree. Because of the large number of people going into many aspects of this field, the bar has been raised to the point where experience or a MS is required, even for many entry level positions. While going for your B.S., fine tune your interests and start thinking about earning your Master's. Look at schools that will offer such. And to get some experience, work with your undergraduate advisor to obtain summer internships, work closely with him or her on their research, or design and conduct a research project of your own.

Answer 2

For that degree you will likely have to take some biology and chemistry courses. However, you will probably also have to take some policy courses and maybe even an environmental law and economics course. However if that is truly the field you want to work in it is commendable and a worth while pursuit.
As far as careers go you can always work with non-profit organizations in your local community that do environment outreach and education. There are also national organizations that work with wildlife and endangered species. A few examples are the National Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy. There are many organization that function to make the world a better place. I would start be doing a search on Google or Yahoo for environmental organizations.
Usually the pay is not great but they all have noble causes that are more about making the world a better place. Too bad most people don't have that same ideology.

Answer 3

environmental science would be a good major to be able to get a job in the field you like. You will have to take chemistry and biology however...I think majoring in ANY science related topic requires it. I have a degree in zoology and work as a wildlife biologist studying mostly endangered bird species. I work for a non-profit...but have worked for a environmental consultant firm in the past...which might be the way you want to go with your major. Usually they pay pretty decently and seem to do a lot of hiring.

Answer 4

You could do environmental consulting. I work for a consulting firm called URS as a geologist. There are plenty of firms out there. You will find that there are not many doing wildlife work, because that is not where the money is. I would recommend working for a large firm like URS or CH2M Hill for a year or so and do as many different types of projects that you can. I found that though I originally wanted to get into remediation, I preferred soil investigations. That shouldnt surprise me since im a sed/strat guy.

Answer 5

Most science courses require you to take at least introductory Biology and Chemisty in the first year. If you don't like them then you can take the introductory options and then specialise in second and third years.

Answer 6

Well you'll have to tolerate Bio and Chem, but you dont have to know them to become an environmenatlist. You can always educate the locals on the need for conservation.

Answer 7

I'd try to get some type of federal jobs like for EPA or something. Good benefits and pay.